On 14th June 1997, our previous Managing Director, Michael Berry, was awarded the O.B.E. for services to training and tourism in Cumbria. Twenty years later, English Lakes strives to continue that legacy of

Michael Berry, previous English Lakes Managing Director


training within the industry. An important part of recognising the achievements of our employees is our quarterly Service Awards Lunches, attended by the entire Board of Directors. This is an opportunity to say thank you to team members for their previous twelve months service, and to present English Lakes vouchers and other significant +1 awards for service that goes above and beyond expectations.
The most recent Service Award Lunch was held at The Midland, and we’ve shared a few of the photos and comments from the event below.
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International Children’s Book Day is celebrated each year on or around 2nd April, Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday. In this, the fiftieth year, it continues to be a clarion call to children the world over to put down other distractions, pick up a book and enter the world of imagination and learning.
We’ve chosen a bit of an oldie, but one that continues the theme of getting the children out in the beautiful Lake District countryside.
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It’s International Chefs Day and we just wanted to give a big shout out to the Head Chefs at English Lakes. These guys amaze us every day with their hard work, creativity and dedication to their craft. We asked them about their favourite food and who inspired them to get into the kitchen. Their teams have a few interesting things to say too!
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Delighted! Two awards in two weeks. First, English Lakes scoops a prestigious national Family Business of the Year Award, then Waterhead is crowned Large Hotel of the Year by Cumbria Tourism.

CUMBRIA TOURISM AWARDS 2016 --- Large Hotel of the Year winner - Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside. (l-r) Justin Moorhouse, Matt Stanaway, Anthony Sutcliffe, and award sponsor Richard Andrew of Armstrong Watson. // Annual award ceremony from Cumbria Tourism celebrating the best in the county's tourist attractions. Held at Cartmel Racecourse and hosted by comedian Justin Moorhouse. Wednesday 22nd June 2016. HARRY ATKINSON

(l-r) Justin Moorhouse, Matt Stanaway, Anthony Sutcliffe, and award sponsor Richard Andrew of Armstrong Watson. Photo Credit: Harry Atkinson


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Rachel and Jessica

Rachel and Jessica, Chefs at Waterhead Bar & Grill


When Jessica Struckman and Rachel Eaton were offered jobs in the kitchen at Waterhead Bar & Grill, it was meant to be a stop gap to fill the time before they set off on their travels. What they did not expect, was to be inspired to consider the life of a Chef at English Lakes as a new career path.
With guidance from Head Chef Nick, they are learning the art of food preparation – and loving it!
Jessica and Rachel took some time away from the kitchen to tell us about there roles at Waterhead Bar & Grill. (more…)

Congratulations are certainly in order for the longest serving member of staff at English Lakes, Maria Walker, who celebrates thirty years in the company this month. Here, she shares a little of her English Lakes journey. (more…)

Looking for something different to give this Christmas? We know how difficult it can be to give a really special gift, especially ones that Don’t Cost the Earth. Here’s some inspiration…
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Colin Fox, Marketing manager here at English Lakes Hotels will fly out to Hong Kong and also visit Guangzhou at the end of this month to join a group of UK tourism professionals promoting their businesses at Destination Britain China.

Colin Fox

Colin Fox


This is my third promotional visit to the country having been on previous trips to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong in 2011 on a VisitBritain mission and an independent trip to Shanghai back in 2003, prior to the UK having Approved Destination Status. Whilst planning for the upcoming visit I have met some really interesting people who are also linked to China and tourism in one capacity or another and I thought it would be great to share some of our collective thoughts and experience. In this first blog I spoke to Bob Cartwright.
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English Lakes employs passionate people! Passionate about going the extra mile for our guests. This usually comes from a good work-life balance which allows time for other interests and hobbies.
Marcus Whitney works in the Maintenance Department at English Lakes and can be called upon for any number of jobs around the hotels. When not at work, he will still have his overalls on as he turns his attention to his other passion – camper vans! (more…)

English Lakes employs passionate people! Passionate about going the extra mile for our guests. This usually comes from a good work-life balance which allows time for other interests and hobbies.
Meet Debbi Fralick who works at as a Housekeeper. We welcomed Debbi to the Low Wood Bay hotel team in 2013 and very quickly discovered her passion for
… all things artistic! (more…)

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