A Lake District pub has become a popular spot for ‘staycation’ holidaymakers after recently reopening following a significant refurbishment by Stockport’s Robinsons Brewery.
The Pooley Bridge Inn, in the centre of village of Pooley Bridge, near Ullswater in the heart of Cumbria’s Lake District National Park, is the latest in a series of investments the family-owned brewery has made into its tenanted estate across the North-west. The £1 million investment from Robinsons Brewery and licensee Mat Cooper is one of the largest investments in any of Stockport firm’s pubs as it continues to modernise its estate; changes have been well received by staycation visitors to the Lake District.
The re-opening of the pub, originally planned for late March, but delayed due to restrictions on the sector imposed due to the coronavirus crisis, has now coincided with more British holidaymakers choosing to remain in the UK, and avoid potential quarantine on return.
The pub has undergone a complete internal and external transformation, including outdoor seating to the front and rear, as well as refurbishment of its 12 en-suite bedrooms. A number of new measures have also been implemented to ensure patrons are kept as safe as possible to Covid-19, as has been done throughout the Stockport brewery’s pubs. Kyle McGregor, Operations Director at the Pooley Bridge, said:
We absolutely love the new Pooley Bridge Inn and so do our customers! The place looks stunning and after months of worry and the disappointment of missing out on our original opening day in March, trade has taken off like a rocket. August sales were up by 70% on last year, boasting the great beer sales in Robinsons pub estate as a whole. We’ve recruited a fantastic team and we feel the whole guest experience from top to bottom is now on a completely new level. Our COVID friendly spacing gives us 397 covers inside and out, meaning there’s lots of space for everyone to enjoy. We also scored over 90% guest satisfaction for hygiene practices, COVID safety measures and cleanliness, highlighting the safety of our pub during this difficult time.”
Simon Taylor, Business Development Manager at Robinsons Brewery, commented:
The Pooley Bridge now certainly meets the expectations of today’s tourists and visitors. The village was left isolated after Storm Desmond of 2015 (the new bridge is due to re-open in late October 2020), and we wanted to give the village a new lease of life. The bedrooms are rich in heritage and cosy with feature floral walls and sandblasted oak beams, perfect for guests ranging from single travellers to families or couples. The Pooley Bridge offers a delicious brand new menu, embracing scrumptious pub classics, hearty pies and local steaks.”
