Historic pub is in administration

The building dates back to the 17th Century

A 450-year-old Denbighshire pub which once turned over £500,000 a year, has gone into administration.

The Dinorben Arms in Bodfari struggled to regain its reputation for good food after its manager was fined £4,000 for hygiene offences in 2003.

Jonathan Newell, of business consultants PKF, said he hoped the building would remain as a pub, but said major refurbishment was needed.

A creditors meeting will be held in Manchester on 5 September.

The pub was placed into administration earlier this year, but one final attempt to save the business was made this summer.

Poor weather

Mr Newell added: "After six weeks, it became apparent the pub was making a significant weekly loss.

"It appeared that the pub relied heavily on passing trade, which was affected by the poor weather."

On Tuesday, the pub's website stated: "We are not taking bookings at present."

In its heyday in the 1990s, the pub enjoyed a turnover of more than £500,000 a year, and was particularly well-known for its smorgasbord menu.

But its reputation suffered after landlord was fined for food hygiene offences four years ago.

Foot and mouth

In a report to creditors, Mr Newell said the business also suffered a significant loss of trade as a result of the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak.

The closure leaves the village with only a shop and one other pub.

Mr Newell said there was "no likelihood" of the business being sold as a going conern, but hoped the building could be sold to another pub operator.

He said he was also hoping part of the pub car park could be sold for housing development, and outline planning permission has already been granted for up to 10 homes on the site.