THIRTY-four jobs have been saved after a buyer stepped in to take on a popular charcuterie and bar with premises in Ilkley.

Specialist bar and brasserie, Friends of Ham, which also has premises in central Leeds, entered administration on August 7 when Charles Brook and Michelle Chatterton of Poppleton & Appleby, Huddersfield office were appointed joint administrators by the company’s directors.

Trading in New Station Street, Leeds since 2012, the business introduced a novel and popular experience for its clientele, specialising in charcuterie, cheese and craft wines and beers.

The original business in Leeds has remained very popular with loyal and new clientele but the business in Ilkley, which took over the former Ilkley Gazette offices in Wells Road, took longer to establish itself. Meanwhile, the companion business of Ham & Friends, operated through a separate company, didn’t flourish and was latterly re-launched as a drinking venue trading as Lucky No. 7.

After in-depth reviews, the directors reluctantly concluded that a sale of the businesses, as a going concern, should be pursued urgently with a view to saving jobs and improving the outcome for creditors.

A sale was concluded with a local independent buyer, Glentrool, who have 25 years’ experience within the corporate sector and drinks industry. Ham & Friends Limited, which ran the premises trading from Merrion Street, Leeds ceased trading on August 5, 2018.

Charles Brook, partner of Poppleton & Appleby said: “In a highly competitive market the cost of managing the development of the Ilkley and Merrion Street businesses placed significant strain on the combined financial resources of the two companies. Although the original business was resilient, cash flow suffered and the companies came under increasing pressure to maintain payments to their creditors.

"The directors took advice and it was initially hoped that a CVA might be proposed to and agreed by creditors; however, even as those proposals were distributed, it became apparent that the protracted UK heatwave had caused a significant short-term reduction in footfall within the Leeds City Centre and especially at the flagship premises which didn’t have the benefit of an outdoor area for its clients.”

Katie Pannu of purchasers, Glentrool said: “We are delighted to be investing in such a unique and vibrant business and want to confirm that all of the remaining employees from each of the locations have been retained.

"Friends of Ham has been meticulously developed by Anthony and Claire Kitching over the past five years as the go to destination for the craft beer and food lovers of Leeds. It is a fantastic concept in great locations with loyal customers. Our investment ensures the future of Friends of Ham and we look forward to working with Anthony and Claire."

The joint administrators were represented by Peter Harling a Partner at Chadwick Lawrence LLP Solicitors in Leeds. Marketing and valuation support was provided by Daniel Hey of Walker Singleton, Chartered Surveyors. Glentrool were represented by Matthew Thompson and Dahren Naidoo of Freeths Legal Services.