Judges Lodgings put up for sale (From York Press)

Judges Lodgings put up for sale

9:56am Friday 20th January 2012 in Pints of View

ADMINISTRATORS are looking to sell the business and assets of the Judges Lodgings hotel in York.

The business, which has closed its downstairs bar, continues to operate as a hotel after the joint administrators instructed Colliers as agents to sell the business.

The Grade l listed Georgian town house recently underwent a complete renovation. The building, which dates back to 1710, used to be the official residence of the Assize Court Judges from the 1800s to when it was converted into the 13-bedroom hotel in the 1970s.

Andy Clay, joint administrator from Begbies Traynor, said: “Unfortun-ately, following its recent refurbishment, the Judges Lodgings experienced poor trading due to the economic conditions affecting the leisure and hotel sector.

“We are continuing to trade the business and the hotel is running as usual while a buyer is sought. “Some redundancies were made prior to our appointment and the popular Cellar Bar was closed, but eight staff remain in place and the bar will be reopened in the near future following some alterations.”

Andrew McBeath, property agent for the owner Peter O’Toole, had already been trying to sell the business. “He said they had been in discussions with two interested parties before the administrators were appointed.

He said: “Those discussions are ongoing. We’re in active discussions with one of the parties regarding funding and putting an offer package together.”