Castle Inn Blog

Welcome to the Castle Inn Blog

July 2010.

Well thankfully the World Cup is nearly over and no more stress about the England football team or Andy Murray so we can just relax and look forward to a long and hopefully warm summer.  A few of our staff from around the World have also enjoyed the World Cup particularly Oase who works in our Restaurant (Holland) and Mel who also works in the restaurant (born in Frankfurt to Spanish parents!!), hopefully Manish has given them the night off  so that can both watch the final!

So far so good, the weather is perfect up here at the moment clear sky over Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw looks magnificent at the moment from my office window.

Now is the time of year to come and see us and there is so much going on in the area;

The Great Outdoors

Whilst fell walking is probably the most popular reason for visitors to Lakeland, there are other activities based around Keswick that are available for those who enjoy the Great Outdoors. Golf, Canoeing, Cricket, Bowls, Mini Golf and sailing are all provided nearby. There are Golf Courses at Keswick (at Threkeld, with great views of the surrounding hills on a course with only one bunker), at Cockermouth, Maryport, Workington and at St Bees, the westernmost point of the famous Coast to Coast walk. There are also courses at Kendal and Windermere, Penrith and Appleby, as well as many along the coast. Outdoor bowling, tennis and putting are found at Fitz Park , whilst Hope Park caters for miniature golf enthusiasts. Derwentwater provides facilities for sailing, canoeing and rowing.

Fell walking

Fell walking close to Keswick on Skiddaw or Blencathera provides the more adventurous with a challenge, whereas the Borrowdale and Newlands Valleys provide for more leisurely and reflective walking. A walk through wooded upland brings you to a small hill called Castlehead. (Further details on the walks page) From the top the views are exceptional, revealing the entire three-mile length of Derwentwater and a vista of Borrowdale that allows you to look into its distant jaws. Apart from devising your own walks, the Tourist Information Office (017687 72645) have leaflets and information showing walks which afford good exercise and splendid views. When walking on the hills, planning and great care must be employed. Whilst objects of great beauty, the weather can make the hills dangerous places. A leaflet is available throughout the National Park, entitled ‘Enjoy the Hills in Safety’. Telephone 08700 550575 to use the National Park Authority’s 24-hour ‘Weather Service’.

Cycling

Keswick is well known for its great cycling terrain. Hiring a bike and travelling the lanes, bridleways and forest tracks provide great exercise and a swift, quiet way to see the countryside. For example, going up into the quiet Newlands Valley using minor roads, is a great experience. The road winds its way to the top of the valley, passing a spectacular waterfall on the way. The route can be steep but is rewarding and the ride back exhilarating. The best mountain bike route in the Lake District is considered to be around the bridleways of Skiddaw. For the less ambitious there is a ten-mile circuit of Derwentwater all on minor roads, providing an easy passage for all ages. Other facilities that are provided in the area and which cater for outdoor activities include equestrian centres, and rock climbing tuition is available at Keswick’s indoor climbing wall. Within easy reach of the town there are many other outdoor centres, details of which are available from the TIC at The Moot Hall in the Market Place.

The Hotel

Ok if that isn’t enough for you, at the hotel we now offer, Indoor Tennis, Outdoor Tennis, Swimming, Table Tennis, Wii Games, Boules, Outdoor Connect 4, Croquet, Mini Golf, Giant Jenga, Bar games, children’s games – or you can just relax in the Conservatory or Garden !!  See you soon.

March

Ouse Bridge now open!  Thankfully the engineers have managed to secure and check the foundations of Ouse Bridge and after 4 months the bridge is finally open.  Guests can now enjoy direct access to the hotel from the A66.

Last week we had an afternoon of high activity as the Film crew ascended on the hotel to film the new Best Western TV advert, which is being shown for the first time on ITV 1 on 15th April, through Coronation Street.  Be sure to watch out for Eloise my Reception Manager and me!  A big thank you to our neighbours and the sheep that let us film in their field.

Easter is here and for us it’s the start of our busy leisure season, with so much to see and do in the area, Trotters World of Animals, Whinlatter Forest and the numerous walks including Skiddaw and Dodd Wood (who also have the viewing platform available to see the new seasons Osprey hatch) http://www.ospreywatch.co.uk/webcam.htm 

We look forward to welcoming you to our family run hotel over the holiday period.

Happy Easter to everyone, Peter L. Wells.

15th February 2010.

Great news this week, Castle Inn Hotel is in the top 10% of all 280 UK Best Western Hotels, who says so? our past guests. 

I would just like to thank every one of those guests who have completed the customer feedback, on Medallia, which gives us one of the highest scores in the Lake District region and UK overall, an amazing achievement and a big thank you to my team for the all the hard work and effort they put in on a daily basis in order for us to score so highly, well done! 

Last week started off at Celtic Manor, Newport, at the annual Best Western National Conference.  The conference gave the opportunity for all hotel owners to get together for an update on the future strategy for Best Western UK, there were also workshops, guest speakers, including Gerald Ratner (very funny), exhibitions and the launch of the new Best Western ‘Hotels with Personality’ concept with a TV advert to follow.  A really exciting time for Best Western, as they show-case the hotel group and raise the quality benchmark. 

24th February is the launch of the new Ritsons’ A la carte menu, a combination of local and modern British dishes.  The team are food tasting and training at the moment in order to be ready for the 24th. 

It’s non stop at the hotel at the moment, after a busy Valentines weekend and then a very busy half term.  We are now planning for Mothers Day and Easter is coming around quickly.  It is noticeable that spring isn’t that far away, blue skies, nights drawing out (slightly) snow keeping to the hill tops and daffodils starting to shoot up!  A great time to visit the Lakes and enjoy what is my favourite time of the year here.

