High standards set in first year by The Waterhead Inn
One of Ambleside’s most commanding properties is celebrating a successful first year back from refurbishment, as The Waterhead Inn marks its first 12 months as a pub with rooms from The Inn Collection Group.
Emerging from a multi-million-pound refurbishment in time for the main chunk of the summer holidays, the handsome traditional slate building has been wowing diners, drinkers and sleepers in equal measure.
Almost 30,000 people have rested their heads after a day full of Lakeland adventures in one of the 56 comfortable bedrooms in the last year, whilst 39,000 plates of food have been served by the completely refurbished kitchen.
Fish and Chips have been the clear favourite dish with diners, accounting for almost 10% of meals served with 3,757 portions sold whilst fellow pub food favourites the house burger and pies of the week have seen 2,981 and 2,239 orders respectively.
Making the most of the views offered across Windermere’s Waterhead Bay, there has been a marked increase in the number of customers simply stopping by to drink in the scene of the lake and the hustle and bustle around the pier.
Just shy of 13,000 pints of Madri have been pulled, whilst Pinot Grigio has been the most popular wine, with 3,700 glasses served whilst guests have settled down and drunk in the views.
Employing a team made up mostly of locals and a committed squad of seven youngsters taking their first steps into a career in hospitality The team at The Waterhead Inn has been earning consistently positive reviews.
Online sites Tripadvisor, Booking.com, and Google are just some of those where top marks are awarded for the strength of the team’s service levels, the standard of refurbishment, and the views on offer.
As well as doing its day-to-day business well, the Inn has also demonstrated its heart over the last year, with donations totalling £2,500 to a range of local causes via its Give Inn Back.
It joined forces with fellow sites The Wateredge Inn and The Temperance Inn to contribute £4,000 to the Ambleside Christmas Lights fund and hosted a complimentary Christmas lunch for older members of the community.
Aiming to help combat some of the loneliness that can occur during the festive season, 80 guests were treated to an afternoon of good company, festive cheer and a superb three-course lunch.
It’s an event that will return this December and is targeting an even bigger attendance.
Reflecting on a successful year, general manager Daryl Hardy said: “It’s been an incredible first year at The Waterhead Inn with so many people coming in for food, drink or to stay.
“The team have done a cracking job since reopening to make the most of the investment made into the inn and the consistent level of positive feedback is reward for what they are doing.
“We were delighted to be one of The Inn Collection Group sites to pick up a 2024 Traveller’s Choice Award from TripAdvisor and we’ll be aiming to keep these standards high.
“We’re enjoying a good summer so far and hopefully those staying with us in the coming weeks are looking forward to their stay with confidence in what they are going to experience.”