End of an era as Peterborough’s Beefeater Granary closes its doors TODAY after more than 40 years - but uncertainty surrounds building’s future
The Beefeater Granary in Orton Meadows will shut its doors today (Thursday, September 10)
A popular Peterborough restaurant will close its doors today (Thursday, September 10) after more than 40 years of trading.
The Beefeater Granary in Orton Meadows will serve its final meals this evening along with 105 other Beefeater sites across the UK.
The restaurant is one of nearly 200 Whitbread-owned sites closing their doors as part of a five-year plan to save £250 million.
On Monday (September 7) all of Whitbread’s 89 Brewers Fayre restaurants - including The Hampton - closed.
First announced in May, the strategic overhaul will result in Premier Inn’s food and drink offering being integrated within hotels, rather than stand-alone restaurants.
Around 3,800 jobs are at risk as a result of Whitbread’s new five-year strategy.
Peterborough’s Beefeater Granary first opened in December 1980 as The Old Barn.
Earlier this week, Beefeater thanked customers for an “iconic” 52 years, with its first restaurants having opened in 1974.
It was initially thought that Peterborough’s Brewers Fayre and Beefeater sites could be converted into Premier Inn rooms, but both have now been listed for sale through Christie & Co.
The Hampton’s freehold has been listed for £600,000, while the Granary Beefeater’s leasehold has been priced at £750,000.
The Granary Beefeater’s leasehold has 82 years remaining, according to the site’s listing.
Hampton’s Brewers Fayre restaurant is now under offer, according to Christie & Co’s website.
The sale of both sites are subject to Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment), meaning all staff will transfer with the business on completion.