Swan Hotel reopens after Cumbria floods
The four-star, 52-bedroom Swan Hotel & Spa in Newby Bridge, Cumbria, has reopened following a £4m refurbishment that stemmed from the Lake District floods.
Dating back to 1623, the converted alehouse suffered extensive damage from flooding after Cumbria experienced England's heaviest rainfall on record of more than 300mm on 19 November last year.
"We had already committed to refurbishing our top floor bedrooms in the January so it was a fairly easy decision to take advantage of a bad situation and use the time to refurbish the entire hotel," said general manager Sarah Gibbs.
The result is a restoration, featuring Designers Guild fabrics and Andrew Martin furniture that Gibbs describes as "the epitome of country chic."
All 90 staff were retained during the six month closure of the hotel on 70% pay.
"As a team we are now so committed to making a success of the Swan Hotel & Spa," said Gibbs. "There is a huge sense of pride within the workforce which shines through to everyone who comes to stay with us."
How Cockermouth hotels are faring after the floods >>
Hospitality battles on after flooding in Cumbria >>
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By Janet Harmer
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