NHS nurse's wedding reception cancelled after luxury hotel suddenly shuts down

Amie Henson, 42, booked the venue for the celebration of her and fiance Daniel Lee's wedding on Saturday, May 31 next year - a date they chose because it also marks 49 years "to the day" that her parents got married

An NHS nurse has expressed her shock and disappointment after the venue she had booked for her wedding reception abruptly closed down. Amie Henson, a specialist neonatal nurse at Leicester Royal Infirmary, was informed via email that Stapleford Park Hotel near Melton had shut its doors and her booking was cancelled.

The 42-year-old had planned to celebrate her marriage to fiance Daniel Lee on Saturday, May 31 next year, a date chosen to coincide with the 49th anniversary of her parents' wedding. She revealed that guests had already booked rooms at the hotel for two nights and deposits had been paid for various aspects of the reception, including the DJ and cake.

Now, the couple are left in a state of uncertainty as they try to figure out their next steps, while also dealing with financial loss. "We have lost thousands of pounds and how do you find thousands to repay for another wedding venue? We can't. I am now just numb," said Amie from Syston.

"I don't know what else to do. We have paid deposits for all of the other things, dance floor, DJ, cake. I have paid for half of my wedding dress, we have paid for someone to do all the decor of the rooms, we have paid for a harpist.", reports Leicestershire Live.

Ms Henson stated that she received an email on Wednesday (October 16) informing her of the hotel's closure. Despite attempts to contact the venue for more information, she has yet to receive a response.

"They won't even communicate with us, no one is interested", she said. "That's it - 'you have lost all your money, go away'."

The luxury hotel, nestled in a Grade I-Listed mansion, offers 48 rooms set amidst sprawling countryside.

It features lounges and private dining rooms, along with a spa, swimming pool, jacuzzi, and gym. An email from the hotel's "reception" announced that the establishment had ceased trading "with immediate effect".

The message explained: "Unfortunately, as a result of adverse trading conditions and the financial position of the operating company, Stapleford Park Limited ("the company"), the hotel cannot continue to operate, and management have little option but to cease to trade the hotel with immediate effect.

"As a result, the hotel is closed and your booking cancelled. Stapleford Park Limited will be placed into Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation."

Insolvency experts Leonard Curtis are set to handle the liquidation process and will reach out regarding any claims against the company for those listed as creditors. The email also provided contact details for three "alternative" venues and advised customers to make new "arrangements" with them.

Ms Henson expressed her frustration at not being able to secure an alternative venue for the reception, stating: "We need a venue with rooms to stay for relatives and friends, and that is few and far between unfortunately."

"It's a special day as it's exactly 49 years to the day that my parents got married. We don't really want to change the date."

Leicestershire Live has contacted Leonard Curtis for comment.