Willow Inn closes for good

CTV Montreal: The Willow Inn shuts down Hudson residents are hoping a new buyer will revive the Inn.

The Willow Inn in Hudson has served its last meal and poured its last drink.

Staff were busy throughout the building on Tuesday, cleaning up and making sure everything was put away.

"It's the end of an era," said Catherine Booth, the Inn's manager.

The Inn's owner, Michael Poirier, wants to retire and sell the buildings. Earlier this year he sold two grocery stores he owned in St. Lazare and Hudson.

"I'm confident that somebody will come along, perhaps this winter, buy the Willow and hopefully revive it," said Booth.

The Willow has been revived before.

Originally built around 1820 as a private home, it became a boarding house in 1837, then a hotel and restaurant.

In 1989 a fire destroyed everything except the fireplace in the bar.

"The stones on the fire place are the original foundation of the Willow. So, that's what's left over from the original Willow into the new Willow," said Booth.

Since the closure was announced in September, regulars have been making their final visits to indulge in nostalgia.

"It means a lot to everybody. There's lots of weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties that have come through here. The last two months when we announced we were closing, we've had a stream of customers coming and sharing all their memories and stories," said Booth.

In Hudson, the hope is the Willow will make yet another comeback.

The current price for the Inn and the adjacent property is estimated at $3 million.