Harrison Drury advises as Barton Grange hotel acquired

Harrison Drury has advised the previous owners of the well-known Barton Grange Hotel near Preston on its sale to a Wigan-based operator.

The hotel, a former manor house, has been sold by the Topping family to Double Dutch Hotels Ltd, a family business which also operates the Lancashire Manor Hotel at Pimbo near Wigan.

The Topping family also owns the nearby garden centre and Flower Bowl entertainment venue, along with a landscaping business, and the Barton Grange Marina on the Lancaster Canal.

Commenting on his family’s decision to sell, Guy Topping said: “With the successful opening of the Flower Bowl last year, alongside the thriving Garden Centre, it was inevitable that our focus would become concentrated on our site at Brock.

“Our plan is to continue developing and improving the Garden Centre and to set new standards in the delivery of leisure facilities in the UK. It’s a very exciting time for our business.”

David Filmer, director at Harrison Drury Solicitors, led the team advising the Topping family.

David said: “It has been a pleasure to support the Topping family, a long-standing client, and to help make it possible for them to focus on developing their hugely successful facilities at Brock.”

Under its new owners, the historic 51-room Barton Grange hotel will continue to offer weddings and events. Other facilities at the hotel include a conference and meeting suite, beauty treatment rooms, sauna, swimming pool and the Walled Garden Restaurant.

Mark Timmerman, MD of Double Dutch Hotels Ltd, added: “We are really excited with the purchase of the Barton Grange Hotel, with its excellent reputation and quality standards.

“All the hotel staff are transferring to our employment, and it’s been a delight to work with this professional and dedicated team over the transfer period.”