Shock as hotel calls in the administrators

GUESTS have said that they are shocked at the news that the Bridge Hotel in Prestbury has gone into administration.

Staff at the hotel said the 65-year-old hotel will continue trading until a suitable buyer is found.

A member of staff from the Bridge Hotel said: “We are not looking to close, we are still taking bookings for next year, everything is fine and there is nothing to worry about. Since the news was made official last week, insolvency firm, Moorfields Corporate Recovery, has taken over the hotel.”

Officials at Moorfields have said that the Bridge will continue trading until a suitable buyer is found.

Arron Kendall and Simon Thomas, partners of Moorfields Advisory, have been appointed as the hotel’s administrators.

According to the administrators, problems for the hotel started earlier this year when it fell into financial difficulties.

Mr Kendall said: “The Bridge Hotel has been running since 1952 in the heart of Cheshire, but unfortunately fell into financial difficulties earlier this year. The hotel has had a good trading history and would be a good purchase for someone wishing to build on the reputation of the existing hotel.”

Councillor John Martin, chairman the Prestbury Parish Council, said that he is confident of the hotel’s future.

He added: “It is an unfortunate set of circumstances but it continues to trade. We have spoken to the administrators, who have already received expressions of interest.

“We are confident that it will be taken over in due course.”

Current and former customers have taken to social media to express their sadness over the news.

Gay Heywood wrote on Facebook: “The Bridge in Prestbury is almost legend. Such a shame. In the good old days, the Bridge and the Legh Arms were THE places to eat and be seen.”

Others, including Sue Taylor and Janet Ingram also shared their sympathies, saying that it was a ‘shame’ to see the famous hotel struggling.

Bosses at the 23-room hotel have said that ‘there is no change’ and the hotel is still open.

Interested parties should contact Darren Morrison on 0207 186 1168 or email dmorrison@moorfieldscr. com.