Hotelier couple acquire 350-year-old Cumbrian inn

A historic inn bordering Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire has been taken over by new owners.

The 350-year-old Sun Inn, located in Kirkby Lonsdale, has been acquired from Mark and Lucy Fuller by hoteliers Jenny and Iain Black, who will officially take over from Monday (May 8).

Mark and Lucy bought the business in 2006 and have since helped the venue gain five-star status, two AA Rosettes and various other food and hospitality awards.

The outbound duo described Jenny and Iain as ‘the perfect custodians’ for the 17th-century inn.

Mark and Iain first worked together aged 16 at a burger restaurant in Cheshire. Both went on to become general managers for leisure operator Forte Hotels.

Jenny and Iain have worked in large hotels across the UK, including The Belsfield in Bowness-on-Windermere, where they first met, and with Forte Hotels and Novotel in Cambridge, Kings Lynn, Newcastle Under Lyme, Manchester and elsewhere.

Mark said: “When we came to the Sun Inn 11 years ago we started from scratch to create a boutique inn with great rooms and outstanding food and drink. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and the great working team we’ve built.

“If we’d been able to pick two people to take over as new custodians of the Sun Inn, it would have been Iain and Jenny.”

He continued: “They have the right experience, acumen and personalities to make a success of this charming and unique property. We’ll miss it but we’re now looking forward to becoming regulars of the Sun Inn on the ‘right’ side of the bar.”

Iain commented: “We’ve always loved Cumbria and have visited hundreds of times, so we’re really looking forward to getting started at The Sun Inn. We’re committed to achieving helping the Sun Inn achieve the same recognition and success as that enjoyed by Mark and Lucy.

“Kirkby Lonsdale is a real hidden gem and we can’t wait to settle in the area and get involved in the community too.”

The Kendal office of law firm Harrison Drury advised Mark and Lucy on the sale of the property.

Harrison Drury director Naomi Fell said: “Mark and Lucy have enjoyed tremendous success over the last 11 years thanks to their entrepreneurial flair and an understanding of their customers.”

She added: “They’ve worked tirelessly to create a unique and memorable visitor experience at The Sun Inn. I’m sure that success will continue under Jenny and Iain’s ownership.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →