Former Judas Priest guitarist's hotel Astbury Hall in administration
Country house hotel Astbury Hall and its adjoining golf course have entered administration.
The 63-bedroom venue in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, which is owned by former Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing, called in FRP Advisory after struggling as a result of tougher times in the wider corporate hospitality market.
Alastair Massey and Steve Stokes, partners at FRP Advisory, have been appointed as joint administrators to Astbury Estates Limited, Astbury Hall LLP, Astbury Development Company Limited, and Ken Downing Limited ("Ken Downing"), collectively known as "the estate", which owns and operate the Astbury Hall, golf course and related corporate hospitality business.
They hope to sell the business as a going concern and will continue to operate the business. All staff have been retained.
Astbury Hall is a Georgian designed stately home located close to Chelmarsh in Shropshire. The Astbury is often hired out for corporate or charity golfing events and can provide catering to accommodate up to 150 guests in a marquee or 60 within Astbury Hall's dining rooms.
Originally built during the reign of Henry III in the 13th Century, the building was destroyed by fire in 1889, and the present Astbury Hall was rebuilt in 1891 by the mayor of Bridgnorth Edmund Southwell.
The 18-hole championship Astbury golf course sits within over 300 acres of land belonging to the estate.
Massey said: "Astbury Hall is a finely preserved, working English stately home steeped in history and the Astbury is a top notch, uniquely designed golf course, stretching across more than 300 acres of rolling Shropshire countryside. The administration process provides a cushion for the estate to run as normal while the business, including this historic house, the associated golf course and events business are all marketed for sale. We encourage interested parties to make early contact.
"The estate will continue to run as normal through the administration process and the number of bookings which the Astbury continues to make is a testament to the popularity of the Hall, the golf course, its grounds and the catering on offer, all supported by its professional team of staff."
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