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Liquidators step in at The Salutation in Sandwich as Gogglebox stars Steph and Dom announce garden will reopen

06:00, 27 February 2020

updated: 14:16, 27 February 2020

Gogglebox stars Steph and Dom have announced they will reopen gardens at their famous property as they continue their bid to save the B&B.

The Salutation in Sandwich, which is owned by the Parkers, closed its doors in January after John Fothergill who had a five-year lease to run the business declared bankruptcy.

The Salutation in Sandwich closed in January with all bookings cancelled Picture: The Wow Factory
The Salutation in Sandwich closed in January with all bookings cancelled Picture: The Wow Factory

The announcement saw 33 people left without jobs and all bookings for both its 17 boutique bedrooms and 60-seat restaurant cancelled.

Now, licensed insolvency practitioners Augusta Kent Limited have stepped in to handle the process of liquidation - which will formally happen next week.

The firm is asking anyone who has purchased or received gift vouchers or has a membership to get in touch.

A spokesman for Augusta Kent Limited said: “Following its closure in January 2020, The Salutation Hotel Limited, has instructed Augusta Kent Limited to assist in placing the company into a formal insolvency process called Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation.

"We want to ensure that all creditors of the company are contacted by us so that we can advise them of the process and next steps.

The Salutation is owned by Steph and Dom Parker but was being leased to John Fothergill, who declared bankruptcy in January. Picture: Alan Langley
The Salutation is owned by Steph and Dom Parker but was being leased to John Fothergill, who declared bankruptcy in January. Picture: Alan Langley

"If you hold or have gifted an annual membership to the Salutation Gardens or have previously purchased a gift voucher for an Eat/Sleep offer; Afternoon Tea; Champagne Tea or any of the other experiences and courses including the Gardening Courses which have not yet been redeemed and have not yet been able to obtain a full refund from your bank or credit card provider, please do not hesitate to contact us."

In the mean time, preparations are underway for the reopening of the gardens, known as The Secret Gardens of Sandwich, led by gardener Steve Edney.

Steph and Dom Parker said: "As an initial part of our bid to 'Save The Salutation' we are delighted to confirm that we will be maintaining the multi-award winning gardens (Gold Medal Chelsea 2019) until such time as a new management is found.

"We very much hope the gardens will open once again very soon.

"We are working very hard on the hotel itself and hope to have exciting news soon."

Head gardener Steve Edney will lead the operation when the gardens re-open shortly
Head gardener Steve Edney will lead the operation when the gardens re-open shortly

You can contact Augusta Kent Limited via creditors@augustakent.co.uk

Alternatively write to Augusta Kent Limited, The Clocktower, Clocktower Square, St George's Street, Canterbury CT1 2LE with your full name, home address and details of your purchase.

Read more: All the latest news from Sandwich

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