In a surprising turn of events, a beloved hotel in North Staffordshire has officially stopped its operations after 35 years of service. Slaters Country Inn, located in the charming village of Baldwins Gate, appeared to have closed its doors for good on January 18, 2026.
As of January 19, both the establishment's website is inactive and phone calls go unanswered, leading many to speculate about the reasons behind this abrupt closure.
A poignant notice affixed to the window of the hotel conveys the unfortunate news: "With great sadness, Slater's Ltd ceased trading effective January 18, 2026. After 35 years in business, the directors and staff extend their heartfelt thanks to all our customers for their loyalty, friendship, and support."
The message continues, expressing gratitude for the privilege of serving the community and the deep connections forged over the years.
Housed within an 18th-century farm setting, the hotel featured 12 en-suite bedrooms along with three family suites nestled in a separate courtyard. Additionally, it boasted a country pub offering all-day bar meals and an evening restaurant service. Notably, Slaters was also a favored destination for weddings and conferences, attracting various celebrations and gatherings.
Despite its positive reputation—evidenced by an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google—a wave of shock and disbelief has washed over former patrons in light of the sudden announcement. Comments circulating on social media reflect the sentiments of many; one user remarked, "It's such a shame, a sign of the times," while another stated, "It's not good at all. They're a very popular venue." A third customer shared their surprise, noting, "We were only there yesterday and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. In fact, it was quite busy!"
Efforts by StokeonTrentLive to reach out to Slaters Country Inn for further clarification have been made, but as of now, no response has been received. This closure not only marks the end of an era for the hotel but also raises questions about the challenges faced by local businesses in today's economic climate.
