Historic hotel closes down after more than 300 years

The Hind Hotel in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, has announced its closure, a decision taken with “great sadness”. The 17th-century landmark is a Grade II listed hotel that was recently refurbished.

The company had to close due to “rising costs, reduced town centre footfall and Government policy often seemingly targeting the hospitality industry”. The 34-bedroom hotel has been a well-known establishment in Northamptonshire for centuries. In a statement, the company said: “It is with great sadness that we have had to close the Hind Hotel. After eight and a half years of ownership, and with £1.3million spent on a massive external refurbishment, a £600,000 refurbishment of bedrooms and circulation space, and over £300,000 spent on modernising the ground floor public areas and replacing old equipment throughout the hotel.

“The director would like to thank the team for their dedication when faced with adversity such as the main refurbishment contractor going bust three months into the 24-month refurbishment, and their resilience in the wave of shocks such as Covid and the current economic downturn.

“The company has faced serious hardship with respect to rising costs, reduced town centre footfall and government policy often seemingly targeting the hospitality industry.

“Throw in increased regulation, rising national insurance and decreasing flexibility in the labour market and a currently stressed economic environment, and the director has been forced to concede that he can no longer continue financially supporting the business.”

On Facebook, Ann Miller said: “Sad news, I left Wellingborough in 1973, but the Hind Hotel always stood out as one of the historic buildings and a landmark in Wellingborough. Hope new owners will be found and it continues for many more years.”

Karen Henderson said: “So sorry to hear this, and I thank you most sincerely for all you have done to restore and keep The Hind going.

“You faced more challenges than was fair, and your resilience, dedication and commitment are a testament to the team. My parents had their wedding reception there in the 60s, and it holds a special place in my heart.”