Guy’s Thatched Hamlet Restaurant Won’t Reopen As New Plans Are Revealed.
The future of the much-loved Guy’s Thatched Hamlet in Bilsborrow is taking a new direction after its former restaurant closed, with new plans emerging for the historic canalside site.
The venue, located beside the Lancaster Canal near the A6, closed suddenly in February 2026 after almost five decades of trading. The business had been operated by the Wilkinson family for more than 40 years and included Guy’s Eating Establishment, Owd Nell’s Canalside Tavern, a 65-room lodge and function facilities.
The closure followed financial difficulties within the hospitality business, with administrators appointed after the company came under pressure from challenging trading conditions and rising costs. At the time, all 94 employees were made redundant.
However, the future of the wider site was secured in March when Bowland Inns & Hotels, part of the James’ Places group, confirmed that it had acquired The Thatched Hamlet. The new owners said they intended to reopen the site quickly and begin a major rolling refurbishment programme.
The new plans represent a significant change from the previous operation. Rather than simply restoring the former Guy’s Eating Establishment, the owners are looking at how the whole site can be developed into a stronger hospitality and events destination.
Owd Nell’s Canalside Tavern has already reopened under the new management, with the venue continuing to operate beside the canal. CAMRA currently lists the pub as open and under the management of Bowland Inns & Hotels, with refurbishment planned.
The new owners have also spoken about investing in the site's outdoor areas and gradually refurbishing the interiors. Early work has included a deep clean and improvements to cellar and kitchen facilities, while the famous thatched roofs are also being replaced as part of the restoration programme.
Longer-term plans include developing the site as a weddings and events destination, with the owners saying they want to make greater use of the existing cricket pitch, bowling green and outdoor setting. They have also expressed an ambition to bring some of the site's former festivals back in the future.
The transformation comes after decades in which Guy’s became a familiar name across Lancashire and the wider North West. The nearly nine-acre canalside site had become known for its distinctive thatched buildings, food, accommodation and major events, including its former Oyster Festival.
While the original restaurant operation will not simply return in its previous form, the wider Guy’s Thatched Hamlet site is continuing under new ownership. The new approach is aimed at restoring the property while creating a broader mix of hospitality, food, leisure, weddings and events for visitors and the local community.
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