New chapter for iconic Lakes hotel

A Lake District hospitality business is set for growth.

Strands & Screes Holdings Limited has acquired The Strands Hotel, Screes Inn and Strands Brewery in Wasdale, thanks to £900,000 in funding from NatWest. 

The deal includes the freehold of the historic site, located at the base of Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain, with managing director Dave Keeler, who began his hospitality career at The Strands as a teenager in the 1980s when his Godmother owned the hotel, returning to lead its next chapter.

Dave says the cash will be used to renovate accommodation and kitchen facilities, expand brewing and distilling operations and support the summer tourist season while creating new local jobs.

He said: “We are thrilled to have the support of NatWest as we embark on this exciting new chapter for The Strands Hotel. 

“This funding will allow us to not only expand our business but also increase our contribution to the local economy and community. 

“We look forward to welcoming guests to The Strands and the Wasdale Valley area over the busy summer period.”

Mark Ward, senior relationship manager at NatWest, who led on the deal, added: “We are delighted to support The Strands Hotel in their plans for expansion. 

“As a new customer with NatWest, we are excited to see the growth and opportunities this relationship will bring.

“We are confident that this investment will bring substantial benefits to the Wasdale Valley area, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have.”

Currently, The Strands Hotel is open for business, with Screes Inn offering limited accommodation and plans for full reopening by May 2026 following renovations.

North West law firm Harrison Drury advised on the acquisition, led by corporate partner Jack Stephenson, with support from its corporate and commercial property teams.

Jack added: “It’s been a real pleasure to support this acquisition which secures a bright future for these two much-loved venues.

“The transaction required close coordination between our corporate and commercial property teams, and it’s always rewarding to work on projects that combine business ambition with a passion for preserving unique local heritage – especially with David’s local connections.”

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