The former Sugden flour mill and Wheelers Club, Grade II listed building, was restored by Marino Bevilacqua and traded for 20 years before closing its doors in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It remained closed following the lifting of the restrictions and has now been sold to the Sarwar family.
The Italian restaurant together with the 54-bedroom hotel remained an iconic part of the Brighouse hospitality sector during its 20 years of trading.
Jamie Humpheson, senior commercial property solicitor, at Eaton Smith advised the owners on the sale. Jamie said, “The Bevilacquas are a long-standing client who put community at the forefront of their decisions when negotiating the sale of Prego. As stakeholders in Brighouse and the surrounding area, I am glad to see that the restaurant will be given a new lease of life. I hope that the mantra of Prego, meaning ‘welcome’, is continued; benefiting the Brighouse community”
The Bevilacqua family (sellers) commented, “We were delighted to work with Eaton Smith LLP and to be guided by their expertise in the negotiation of this sale. We look forward to working with them in future endeavours”
Robert Smithson from Colliers Hotel Agency team, who brokered and negotiated the sale, added, “The past popularity of Waterfront Lodge and the town centre setting resulted in interest from a variety of potential purchasers, despite the fact the property was closed. We’re pleased that the new owners are looking to reinvigorate the property and re-open the hotel and restaurant, which will benefit the local economy of the town.
The restaurant has plans to re-open its doors later in 2024.