“Guy’s as a restaurant won’t be opening again. We’ve renovated the whole space, and it will be ready for birthdays and family events by the end of the month.”

The owners of Guy’s Thatched Hamlet have issued a major update on the businesses’ future plans amid rumours that the restaurant will not reopen.

James’ Places, who bought the iconic venue earlier this year, has confirmed Guy’s will not reopen in its current form, bringing an end to more than 50 years of trading as an Italian restaurant.

The restaurant will instead be turned into an events and wedding venue, featuring a private bar, rooftop terrace and refurbished interior. The new venue will be called The Roundhouse.

The canalside venue has issued a major update. | James’ Places

placeholder image — The canalside venue has issued a major update. | James’ Places

Jess Mason, Marketing Manager for James’ Places, told the Gazette: “We wanted to create a venue which felt unique to the area, a special place for couples and families. We had quite a lot of people get in touch to say how beautiful it (Guy’s) is, and some people said they had got engaged or enjoyed anniversaries there.

“Guy’s as a restaurant won’t be opening again. We’ve renovated the whole space, and it will be ready for birthdays and family events by the end of the month.

“It won’t be ready for weddings until after Christmas, but we have our first wedding confirmed for next March and are actively taking bookings.”

The new venue will hosts weddings amongst other events. | James' Places

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The news marks a drastic change in direction for the immensely popular site, which has been open for over 50 years.

Owd’ Nells Tavern, which sits adjacent to Guy’s, has been open for a number of months following a full refurbishment of the pub and its kitchen. Thatching work on the roof of the tavern is now complete, and work to the roof of Guy’s is progressing at a steady pace.

James’ Places also confirmed that they are continuing to renovate the 60 hotel rooms which are located onsite, although no timeline was given for the completion of that particular project.

Significant investment into a new thatched roof and outside areas as been made by the new owners. | James' Places

Popular events like the annual Guinness and Oyster Festival will be returning in 2027, along with other ‘plans’ which have not yet been made public.

The full site is approximately 12 acres including a cricket pitch and bowling green to the back of the site, as well as a large car park.

There is no news about the future of the Guy’s Cricket Club, although the team continued to compete this season in the Boddingtons Village Cricket League.