Welsh food centre now under new ownership

BODNANT Welsh Food Centre has a new owner, having been bought out of administration.

Businessman Richard Reynolds, managing director of tearoom brand Love To Eat, has bought the business and assets of Bodnant Welsh Food, located in heart of the Conwy Valley.

Under previous ownership, the centre was put into administration. It is hoped that 50 members of staff will be re-employed following the new ownership deal.

The business has been acquired from insolvency practitioners Smith Cooper. The value of the deal and how much creditors will get back has not been disclosed.

Dean Nelson, head of business recovery and insolvency at Smith Cooper, said: “We’re delighted to have secured the sale of the business and assets of Bodnant Welsh Food to Richard Reynolds and we are confident that, with continued local support, we will see the Food Centre flourish again as a fantastic asset for this area, its economy and its people.”

Despite a period of uncertainty, the new owners have confirmed they will honour any weddings that have been booked and will be considering any deposits that have already been paid for other events.

Mr Reynolds, the new operator of the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre, said: “I am delighted to have bought the business and assets of Bodnant Welsh Food, having already agreed heads of terms for my lease of the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre site, and I will be working hard to ensure its future success.

“The centre is situated in spectacular surroundings and has so much potential, boasting a fantastic array of award-winning products and services which I hope to honour and enhance further. I hope to have the business up and running again as soon as possible, under the name Bodnant Welsh Food – and to continue promoting Welsh food in the Conwy Valley for the benefit of the local community.”

The centre’s former owner Michael McLaren said: “I am delighted that Richard Reynolds has today purchased the business and assets of Bodnant Welsh Food from the liquidator of Furnace Farm.

“I wish him every success in the future of the business, which has greatly benefited the area. I also hope that he can re-employ many of the staff who have lost their jobs.

“The vision and concept of a Welsh Food Centre in the Conwy Valley will continue and thrive – and this will be a legacy of which we can all be very proud.”