The Mercury Motel, Britain’s first purpose-built motel, to an experienced hotel operator who plans to develop the functions and weddings aspect of the business whilst retaining the motel’s loyal repeat guests. It was sold on a leasehold basis off an asking price of £125k.
With a prominent location on the A6 in Westhoughton outside of Bolton, the 20-bed includes a cabaret bar and function room and has become recognised within the local area as a principal venue for weekend entertainment.
Glynn and Kwez Heywood operated the Mercury Motel for more than 13 years and sought a sale in order to retire, Glynn commented, “We’ve enjoyed our time at the motel and are pleased to have hosted so many happy guests including a few notable ones such as author and humanitarian Terry Waite, and singer Glenn Tilbrook.
'In addition, the Mercury has hosted Christmas day parties for people who would otherwise be on their own for the last 14 Christmases. We provided transport, free food and drink, presents and entertainment for up to 80 guests, all run by the Westhoughton community.”
“We initially purchased the business through Christie and Co and are pleased that the company again proved to be experts when it came to sell. Though we’ll miss the Mercury we’re looking forward to spending more time with family and friends.”
The business has been acquired by experienced hotelier Jackie Hayes, who said, “I’m proud to have purchased the Mercury Motel, which is my second site, and an excellent addition to my existing wedding venue at Wincham Hall Hotel near Northwich.
'I absolutely love hospitality - dealing with customers both new and old, and I’m looking forward to this exciting new challenge. I’d like to thank Tom O’Malley at Christie & Co who was helpful and supportive throughout the sale.”Mercury website.jpg
Tom O’Malley, Senior Business Agent at Christie & Co handled the sale and comments, “We’re pleased to have helped Glynn & Kwez to sell their business, and to have helped Jackie in expanding her burgeoning hospitality portfolio. Unsurprisingly, given the unique nature of the Mercury Motel, we received a great deal of interest in this opportunity with more than 30 viewings and dozens of offers.”
