Pubco liquidated over £360,000 tax debt

Popular Moseley pubs the Prince of Wales and the Dark Horse were run by the company, in addition to the British Oak, in Stirchley.

The operation of these pubs has not been affected by the liquidation.

A wine bar Cheval Blanc traded for just 16 months, a short-lived operation that caused financial problems for the pubco.

The company went into creditors' voluntary liquidation on 7 June, after owing £364,177 in tax.

HM Revenue and Customs had asked the Insolvency and Companies List to have the pubco wound up.

Judge Catherine Addy ordered the petition to be dismissed without cost after HMRC counsel asked following the voluntary liquidation.

Keith Marsden ran the pub company before retiring to focus on recovery from illness and handing the business over to his son Joe.

Keith told The Morning Advertiser​: “The past couple of years have been very tough for pubs and casual-dining operators, with a number of high-profile casualties."

He said the difficulties with the company were triggered by several factors beyond their control, including illness and the failure of the wine bar.

He added: “As a result, we restructured the business and were forced to place one of our operating companies into liquidation.

“The operation of the three pubs remains unaffected and these business continue to trade successfully.”