One of Harborough’s most historic hotels closes its doors

One of Market Harborough’s most historic hotels has shut down.

The 500-year-old Angel Hotel on the High Street has closed immediately, it’s been announced.

The iconic Grade 2-listed coaching inn is closing its doors because the owners have decided to retire.

The bombshell news comes after the Angel served its last customers on Friday March 20 when it was ordered to shut during the coronavirus crisis.

Long-serving general manager Darren Barton has posted a notice on the 16th century hotel’s website announcing the decision.

Darren says: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you of the following:

“The team behind the Angel has taken the hard but necessary decision to close the business, with immediate effect.

“There are many reasons which we could go on to list, but I feel the most important one is that the owners can finally take this time to retire and enjoy these times together.”

He said the Angel has been at the centre of the community in Market Harborough for many many years.

“The Angel was a great community hub for many clubs, groups, associations, families and networking over the years.

“This was made do-able by the unselfish attitude of the owners’ wishes for it to be there for the town.

“With that said I would like to take the time to say the biggest thank you to my team because without them we were nothing, some showing over 10 years of loyalty, hard work and determination to make the business a success and I wish them all the very best for the future.

“I will be in touch with groups who have equipment stored at the hotel over coming days to arrange collections once lock-down is lifted.

“Should you need to get in touch, The Angel email address is still currently being looked at a few times a week – [email protected]

So from us all at the Angel we say good-bye and it was a pleasure serving you all.”

Popular for weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties and many other social occasions over the years, The Angel has been refurbished and updated time and again throughout its long, proud history.

The hotel’s dining and drinking areas was revamped two years ago as it was totally redecorated with new wallpaper, furniture and flooring.

The Angel underwent more change in the New Year when students from Harborough’s Brooke House College took over most of the bedrooms.

The many groups who have used the Angel over the years as well as the town’s community will be hoping that new buyers can be found and that it will be reopened.