Island's 'premier destination' for celebrations to close in December

Woodbourne House blames economic pressures and maintenance concerns

Woodbourne House says it’s made the ‘difficult decision’ to close at the end of this year.

The company, which operates from the Freemasons Hall in Douglas, has blamed pressures facing the hospitality industry which have ‘fundamentally changed the economics' of operating.

It also says the building requires ‘substantial ongoing investment and maintenance’.

Woodbourne House bills itself as the Island’s ‘premier destination’ for weddings, corporate events and celebrations and has been at the Freemasons Hall for almost a decade.

The final day of trading will be 31 December with all events booked until then running as planned.

In a statement the company said: “We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has chosen to celebrate with us over the years.

“Like many businesses across the hospitality industry the past few years have brought significant challenges.

“Rising food, wage and energy costs have fundamentally changed the economics of operating hospitality venues while Freemasons Hall, as a beautiful historic building, continues to require substantial ongoing investment and maintenance.

“Over a considerable period we worked closely with our landlord to explore every possible option for securing a sustainable long-term future for Woodbourne House.

“Despite positive discussions and genuine efforts from both side we have unfortunately been unable to reach an agreement that would allow us to continue operating from Freemasons Hall in a financially sustainable way.

“We understand that this news will come as a disappointment to many of our customers, clients, suppliers and the wider community.

“We also recognise the impact this decision will have on our valued team and our immediate priority is to support them through the coming months.”

The company says it has contacted all existing clients directly.