End of an era for Gibbon Bridge

A popular Lancashire wedding venue for more than four decades is set for new owners.

Janet Simpson is handing over the reins of the Gibbon Bridge in Chipping after 43 years of trading.

The new owners have not been announced and the hotel will temporarily close next month.

Janet and her mother Maggie converted their family farm into the venue, opening it in November 1982.

It expanded into a 30-bedroom luxury country hotel with a renowned restaurant and reputation for being one of the county’s finest wedding venues.

Janet is now in her mid-80's and has announced that she and her team have decided to let the venue continue under new ownership.

The property, which is on nine acres on landscaped gardens, was placed on the market with Savills in Manchester earlier this year. Equipped with 30 en-suite bedrooms and a helipad, it was listed for an undisclosed fee in March.

In a statement, Janet said her team would love 'to see familiar faces back at the restaurant or staying over for a final time' before the hotel temporarily closes on November 14.

She said: "We hope that some of our valued guests and friends will pay one last visit to the Gibbon Bridge and see us all, before it changes hands.

"Despite many challenges over the decades, the Gibbon Bridge team is incredibly proud to have kept this wonderful hospitality business thriving for over 40 years and hope the new owners will continue with much success for many years to come."

Gibbon Bridge has a separate bridal apartment and three function rooms and includes a bar and restaurant, conservatory, orangery, BBQ facilities, garden bandstand, tennis court and staff accommodation.