Administrators confident of finding buyer for Barry hotel

The largest hotel in the Welsh tourist resort of Barry has gone into administration.

A buyer is being sought for Martin Willcock Ltd, the company behind the Best Western Mount Sorrel Hotel in Porthkerry Road, Barry. Gilbert Lemon and Greg Palfrey of Smith & Williamson in Bristol have been appointed as administrators.

Mr Lemon said that there had been severe financial pressures on the business, but they believed they had every chance of selling it on as a going concern.

"All 31 employees are being retained and trading is continuing as normal," he said. "We are extremely optimistic about achieving a sale for this established 42-bedroom hotel which has been recently refurbished and includes an indoor pool and gym."

The hotel is AA three-star graded and also includes a restaurant and bar, fitness and leisure club and hosts meetings and conferences accommodating up to 150 delegates. The hotel's general manager, Julie Bannon, said she and her staff were continuing with their jobs, just the same as before, stating, "As far as I am concerned it's business as normal."

Barry Island trader Marco Zeraschi, said he was shocked the hotel had gone into administration and hoped a buyer would be found, as the resort was in need of good, affordable hotel accommodation.