Mystery surrounds the future of a West Cumbrian hotel that appears to have closed its doors for good – throwing people’s wedding and event plans into chaos.
The Hunday Manor Hotel, near Workington, closed on January 9 for three days, but it is believed it then closed down for good on Saturday, with bosses telling staff it was not reopening. It is understood they were all told there were no longer jobs for them.
People booked in for Sunday lunch last weekend were told the hotel was shut until further notice, but the phone remains unanswered and a sign notifying people about the closure on January 10, 11 and 12 remains in the window.
An answerphone message states: “We are very busy at the moment” and asks callers to hold for reception or leave a message.
No rooms are available for booking via the hotel’s website.
A Cumbria Crack reader got in touch to say she had bought a short break voucher for the hotel via Travelzoo but because they couldn’t get in touch with the hotel, Travelzoo was refunding them and all those affected.
Dozens of people, who have their weddings and other events planned, claim they have been left in limbo, with no contact from anyone at the hotel.
The rumour mill says the company behind the hotel has gone into liquidation – but this has not been confirmed by Cumbria Crack.
It is understood the company also owns Frederick’s in Cockermouth.
Dating from the 18th century, the hotel was originally a manor house called High Lodge. It became a National Coal Board miner’s rescue centre, called the Winscales Rescue Centre from 1951, before being transformed into a hotel.
The venue has been popular over the years and often used for school proms in the area.
Cumbria Crack has contacted the hotel for comment.
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