The Inn Collection Group's prime lakeside site in Ambleside, The Waterhead Inn has now reopened following a multi-million-pound refurbishment by the Newcastle-based pub with rooms operator.
Beginning in October last year, the extensive renovations have created additional bedrooms and a total revamp of the venue’s bar and restaurant facilities, creating a grandiose venue overlooking the northern shores of England’s largest body of fresh water.
The works have created a space that makes the most of the commanding views over the hustle and bustle over Waterhead Bay, with a wealth of indoor and outdoor seating allowing customers to enjoy the vistas regardless of the weather.
Effectively doubling the size of the bar and restaurant, the project has seen rooms on the ground floor give way to an elegant and cosy area with a mix of booth seating and free-standing chairs.
Rich, dark woods and a mix of plush leather and fabric furnishings offer the atmosphere of a traditional country inn, whilst at the same time, bringing a degree of splendour befitting such a prime and historic site.
Designed by Consult North, who also worked with The Inn Collection Group on The Angel Inn at Bowness on Windermere and The Northallerton Inn, the décor within comprises the usual array of curiosities and nods to the heritage of the surrounding areas.
Work has also been carried out on the outdoor terracing areas, which have been extended to offer more opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the scene.
Working with GSSArchitecture on the project, the relaunch of The Waterhead Inn also sees the former Ambleside Lake House back to welcoming guests as it becomes an annexe of the main site as simply Lake House.
Operating to a model successfully employed at The Angel Inn at Bowness, the switch now sees guest services such as check-in and breakfast now hosted within the sumptuous new surroundings of the Inn.
As well as a refurbished bar, a completely refurbished kitchen has seen investment in a state-of-the-art broiler, allowing the site to offer a premium menu with a special focus on its grill section, including on its first menu a signature 1kg salt-aged on-the-bone ribeye steak.
There is also a focus on simple and elegant fish dishes, with Halibut, Sea Bream and Turbot all on offer alongside a host of traditional pub favourites.
Open all day, every day, the site is aiming to delight both visitors and residents of the town in equal measure.
Following the return of The Waterhead Inn to trading, The Inn Collection Group now has nine venues open across the national park, with a final refurbishment, The Ullswater Inn (formerly the Glenridding Hotel) due to complete its programme of works later this autumn.
Collaborating with the Newcastle Studio of national architects GSSArchitecture, the renovation and redevelopment plans will look to maximise the opportunities presented from the stunning location in Glenridding village.
Included in the plans is the introduction of a new canopied entrance which will provide guests and visitors with an accessible, covered entry and improved wayfinding on arrival.
The external facades are undergoing comprehensive refurbishment, including sympathetic window replacement, roof replacements and new signage to improve the overall appearance and experience for guests of the hotel.
Working as Architects and Principal Designers on the scheme, GSSArchitecture is partnering with ICG across a number of developments in its portfolio, including Ambleside venues The Waterhead Inn and The Wateredge Inn in addition to the project transforming Tynemouth’s Park Hotel into The Tynemouth Castle Inn.
The Glenridding Hotel sits within the English Lake District World Heritage Site, and with parts of the building dating back to the 1860s, the works have been carefully designed to sensitively upgrade and improve the hotel, providing this historic building with a sustainable long-term future.
As well as alterations to the existing bedrooms, the existing spa area will be removed to create additional bed spaces and upgrades to the hotel’s hospitality services will further improve the hotel’s offering for guests and visitors alike.
www.inncollectiongroup.com