Backwell House to close next month after being hit by the pandemic

Backwell House in Somerset is to close next month after being hard hit by the pandemic.

It has been confirmed the nine-bedroom property will close on 31 March.

A statement from the business said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has made the last two years extremely difficult for many businesses, but the hospitality industry and Backwell House have been particularly hard hit.

"The management and staff have worked extremely hard to try and make a success of the hotel and restaurant despite these difficulties. Therefore, it is with great regret that the decision to close Backwell House has been reached."

The business said bookings, vouchers and events from April 2022 would be refunded in full and that, with the support of parent company Hobbs Properties, owned by Jeremy Hobbs, all trade debts to suppliers would be "settled in the normal way".

Consultation with staff representatives regarding the details of severance arrangements "will commence as soon as practical".

The Georgian home opened as a wedding venue, hotel and restaurant in 2016.