Historic Lancaster pub to stay closed after owners go into administration

The Barrowford-based company, which also operated the Assheton Arms in Clitheroe, the Oyster and Otter in Blackburn and The Derby Arms in Longridge, has now ceased trading.

It is thought the impact of the coronavirus lockdown and the sudden halt in trading has been a significant factor.

Founder Joycelyn Neve, who took over The Fenwick in 2013, said she was "truly heartbroken", but added she hoped to start a new company when she can.

She 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.

"As we were not granted a CIBL (Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan), the next step was for us to try and raise funding from the bank and our investors. Whilst both were supportive, the investor fundraiser failed, as did my subsequent management buyout attempt.

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

Ms Neve founded the company in 2010, combining her family heritage in the fishing industry with her passion for high-quality food and relaxed service.

In total, the company operated ten award-winning gastro pubs across Lancashire and Yorkshire.

In a statement to the press, Ms Neve added: "It goes without saying I am truly heartbroken to have lost my business, but even more so for my team and seafood family.

"We fought as hard as possible every step of the way, and I am just so sorry to all the team that we weren’t able to save the business.

"I can’t thank the team, guests, suppliers, neighbours and everyone who has been part of Seafood Pub Company enough for your hard work, support and friendship the past nine years and especially for your kindness and well wishes in this incredibly difficult time."

See our 2016 review of the pub HERE.The full list of pubs owned by the company are:

- Assheton Arms, Downham

- Farmers Arms, Great Eccleston

- The Fenwick, Lancaster road, Claughton

- Barley Mow, Pendle

- Derby Arms, Longridge

- The Oyster & Otter, Blackburn

- The Alma Inn, Laneshawbridge

- The Inn, South Stainley, Harrogate

- The Fleece, Addingham, Ilkley

- Forest, Fence