More than 30 staff have been axed as time was suddenly called on a popular Broughty Ferry hotel and pub.
Bar, kitchen and housekeeping staff of Jolly’s Hotel which hit trouble when its trading company Tay Hotels Ltd plunged into receivership in July were told their fate after being called to a meeting at short notice on Tuesday morning.
The shocked group which included staff who had worked at the hotel since it first opened its doors in the late 1980s were informed they were being let go and the premises was to shut immediately.
Within minutes of the ”bombshell” meeting, notices had been placed around the outside of the hotel saying it was now closed until further notice.
Breakfast chef and housekeeper Jeanette Robertson (56) who had worked for Jolly’s former proprietors John and Derek Adams for more than 30 years said she had been left devastated by the closure.
She said: ”I did breakfast service and then all of a sudden we were told there was a meeting at 11. We went down and were told the company was null and void and the hotel was closing. It was quite a shock, as this is all I know.
”I was with Mr Adams and his son at the Ballinard before they even came here. I am just absolutely devastated. They (the receivers) have a job to do and we carried on to the best of our ability but they kept us in the dark. It was a total bombshell.”
Housekeeper Mandy Bateman (42) had spent more than 10 years working at the hotel.
She said: ”I am devastated by what has happened we have just been thrown to the kerb. I will have to start looking for work elsewhere now.”
A number of guests had stayed in the hotel on Monday night and they were forced to leave as the news broke.
The business had continued to operate as normal as joint receivers Blair Nimmo and Gary Fraser of KPMG attempted to find a buyer.
The Courier reported last week that JD Wetherspoon were poised to take over but the decision to pull the plug was taken before any deal could be concluded.
However, Jolly’s is continuing to be marketed for sale and it is understood that Tuesday’s developments have not deflected the pub giant’s interest in the property.
The hotel boasts 26 bedrooms and three bars. The main lounge has a capacity to hold up to 450 people and was popular among drinkers in Broughty Ferry.
A statement released on behalf of the receivers said the hotel’s financial position had forced the closure and it confirmed the workforce had been laid off.
It said: ”All 35 employees were retained in order to trade the business under the control of the joint receivers, while a buyer was sought.
”In light of the company’s current financial position, it has been concluded that in order to achieve the best possible result for the company’s creditors, trading should cease.
”Unfortunately, the company’s remaining employees have been made redundant with immediate effect.
”The joint receivers’ appointed agents, Christie + Co, are continuing to market the property as efforts continue to secure a sale.”
Dundee Licensed Trade Association president Colin Rattray said the closure of Jolly’s was a major blow both for the staff and the wider community.
He said: ”It is a sad indication of what has been happening in the licensed trade both locally and nationally.”