23 Jul 2025
The tenancy of iconic nightspot Batchwood Hall will be going out back on the market following the collapse of pub company Oakman Inns.
The firm, which was supposed to be giving the venue a new lease of life as an upmarket restaurant, bar and hotel, announced it had gone into administration on Monday.
Owners St Albans district council had agreed a long-term lease with parent company The Oakman Group for its redevelopment, including a multi-million pound investment into refurbishing the building, which has lain empty since the pandemic.
But now SADC will be seeking a new investor to take on the site.
Strategic director for customer, business and corporate support, Robin Taylor said: “We are sorry to hear that Oakman Inns and Restaurants has gone into administration.
“As a council, we support our local hospitality industry and are aware of the many challenges that they are faced with.
“We had been talking to Oakman about a financial settlement to allow them to withdraw from the Batchwood Hall project and are now in contact with the joint administrators about this.
“The agreement for lease has now been terminated as, sadly, Oakman are no longer in a position to meet the conditions.
“Preparatory work to put Batchwood Hall back on the market has been undertaken and there have been viewings by prospective tenants.
“Planning permissions to turn this iconic building into a restaurant, boutique hotel and events venue have already been granted.
“This means any new tenant can hit the ground running and breathe new life into this project to bring the historic hall back into use.”
Robin added: “Oakman’s difficulties will have no impact on our 2025/26 cashflow or budget as no rental income had been due.
“The deal allowed for a long rent-free period in exchange for the major capital investment needed to transform the building.”
