Last orders for now Popular pub shuts suddenly – but will be back
A‘THRIVING’ pub in the Cotswolds has shut suddenly after its long-serving landlord pulled his final pint.
Hugh Kelly spent 18 years at The Hollow Bottom, a business at the heart of the local horse racing community.
Under his management it hosted many celebrations for connections of horses that have won some of the UK’S most notable prizes, including the Gold Cup and Grand National.
Situated in Guiting Power, it is within walking distance of Grange Hill Farm, where leading trainers Nigel Twistondavies and Fergal O’brien are based.
The closure of the 17th century village pub, which was given a refurbishment of around £150,000 a couple of years ago, is expected to be temporary.
However some customers have been left disappointed, including Sue Edwards, who paid a £100 deposit for a birthday lunch.
Mr Kelly said pre-bookers will have
their money returned. “The Hollow Bottom shut on Monday,” he said.
“I have been there for 18 years and I have handed the lease back to the couple who bought the freehold.
“I had a job opportunity I could not refuse so unfortunately I had to give it up, but I will remain as an advisor.
“The pub has been a huge part of my life, I love the place. But it was time to try something new.” Cheltenham resident Mrs Edwards claims she was not informed her booking for 13 people on July 7 would not be honoured.
“I tried to phone a few days beforehand to confirm but couldn’t get through,” she said.
“Apparently people have been turning up for accommodation bookings and food bookings only to find it shut.
“It’s a shame, it was a lovely pub but to let people down like that is not excusable.”
Mr Kelly said he bought out his business partner and previous winner of Scottish Young Chef of the Year, Charlie Pettigrew, whose departure was followed by understudy Karen Dean.
The new owners came on board and a new chef was employed until the recent closure.
Mr Kelly said the pub was due to close for a refurbishment but the owners decided to use the time to recruit his replacement.
In 2002, a year after he took over the business, a party was held there to celebrate Bindaree’s triumph in that year’s Grand National.
It was a performance which convinced Twiston-davies to continue training racehorses amid talk of retirement.
Eight years later, the yard and their staff enjoyed another memorable evening at the establishment after Imperial Commander shocked the favourites in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
“The Hollow Bottom will 100 per cent be reopening,” Mr Kelly added. “The owners just want to get the right people in.
“I have a lifetime of memories from the pub, I could write six books on it. You couldn’t buy what we have done with millions of pounds.”