A LAVISH restaurant valued at £675,000 which closed down last year will be auctioned off.
The Barn in Bridge Trafford along with neighbouring six-bedroomed Sandfield Farm – worth up to £425,000 – will go under the hammer at The Village Hotel in Bromborough on Tuesday.
Both properties, which were sold by previous owner Sharon Sharter to Lock Gate Ltd based in the British Virgin Islands in October, will be auctioned separately.
The restaurant opened in August 2008 after Mrs Sharter’s husband, Hassaon Sharter, had spent two years transforming the derelict barn.
Mr Sharter, who was considering taking out a second mortgage to pay off debts, was found hanged at the premises in April last year.
In October, angry staff were left stunned when they turned up for work to find out they were all out of a job – despite assurances their futures were safe.
Former manager Alan Clarke, 44, claimed Mrs Sharter had verbally promised the 16-strong staff that their jobs would be safe as the business would be ‘sold as a going concern’.
However, when they turned up for work they were greeted by a notice on the restaurant door saying the business had ‘ceased trading’.
Auctioneers Smith and Sons said viewing’s for interested buyers were taking place yesterday.
Their website said: “The Barn is an award-winning 400 year-old, converted dairy farm.
“The property has recently been totally refurbished and is being offered for sale fully fitted and ready to trade.
“The property has an extensive lounge and bar area, exposed roof beams, an impressive dining room, lounge and fully equipped kitchen.”
For more information, visit www.smithandsons.net.
