One of Nottinghamshire's most stunning venues has been put up for sale for a cool £5.4m. The Grade II* listed Lakeside restaurant and bar, near Arnold, is believed to have been closed for several weeks with diners complaining about not being able to book and finding the gates locked.
Over the last two decades millions of pounds have been spent on transforming the former Victorian pumping station by a succession of different owners. The latest were Amy Harrad and Richard Berridge in 2020, who reopened the scenic grounds, off the A60, in April 2021 after a £7m makeover. Ms Harrad resigned as a director a year later.
The revamp included a 100-seater open air terrace by the ornamental lake, an 80-seater restaurant with a further 40 seats on a mezzanine, and Hawksley's Bar and Lounge with space for 80. Despite the grandeur of the surroundings, there were mixed reviews with criticism over poor service and high prices. One review said: "Very disappointing, the place has the pazzazz but needs to concentrate on the substance."
A mixed menu was served on the terrace with sushi, burgers, poke bowls, salads, main courses such as steak and pasta, and sandwiches costing £12 to £14 when it first opened. World tapas and Sunday roasts were introduced. Despite transforming the Grand Hall into a new function space with a CInderella staircase for over 150 guests, as well as a smaller function room for 80, the latest owners focused on food and drink rather than weddings.
Trading information is only being made available by the agents to genuinely interested parties, who have to sign a non disclosure agreement. Christie & Co, which is marketing the property, said the property was "stunningly presented throughout" and has huge potential to develop wedding trade.
They said: "Lakeside is a landmark building in Nottingham and has been refurbished by our client to the highest standard throughout.
"Currently trading as a bar and restaurant only, new owners will have the opportunity to enter the weddings market with the benefit of industry-leading facilities. The site has previously had planning consent for the development of a new 29-bedroom hotel, which would provide a further source of revenue should the planning be successfully re-applied for."
Lakeside is set with 5.79 acres and the tower, which has panoramic views of the rolling countryside, is named after Thomas Hawksley, who designed the original pumping station in 1871.
When operation ceased in 1964, the building became a derelict eyesore and it wasn’t until more than 30 years later, in 1997, that the site was acquired for a £2.5 million restaurant and health club, with beauty salon, gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi and steam room.
David Bond, founder of the Tom Cobleigh pub company, and entrepreneur Derek Mapp invested millions bringing the former pumping station back to life, with landscaped gardens and a lake and island, transforming it into a popular venue for wedding receptions.
In 2014 chip shop and restaurant owner Artur Senja and his wife Elizabeth took over and another revamp followed. The businessman instantly fell in love with the striking 172ft tower, ornate architecture and attractive grounds. Three years later the venue was acquired by a group of East Midlands entrepreneurs led by hospitality and leisure consultant David Waycot.
Nottinghamshire Live has attempted to contact Richard Berridge for comment.
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