The owners of the Welbeck Hotel in Douglas say they have received interest from someone considering retaining the business as a hotel, just days after announcing it would close next month.

In an update on Monday, Michael George asked customers and suppliers to be patient before finalising any cancellations.

He wrote: ‘We have finally had some potential interest from someone thinking of retaining The Welbeck as a hotel.

‘Therefore, if you can be patient with us we'd be grateful if you'd give us a little time before finalising any cancellations.’

The update offers fresh hope for the family-run business, which announced on Sunday that it would cease operations on Monday, November 23, after 48 years under the George family's ownership.

The announcement prompted heartfelt messages from customers and members of the public, many describing the Welbeck as a historic part of Douglas and saying the island needed establishments like it.

The possibility of the hotel surviving has since been welcomed by those who had expressed sadness at its planned closure.

In its original statement, the George family said the decision had been incredibly difficult and emotional, citing family health circumstances and an increasingly challenging business climate.

The family said previous efforts to find a buyer had been unsuccessful, although the property would remain on the market in the hope that someone could secure its future.

The hotel has continued to honour existing bookings up to the planned closure date, with the final overnight guests originally expected to stay on Sunday, November 22.

Guests with reservations beyond November 23 were due to be contacted individually, with deposits refunded in full. Customers holding vouchers had also been encouraged to use them before the hotel closed.

However, Monday's update indicates the family is now seeking time to explore whether the new interest could lead to a sale and the hotel's continued operation.

No potential buyer has been named, and there is no confirmation that a deal has been agreed or that the planned closure date has changed.

The Welbeck was originally built in the late 19th century by Alexander Gill, a prominent builder. It was one of three hotels bearing the Welbeck, Rosebery and Glenville names before its subsequent development.

The George family moved from Fleetwood after falling in love with the Isle of Man and took over the business in 1978. It has remained family-run ever since, with Michael and Irene George managing the hotel after taking over from Michael's parents.

The business has expanded over the years and now comprises 27 en-suite hotel rooms and seven self-catering holiday apartments.

When announcing the planned closure, the family thanked employees, customers, suppliers and the wider Manx community for their support and loyalty over almost five decades.

The family also confirmed staff had been informed of the situation, with a consultation process under way regarding potential redundancies. Outstanding supplier balances were due to be settled in full.