Seafood Pub Co enters administration

The Seafood Pub Company, which owns and operates a string of well-regarded pubs and restaurants in Lancashire, has entered into administration.

Its portfolio included the Assheton Arms in Downham, which was named Pub of the Year in the 2019 Good Pub Guide, as well as the Farmers Arms in Great Eccleston, The Fenwick in Claughton, Barley Mow in Pendle, the Derby Arms in Longridge, The Oyster & Otter in Blackburn, The Alma Inn in Laneshawbridge, The Inn in Harrogate, The Fleece in Ilkley and the Forest in Fence.

The company reported a £1.2m loss last year after restructuring and disposing of the Roaming Roosters farm shop. It has now been forced out of business by the coronavirus pandemic.

Founder Joycelyn Neve said that they had not be approved for a business interruption loan and that negotiations with banks and investors had been unsuccessful.

In a letter to employees, Joycelyn wrote: "It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing to tell you that we have not been able to secure the funding needed for the business to survive.

"Without funding and no income since the forced closure, we have no choice other than for the business to go into administration."

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