A YORK hotel and pub company has collapsed, with the loss of jobs and placing the historic building’s future in doubt.

Judges Lodgings Ltd called in administrators earlier this month and although the hotel part of the business remains open, the downstairs pub has closed.

A sign on the front door says it will reopen after a refurbishment and administrators Begbies Traynor said the building was now being marketed.

The Press understands six people who worked in the pub have been made redundant, including Jack Merry, the manager. The Companies House website confirmed that Judges Lodgings Ltd was in administration, but further details were unavailable.

The building was constructed in 1717 as a doctor’s house and was used as private accommodation for judges from 1840 to 1960, before being converted into a hotel and restaurant in the 1980s.

Six years ago, the company unveiled plans for a £6.5 million refurbishment, which director Peter O’Toole said would turn the building into an “oasis” in the heart of York.