Kendal's award winning The Shakespeare Inn reflects on changes since 2018

The Shakespeare Inn was named this year by TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice award as being in the top ten percent of hotels worldwide.

OWNERS: David and Lynne Burgoyne of the Shakespeare Inn located on Highgate in Kendal

The Inn is also in the quarter-final of the British Institute of Innkeeping's Licensee of the Year award.

Since taking over the business in 2018, owners and managing directors David and Lynne Burgoyne have introduced food to the inn, as well as turned it from a pub into a prestigious B&B establishment.

David said: "When we first took over the business it was trading at a level where there was no food and there was no B&B like there is today.

"Slowly we have progressively built it into what it is now.

BAR: The Inn now has a very successful food service and B&B

"The food is now a very important aspect of the business, as is our B&B side of things.

"The investment we went through in 2018 made a huge difference for us.

"It saw us go through a complete refurbishment from top to bottom.

"It's because of that we become one of Kendal's leading premises which we are extremely proud of.

"Everything started in 2018.

"We managed to turn a tired old pub into a leading vibrant premier outlet.

"We also took over the shop that was underneath us and installed a spiral staircase to increase capacity down there.

"We introduced much of the modern feel you can see now like the furniture.

"Full work done from the ground up and we're very proud of it.

KENDAL: The Shakespeare Inn (B&B, Accommodation And Eatery)

"The work took about six weeks and saw us close on St Patrick's Day and reopen on St George's Day that year.

"Together it cost about £350,000.

"Covid was a difficult time. Prior to lockdown we had installed a range of new bathrooms, each in the ensuite rooms.

"I wish I'd known what was coming or I'd have probably waited.

"But we're still here now which is what matters.

"We're not alone of course. It was tricky for all businesses, and our staff members.

HOTEL: The Shakespeare Inn (B&B, Accommodation And Eatery)

"Some have been with us since the beginning and we feel very much like a family here.

"It was important to keep everyone involved with the Shakespeare safe throughout.

"We had our staff and the public to keep safe.

"I feel like I've aged 20 years throughout it all, but we're pleased to have our doors open again."

Lynne added: "The main reason for our continued success is because of our sole focus on the customer experience.

"Customer service is paramount to everything we do. We aren’t fine dining, not even a gastro pub but what do is fresh pub food with the friendliest and most welcoming staff in Kendal.

"Our quality of service separates us from everyone else."