Carss takes helm at Rothay Garden

Christopher Carss has become the new owner of the Rothay Garden hotel in Grasmere, Cumbria, after purchasing a majority shareholding from his former partners.

Carss, who before the deal had a stake of 15% in the business, has managed the 25-bedroom site for the past 12 years, and began his career 29 years ago as a waiter at Borrowdale hotel, Keswick.

Now, as sole owner, he plans to refurbish the restaurant in November, and intends to add half-a-dozen bedrooms and revitalise the reception area in the near future.

Carss is offering a discounted "manager's special" five-course dinner throughout May, and plans to lead a wine holiday to France in June, made up of 12 to 16 hotel regulars.

During his career he has been Cumbria and North Lancashire branch chairman of the HCIMA as well as a director on the executive committee of the Cumbria Tourist Board.