Egypt Mill in Nailsworth sold after a century of ownership
By Matt Hall | 11th March 2020
After a century of ownership within the same family, Egypt Mill will soon be changing hands.
Henley-on-Thames based family business WH Brakspear & Sons will be taking on the ownership of the Nailsworth based hospitality hot-spot, alongside their 130-plus other venues across the country including The Frogmill in Andoversford.
The site was converted into a hotel, wedding venue, bar and bistro, by Philippa and Steve Webb in 1984 and has been an extremely popular riverside venue ever since.
Hotel director, Matt Webb broke the news in a Facebook post: "The decision for us as a family, to sell our heritage, was and will always be, a hard decision to make. However, we felt it was necessary to ensure the continued success and on-going expansion of the Mill. The new owners are well placed to fulfil the full potential of the Mill and its location."
The new owners will be taking over the Mill from Monday, March 23.
Mr Webb added: "We would like to thank all of our customers, staff and suppliers over the years, who have contributed a major part to the success of the Mill and would like to extend a warm welcome to Brakspear. We wish them our best wishes for the future.
"The Mill, as it is affectionately known, will continue to serve the needs of the local area, and those wishing to visit the area.
"The high level of service and quality of food will continue under the new ownership, ensuring existing and future weddings remain that very special day."
The Facebook post clarified that the adjacent Railway Hotel Apartments will continue to serve the local need for short or long stays, corporate accommodation and leisure vacations. Mr Webb said that the continued close but separate relationship with Egypt Mill will continue, complimenting each other's offerings.
Memories and support from customers, fans and previous employees came flooding in for the much-loved Nailsworth venue.
Sally Reay wished the Webb family the best of luck for the future: "All good things must come to an end. Best wishes with whatever you do next. Thanks for all the great times we've had at The Mill.
"I remember first going there to get guides camping equipment out for the annual camps, 55 years ago! And my latest memory is celebrating Will's 70th birthday. So many happy memories."
Rachel Pugh also reminisced over the good times had at the Mill: "From the disco fridays of the early 90s where heady times were had with my best friends, to celebrating milestone birthdays, my parents silver wedding anniversary, my best friend's wedding and more recently her lovely mum's wake, thank you Egypt Mill for a lifetime of special memories"
Kind words came internationally too. Kristīne Žuka commented on Facebook: "So sad to be reading that news today! I worked in the Mill for three years and it was just the best time! I hope most of the staff will stay so I can come over all the way from Latvia to visit one day. All the best for lovely Webb family! Always just the best memories of those time there".
And from across the pond: "Sad to hear, a big sop from across the pond, but I am sure the decision is the best for the Webbs. All my best to all, and the new owners."
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