Ex-manager buys hotel on edge of Peak District

A HOTEL in Glossop near Manchester – a well-known venue for weddings – has been acquired by its former manager in a six figure deal.

Six-bedroom hotel and restaurant Windy Harbour Farm Hotel was bought by Lee Johnson backed by funding from the Royal Bank of Scotland. Johnson will run it as a family business.

Situated in a rural location just outside Glossop, Windy Harbour Farm Hotel has an unrivalled position on the edge of the Peak District, benefiting from extensive views over Woodhead and Longdendale.
 
The hotel is very popular with visitors to the area and is also a well-known venue in the region hosting an array of christenings and baptisms, weddings and parties.
The new owner will also focus on developing its restaurant trade, promoting the venue amongst visitors and local residents.

Johnson said: “I am thrilled that I have finally achieved my dream and have been able to acquire my first hotel.  I have worked at Windy Harbour Farm Hotel for ten years and I know the business inside out so it seemed natural for me to acquire it from the previous owners.

“The hotel is very popular and we have a great deal of demand for our accommodation. My initial focus will be to drive the restaurant side of the business, encouraging more diners through our doors on a daily basis.
 
“The restaurant itself has amazing views over the Peak District countryside and is already a popular destination venue for functions and events but I want to encourage more regular dining trade.

“The support I have received from Stuart Davies at the Royal Bank of Scotland has been excellent and I couldn’t be happier with the relationship we have developed.  Stuart has supported me throughout the purchase process and tailored a very specific package which enabled the acquisition.”

Stuart Davies, relationship manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “It is great that we have been able to work with Lee and support him to achieve his dream of acquiring the Windy Harbour Farm Hotel.  Lee has worked at the hotel for ten years and so is extremely well placed to take it over and make improvements to drive its growth.
 
“We are looking forward to continuing to work with him and wish him all the best with the business.”

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