28th January 2010

A very busy time of the year for the team at the hotel, last week we successfully launched Lakers bar menu all seems to be good and favourable comments so far.  Our Head Chef is also working on new A La Carte menus for the restaurant re-positioning.  This also links in with changing the furniture and fittings within the restaurant this week we have held various meetings with furniture suppliers with a view to changing the feel of Ritsons Restaurant……..watch this space! 

The MD and I also met with our Architect this week to discuss the Budworth Hall entrance and development and re-positioning of Reception to the Budworth area.  We are also considering building more bedrooms some time in the future. 

Lesley our Business Development Manager is currently finalising proofs for 2010 Christmas &  NY Brochure and I am hoping this will be completed within the next few weeks. 

I have also received some personal good news as I have now been accepted on the part time MBA Hospitality Management programme at Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, I am a glutton for punishment, more study! I thought my University days were over!!! 

Next week brings the annual Best Western National Conference held at the Celtic Resort Hotel in Cardiff, where it will allow Best Western owners to attend work-shops and listen to guest speakers at the three day event. 

And finally the mighty Aston Villa at Wembley in the Carling Cup Final against the now confirmed red side of Manchester……………….what a week!!!

18th January 2010.

The snow is finally starting to melt here in Bassenthwaite.  Last week we had clear blue sky and white mountains it looked glorious.  We even had a visit from Keswick Ski club after they had fixed the ski lift on the hill behind the hotel.  My first time seeing snow-boarders, skiers and young children sledging it really did look like a ski-resort!

The high-light of the week was the annual staff post Christmas party, full of much dancing, singing and fun.  I decided on a 70’s themed fancy dress disco and nearly everybody dressed up (including myself I might add, I got quite attached to my afro wig!)  Becky our Salon Manager won the best dressed, looking like Agnetha (the blonde one) out of Abba.  Everyone had a great time although, I think there were a few sore heads next morning!

Today we have also just finished off menu tasting and briefing the team on our new Lakers bar menu.  Chef has worked very hard producing the new menu of seasonal and local favourites; Tattie Pot, Cold Ham & Duck Eggs, Butternut Squash Rissotto and the Deli Board to name but a few.

January 7th 2010.

Welcome to the Castle Inn Hotel Blog and firstly I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year.

2009 was a great year for us as we achieved AA 4 star success in April which was a fantastic highlight in the journey of the hotel; this was down to all the effort and hard work of the team.  It proves that we are definitely raising the bar in terms of standards and service delivery and note-ably we are one, of only three, 4 star rated hotels in the North Lake District.  In 2009 we also completed the refurbishment of all our bedrooms and started on our conference rooms and public areas.

2010 will also be an equally challenging year ahead as we continue our re-development programme and continue our ongoing commitment in the training and development of our team.

Isn’t it funny?

While the whole country grinds to a halt, the hardy people of the Lake District carry on as normal (it has been snowing here since mid December!) floods and then snow, whatever next?.

As I look out of Lakers Bar window, Skiddaw Mountain looks fantastic with snow capped mountains and clear blue sky (who needs Chamonix when you have Bassenthwaite?).

So, why not come and see us with this amazing offer…2 nights for 2 people B&B with Dinner on the first night free, only £209.00-call our Reservations team on 017687 76401 to book now.

Meet our Management Team……..

Yann Besombes - Deputy General Manager

Originally from Switzerland Yann has worked all over the world including the USA and Mexico and is now settled in Scotland with his wife and young son.  The only Swiss national I know to own two Kilts!

Neil Blacker - Head Chef

Our Head Chef brings a wealth of experience to the kitchen gained in 4 star hotel restaurants with rossettes located throughout the country, his focus is on taking our restaurant food to new higher levels and has gained numerous fans from both hotel guests, local diners and the staff who also very much enjoy his food.

Fiona Ford - Front Office Manager

Fiona has spent most of her career working overseas with travel companies in exotic locations including the Maldives, UAE, Egypt and travelling around Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania.  Originally from the Lake District, Fiona has recently moved from a 4 star hotel in Grasmere to start in her new role at the Castle Inn.  Fiona oversees Reception and Reservations for rooms, conferences and events.

Alison McKinnel - Conference & Events Operations Manager

Our own Cheryl Cole!  If you don’t speak to this chirpy Geordie during your stay it must be her day off!!  Alison has a wealth of experience within the hotel industry and is responsible for all operational areas relating to Conference, Events and Weddings.

Gosia Mac - Housekeeping Supervisor/Duty Manager

Originally from Poland, Gosia has worked at the hotel for three years.  Gosia is responsible for ensuring each bedroom is perfectly clean before our guests check-in.

Manish Saxena - Restaurant & Bars Manager

Manish joined the hotel in September coming from Smith’s Hotel in Gretna after previous successful stints with McDonald Hotels, Hilton Edinburgh and Taj Hotels in India.

Katalin Kiszel-Kohari – Bar Supervisor/Duty Manager

Our expert Wine and Beverage connoisseur Katalin comes from Hungary and has also worked at the hotel with her husband for three years.

Anne Marie Crozier - Restaurant Supervisor

Anne Marie welcomes all of our guests with her genuine local personality.  Anne-Marie has quickly risen through the ranks from working part-time on the bar to her newly promoted position as Restaurant Supervisor.

Becky Nicholson –Leisure Club Supervisor

Local girl Becky has gained her experience from all over the world including Asia and New Zealand and has now returned to Cumbria.