Award-winning The Inn Collection Group has made its Lake District debut with the opening of a 30-bed inn in Ambleside.
The opening of The Ambleside Inn on Monday December 2nd follows a multi-million pound renovation of the 300-year-old Lakeland building marks the northern operator’s first Lake District venue to open.
The nine-month redevelopment includes a total redesign of the 150-capacity dining and bar areas to create a laid-back venue with the design brief focused around being walkers, outdoors enthusiasts and dog friendly.
Materials and the inn’s earthy colour palette reflect the natural environment, while original features including a log burning stove and bar pillars have been retained. Local memorabilia, photo murals and prints add feature interest to walls.
Each of the inn’s 30 en-suite letting rooms is true to the group brand with signature tartan carpets and local-themed railway poster prints. Designated pet-friendly rooms have dog beds and toys while plastic trays are provided for walkers and outdoors enthusiasts to place muddy footwear.
General manager John Cecchini said: “After an immense refurbishment we have breathed life into the fabulous building which is buzzing with its new lease of life. We’ve brought it back to being a local for people in the heart of the community, as much as for visitors from afar, adding another fantastic level of experience for visitors to the Lake District.”
Managing Director Sean Donkin said, “It has long-been a vision for the company to operate in the Lakes. The opening of The Ambleside Inn in one of the best addresses in the Lake District marks the end of a long chapter searching for the right unit in a winning location to add to our estate.
'The Ambleside Inn has been well worth that wait. We’re looking forward to customers in the Lake District enjoying everything that makes The Inn Collection Group pubs superb places to eat, drink, sleep and explore from.”
The Ambleside Inn is the ninth project design specialists BXB Interiors have completed for The Inn Collection Group. Director Barry Nicholson said: “We’ve created somewhere easy-going and relaxed for walkers and people who’ve been out and about enjoying the amazing fells and lakes around the inn. It’s boot friendly, dog friendly and walking stick friendly. You can step right in here and just relax.”
Located in the heart of Ambleside, the inn has created the equivalent of 30 full time jobs and has been designed with 30 bedrooms including a mix of family and twin rooms.
The Ambleside Inn will operate on The Inn Collection Group model of providing value-for-money services including accommodation, dining and drinks all day, 365 days a year.
The Inn Collection Group has further plans to expand its portfolio in the Lake District. Its second Lake District acquisition The Coniston Inn in Coniston is set to open in Spring 2020 following a major redevelopment, while the group is finalising terms on a further two Lake District venues.
The Alchemy-backed group’s portfolio includes ten pubs with rooms in Northumberland, County Durham and Yorkshire.