16 Hospitality saved by Timpson family

25-Jun-2020 - Last updated on 25-Jun-2020 at 13:53 GMT

Related tags Pub group Administration sale Coronavirus

Cheshire-based pub operator 16 Hospitality has been saved in a rescue deal that will see almost 100 jobs saved.

The group, which fell into administration back in April, has been acquired by Flock Inns Limited, which is owned by national retailer and shoe repair business Timpson.

16 Hospitality's portfolio consisted of four pubs in total: two in Cheshire, and two in Anglesey.

In Cheshire it operated The Partridge in Stretton; and The Old Hall Hotel in Frodsham. While in Anglesey it had The White Eagle in Rhoscolyn; and The Oyster Catcher in Rhosneigr.

At the time Sarah O’Toole and Jason Bell of the Manchester office of Grant Thornton UK LLP had been appointed joint administrators, with O’Toole saying she was hopeful they can find a buyer for the businesses, despite the current challenges facing the pub and hospitality sector as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

According to The Morning Advertiser, BigHospitality's sister site, the Timpson family was already a minor shareholder in 16 Hospitality, and held the freeholds to the group's four pubs.

“The impact of Covid-19 on this sector has been significant and therefore we are delighted to have achieved a sale that preserves almost 100 jobs," says O'Toole.

"We wish the purchaser every success as they take the business forward.”