Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Stourbridge hotel suddenly shuts
Thursday 18th December 2008, 6:00PM GMT.
An historic former coaching inn in the Black Country dating back to the 17th century has suddenly closed.
A sign has gone up at the Talbot Hotel in Stourbridge, which recently had a change of ownership, advising customers it will be closed until further notice.
The hotel’s 22 members of staff were told they were losing their jobs at a meeting yesterday morning.
Festive functions have been cancelled as a result of the shock closure, while diners who paid in advance to have their Christmas meals at the High Street hotel have been left out of pocket.
A flyer, posted on the hotel’s main entrance, states anyone who wants more information should contact Alan T Whitehead of Midlands Hotels Ltd or Birmingham-based lawyers ESN Solicitors.
Lynne Strong, secretary to ESN Solicitors managing partner Adrian Stickland, added manager Mr Whitehead had “abandoned” the hotel.
She said: “We act for the owners of the building, Westbourne Leisure. The tenant who owned the business was Mr Whitehead, trading as Midlands Hotels Ltd and he has abandoned the premises and the business. We cannot comment further.”
Hotel staff supervisor Loretto Slater, aged 45, of High Street, Brierley Hill, had been desperate to keep the hotel going.
Joint acting manager Michelle Magee, aged 34, of Dennis Street, Amblecote, said: “I’m so angry and upset. We have such a loyal, close team here and for this to happen to all of us is terrible.”
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I recently saw a reggae video Stoke on Trent Ghost town.I think I saw wrong and should have read STOURBRIDGE .When do Smiths,Waitrose and Wilkinson intend leaving too? As in Isreal at a certain moment ”Will the last person out please turn off the light”.What has Dudley council got as a bright idea to save the disaster zone ? When they said in the Black Country Core strategy report that Brierley Hill-Merry Hill was to be the main centre for the area this did not mean leaving just the odd bargain shop in Stourbridge.
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It’s a shame I have many fond memories of drunken nights in there. Will it become a lap dancing club now?
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Hopefully
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house prices crashing, job losses,its down to the credit crunch,experts predict it will not improve untill 2014 ,i’m off bye.
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The Talbot hotel has been in decline for years.I spoke to two former employees last night and they were of the opinion that the several tennants over the past couple of years had no conception of the requirements of running what was once the most prestigious hotel in Stourbridge.
Maybe if the emphasis was placed on restoring the establishment to it’s original status rather than competing with their neighbouring rivals they could succeeed.
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Speaking to the staff on Sunday, it seems that Alan K Whitehead (DOB 23.01.1952) has moved back to 14 Nevill House, 164-165 Marine Parade, Brighton, East Suusex. Hope this helps.
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I was the chef there some years ago and the staff where a good team. I agree with what mike said, and from my own experience, it was down to the management( & constant change of ownership & management), who had no clue or real experience in how to run a hotel, or buisiness. I got out thank god after being used and abused for way too long.
To stand out and be competitive, you need a fresh individual approach, and more importantly, listen to the needs of customers.
Thats what killed the place.
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i worked at the hotel for a few years and left the last time it was taken over (well got laid off aug!) They didnt even tell me till i got there, after id worked there every weekend prior to that for 2years!! The only decent managers who tried to make ago of it was clare and rob oneill. what a shame for all the regulars.
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Having recently stayed at this hotel I was appauled. I did not get the room I paid for, it was filthy and the windows were falling apart! I could go on and on. But all I will say is that the manager was the rudest person I have ever had the displeasure of speaking to. He couldn’t care less about his customers… and it seems he doesn’t care for his staff either.
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