Hotels group collapses into administration with closure of historic Courthouse venue
Cheshire hotels group, Flat Cap Hotels, has fallen into administration and is now under the control of Manchester-based insolvency experts, Begbies Traynor.
The group, which comprises The Bridge, in Prestbury, The Vicarage, in Cranage, and The Courthouse, in Knutsford, succumbed to the impact of the pandemic, rising costs and the cost of living crisis, said joint administrators with the firm.
A Begbies Traynor spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Flat Cap Hotels Limited has entered administration.
“Like many others in the hospitality sector, despite having an excellent reputation and a strong brand, the business has been impacted by a combination of factors, including the pandemic, inflation and the challenging economic environment for consumers.
“Partners at Begbies Traynor have been appointed as joint administrators and the focus is now on stabilising the operating position of the business and exploring future options.”
The spokesperson added: “The Bridge and the Vicarage will continue to trade as normal, while The Courthouse has ceased trading.”
The Grade II-listed Courthouse has a 200-year heritage. It operated as a Crown Court – the site of the 1952 indecency trial of maths genius Alan Turing – until 2010, with Flat Cap Hotels acquiring the property in 2016.
It was transformed into an hotel, restaurant and bar in 2018 in a multimillion-pound renovation by brothers Oliver and Dominic Heywood, before undergoing another refurbishment in 2023.
The Flat Cap Hotels website said the business was established “with a fervent mission: to safeguard and cherish magnificent Grade II-listed venues in Cheshire.”
It adds: “At Flat Cap Hotels, we take great pride in our distinctive properties, each possessing its own unique character, enriched by a captivating history seamlessly blended with contemporary interiors. Our boutique hotels in Cheshire have become havens for food enthusiasts, skilled mixologists, and incredible chefs who are dedicated to providing an unforgettable space where guests can unwind, indulge in delectable cuisine, savour exquisite drinks, and embark on exciting explorations.”
