The Swan at Grasmere, The Inn Collection Group’s newest Lake District reopening, was officially welcomed back to trade last Friday after an 18-month restoration operation.
Under brilliant blue skies, fell-runner, charity fundraiser, and Grasmere local Steve Watts MBE proclaimed The Swan at Grasmere open, following a multimillion-pound makeover that returned the ancient house to its former glory as a typical, comfortable Lakeland inn.
The first person to run the Everest marathon with a pacemaker and the inspiration for the book A Year Like No Other, which has collected cash for the Evalina Children’s Hospital and the Tony Hudgell Foundation, was effusive in his admiration as he cut the ceremonial ribbon.
“ICG’s refurbishment of The Swan is without compromise, and after two years of Covid, lockdowns, and the like, it’s fantastic to see The Swan back in business.”
“Everyone did a fantastic job, and the pub is stunning. It was an honour to be asked by the guys to cut the ribbon and declare it open.”
“Let’s hope it can continue to welcome visitors to Grasmere for another 350 years!”
The Swan, which was erected in 1650, is one of the oldest institutions in the national park and is now poised for the next chapter in its long history of making people happy and welcome them to eat, drink, sleep, and explore.
While guests have been enjoying the inn’s charms since it first opened its doors on April 3, the official opening allowed ICG to showcase the venue to partners, suppliers, and invited guests from organisations across the country.
Almost 100 people took advantage of the offer to experience The Swan’s hospitality and see some of the property’s stunning bedrooms as the Newcastle-based pub with rooms operator continues its investment in the national park.
The Bread & Butter Theatre Company distributed certificates as Heidi and Henrietta, a pair of roaming Herdwick Sheep, to individuals in the area over the weekend.
General manager Nigel Brown, one of the husband-and-wife partnership that manages The Swan, said, “It was a really good day and it was great to see so many people take up the invitations to come and see what The Swan is about.”
“We were able to show ourselves in the best light, and we’ve had some really useful conversations with people like Wordsworth Grasmere, Grasmere Sports and Windermere Lake Cruises, so we’re looking forward to building on what’s been a fantastic start.”
The Swan has been gliding as serenely as its namesake under the pair’s management since its acquisition in 2020, with 18 five-star ratings on TripAdvisor.
The quality of the refurbishing, the friendliness of the staff, and the cuisine on offer from the inn’s kitchen have all earned positive feedback from delighted customers.
Kath Beattie studied Journalism at The University of Central Lancashire and now writes for several Travel publications. She recently moved to The Lake District and enjoys walking her 3 dogs every day across the fells.
