A Mexican-themed restaurant and hotel based in the centre of Newport, Isle of Wight has closed its doors.
Situation in the beautiful Charter House in St Thomas’s Square – once owned by the Isle of Wight council – the restaurant chain, El Patron, has reportedly been closed for a few weeks.
Notices were placed outside the building advising that the Landlord had taken possession of the building and would be selling off items left inside if they were not claimed by yesterday (Thursday).
Still taking bookings
One customer who’d booked to stay in the hotel, turning up two weeks ago to closed doors and disconnected phone line, said in a Trip Advisor review,
“Booked here back in August through another site and had confirmation of the booking. Turned up today to check in for the weekend and the place was closed.
“No sign of life. Doors locked, shutters down over reception. Locals say there’s been nobody around for a few weeks. Tried to call but number has been disconnected.
“Presume closed for good. Would have been nice if the owners had told us or our booking agents before we had travelled.”
Unpaid bills
One OnTheWight reader told us earlier this year they had to take El Patron to court over an unpaid invoice for work carried out.
The court action came after repeated reminders to pay the several thousand pound bill for work carried out in the venue.
“Pack your bags and paracetamol”
When the venue opened last year, London freebie paper, The Metro, reported “Pack your bags and paracetamol – the UK’s getting its first ever tequila hotel”.
Photos on Trip Advisor show how the hotel rooms were all themed in the Mexican style with distressed shutters plastered over the walls and rustic fabrics used on bed covers and cushions.
The venue has had mixed reviews on Trip Advisor, with customers either loving or hating it.
Sold off by the IWC and up for sale again
The building was sold off by the former Conservative council during the great asset sale between 2008-2013.
It’s not known exactly how much the building went for, but a council document dating back to 2008 estimated a capital receipt for the council of £650,000.
A 2009 Cabinet paper goes on to state the IWC had received offers in excess of £500,000 and the sale was due to complete in March 2011.
The building was in need of major renovation with estimated costs running into the hundreds of thousands.
The venue is once again on the market, having been listed in August for £795,000.
Restricted outside area
Earlier this year the restaurant chain had applied to have an outside seating area – complete with astro turf and picket fencing.
The application was approved, but with the condition that the picket fence and astro turf could not be used, the seating could not be out during market days and it must be three metres from the war memorial.
Reporting the news on Facebook resulted in a flood of comments against the plans.
OnTheWight has attempted to contact the London branch, but with no response at time of publishing.
Source: County Press
Image: © El Patron
