A boutique hotel near the shores of Lake Windermere that inspired the author of Peter Rabbit has played host to a new story of love and long-service.

Lindeth Howe Hotel, the former holiday home of Beatrix Potter, is marking the 20th work anniversary of its Restaurant and Housekeeping Managers.

The award-winning country retreat near Bowness-on-Windermere is celebrating two decades of service from Sunil Burke and Nickeisha Gray-Burke, who, not long after starting at the hotel, fell in love, married, and had three children.

The couple first met in their Jamaican homeland, where they worked for the same chain of hotels but never knew one another. It was by pure coincidence they ended up emigrating to Cumbria and working at Lindeth Howe, where they soon struck up a friendship that blossomed into romance.

Nickiesha came to the UK in October 2003 to work as a housekeeper, and Sunil joined the Windermere hotel as a waiter in July 2004.

After two years, they were both promoted to the positions of Head Waiter and Housekeeping Manager. The couple then had their first child before Sunil was promoted again to his current position of Restaurant Manager, which he has held for 16 years.

Seeing the Lindeth team as an extension of their own family, the couple invited half the staff to their beach wedding in Jamaica.

“It’s the people that make working at Lindeth special,” Sunil said. “We’re a close team and have been here for similar lengths of service. Many of us are also good friends outside of work.”

 Nickiesha said: “Sunil and I are passionate about what we do, we’ve put our hearts into Lindeth and they have repaid us so much, especially the General Manager, Tony. It’s not easy juggling full time work while raising three kids and Tony has been so understanding. Whether it’s allowing us to start a bit later or finish slightly early, he’s been very supportive and knows we’ll always get the job done to the highest standard regardless.”

Tony Holden, General Manager of Lindeth Howe, said: “Sunil and Nickiesha are the epitome of professionalism. They have given 20 years of exceptional service to the hotel, and to be a part of their journey which has led to a life together has been very special. It’s almost like a ‘happily ever after’ love story – which I’m certain Beatrix Potter would enjoy!”

For more information on Lindeth Howe Hotel visit: https://www.lindeth-howe.co.uk/