North East hotel group creates 40 jobs following multi-million pound redevelopment

A North East hotel group is opening a lakeside venue following a multi-million pound redevelopment that will create jobs.

The historic Coniston Inn reopened this month following the completion of a multi-million pound redesign by northern pubco The Inn Collection Group.

The opening of the expanded Coniston Inn will create a total of 40 new jobs, while the group is also looking to recruit a further 50 people across its expanding portfolio of Lakes sites including The Ambleside Inn at Ambleside, The Swan in Grasmere and The Pheasant at Bassenthwaite.

During the 18 month redevelopment, the group has carried out a complete reform of the traditional Lakeland slate building, which has been a hotel for over a century.

The completed inn has a unique location directly on the shores of Coniston water and will welcome walkers and outdoor enthusiasts and is family and dog friendly.

Features include direct lake access from the inn’s private jetty and four acres of mature gardens with a pergoda facing the water. A redesign of the bar and dining area has opened up airy, open-plan areas for customers to dine or enjoy drinks, while maximising lake and fell views.

A new extension with traditional crafted Lakeland slate and Westmorland roof houses 21 bedrooms, including interconnecting family rooms.

Husband and wife team John and Anita Dodsworth are general managers of the new Coniston Inn.

John said: “It’s been a long time in the making but the end product is second to none. We’ve been waiting for this day for 18 months and seeing the doors finally open fulfils a long-standing dream.

“We are so pleased to see everything we’ve been working on for so long come to life. It will be a great asset both for people living in the community here in the Coniston area and for visitors alike.”

The Inn Collection Group operations manager Chris Moor added: “The Coniston Inn is a massive boost for hospitality and tourism in the Lake District and for the local community surrounding the inn itself. We’ve created a real positive in the hospitality industry, generating jobs and actively recruiting.

“As The Inn Collection Group’s debut Lakes acquisition, it’s especially rewarding seeing The Coniston Inn open for business in what truly is one of the most breathtaking and unique addresses in the Lakes and one we as a group looked long and hard for over ten years to find.”