Bathgate Business Finance Supports New Ownership at The Bird in Hand Restaurant in Guilden Sutton, Chester

A Vision Realized: New Beginnings for The Bird in Hand

In a remarkable turnaround for a cherished local establishment, Bathgate Business Finance has stepped in to help a new business owner realize his dream for The Bird in Hand restaurant located in Guilden Sutton, Chester. After deciding to retire, previous owner Richard Bowyer turned to his longtime manager Stavros Nicolaides, who had successfully led the restaurant for four years. Stavros, bringing with him a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, saw a golden opportunity to take the reins.

The Funding Challenge

While the purchase price for The Bird in Hand was set at £500,000, Stavros had to bridge a financial gap. Although he contributed significantly from his personal savings, an additional £312,000 was required to finalize the buyout. Unfortunately, traditional banks, hesitant to invest in the uncertain hospitality sector, declined to provide the necessary financing despite encouraging discussions.

The breakthrough came when Richard’s bank, Handelsbanken, recommended Bathgate Business Finance to Stavros and Richard.

Personalized Support and Financing Solutions

Bathgate’s Business Development Managers, Ian Adams and Chris McLoughlin, wasted no time in visiting The Bird in Hand to engage with Stavros and Richard. They quickly recognized the restaurant’s potential and worked hand-in-hand with NatWest to secure the £312,000 commercial mortgage required.

Stavros’ Vision for The Bird in Hand

Stavros expressed his enthusiasm:

“I had worked for Richard at The Bird in Hand for four years before he put the business up for sale. I saw the opportunity immediately and had a very simple vision; to make it a lovely place for people and families to come and visit, with delicious food, great drinks and wine, and really friendly service that everyone can enjoy.”

Initially discouraged by the financing setbacks, Stavros found renewed hope through Bathgate’s approach. “Their understanding went beyond numbers on paper. They wanted to see our vision realized as much as we did,” he said.

Bathgate proved to be a steadfast partner throughout the 12-month purchasing journey, helping Stavros navigate numerous challenges and providing valuable industry connections.

Expert Insights from Bathgate Business Finance

Chris McLoughlin of Bathgate Business Finance emphasized the impressive credentials of Stavros:

“We were immediately impressed by Stavros’ extensive experience in the hospitality sector. He understands the local market and has a genuine connection with the community, which we believed was a compelling recipe for success.”

Despite the challenges in securing traditional financing for hospitality ventures, Bathgate demonstrated how effective partnerships with knowledgeable brokers can pave the way for success. Their collaboration with NatWest ensured a smooth transition of ownership, allowing Stavros to fulfill his dreams and preserve a beloved community fixture.

The Future of The Bird in Hand

Today, The Bird in Hand stands among the top five restaurants in Chester, serving exquisite home-cooked meals crafted from locally-sourced ingredients. Open Wednesday through Sunday, Stavros has big plans for the venue, including enhancements through renovations, a new breakfast and lunch menu, and special events like live music and wine tastings.

Perseverance and Community Support

Stavros shared, “The transition into ownership has been incredibly demanding, working 70 hours a week over the last few months. The support from my fiancée Isabelle has been crucial, making it all worthwhile as we grow.”

He added, “We feel fortunate to have wonderful guests, whether they are first-time visitors or regulars. I also appreciate that I can turn to Bathgate for guidance as we move forward. We’re excited for what’s to come, so stay tuned!”

Explore More about The Bird in Hand

To learn more about The Bird in Hand and its enticing offerings, visit here.

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