Hugh Grant's Four Weddings hotel goes into administration
The Crown Inn in Amersham, Buckinghamshire - the location of a romantic assignation between characters played by Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral - has gone into administration.
The 41-bedroom hotel is one of four properties, previously operated by the Dhillon Group, which have now been taken over by administrators BDO. Alongside the Crown Inn, a Grade II-listed property dating back to the 16th century, they include the 32-bedroom Liongate hotel in Kingston-upon-Thames, the 48-bedroom Olde Bell in Hurley-on-Thames and the 200-bedroom Paragon hotel in Birmingham.
The Queen Elizabeth I suite with four-poster bed at the Crown Inn has been much in demand ever since Charles and Carrie - the respective characters played by Grant and MacDowell - enjoyed their liaison in the 1994 film. While the room retains its traditional decor, the rest of the property has been transformed into a contemporary coaching in by celebrated designer Ilse Crawford.
All staff are to be retained by the four hotels, which will continue to operate while their future is considered.
Sarah Rayment, BDO business restructuring partner, said: "Unfortunately the economic climate and difficult trading conditions have adversely affected these hotels.
"It is business as usual for the Liongate, Crown Inn, the Olde Bell and the Paragon - all room and venue bookings will carry on as planned. Customers seeking further information should contact the hotel managers with any queries."
A former sister hotel of the four properties - the 40-bedroom Stoke Place hotel in Stoke Poges - is unaffected by the administration and continues to be operated by the founders of the Dhillon Group, Tej and Sarina Dhillon.
Christopher Baigent, hotel manager of Stoke Place, which is located in a Queen Anne manor house within 26 acres of gardens, said that the property was "completely unaffected" by the administration of the four hotels.
"It remains a very successful and vibrant venue, having been awarded three rosettes from the AA Restaurant Guide and recommended in the Michelin guide. Tej and Sarina are still fully in charge of Stoke Place."
Picture: Rex Features
Dhillon Hotels to put £50m into Birmingham's Paragon >>
By Janet Harmer
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