Forget the threat of airport strikes, long delays and frustration – come and join us and enjoy a relaxing break in the beauty of the Lake District.

See you soon …..

Braved the crowds and went across to Ullswater, intending to start my recce for the Monday Strollers walk in October.  Started at Glencoyne Bridge (near Glencoyne Bay where Wordsworth was inspired by the daffodils) but got rather carried away, climbing up out of the valley and into Striders territory, before arriving at the old quarry workings well above Glenridding.  Decided against continuing to Helvellyn (excuse: advancing age and too hot a day) and started back down towards Glenridding, before striking across to Lanty’s Tarn, which will feature in the October walk.  I also called in at the White Lion pub in Patterdale, which is the planned end of both walks, and as ever tested the beer – I can confirm that the Tirrel brewery’s “White Lion” bitter was of suitable quality.

Anne-Marie's orchid

The annual Ambleside Flower Show and Craft Fair took place last weekend  – back in its old patch on the Rugby Field just across the road from the hotel for the first time in a few years.

The entries poured in – so much so that the organisers struggled to find room for all of them! But they did and what a great sight it was to see the marquee so full.

Despite the unsettled weather, lots of people came along to see the exhibits and wander round the trade stands.

A number of staff entered the show in a variety of categories. At the prize giving ceremony, Anne-Marie’s orchid received the Victoria & Keith Marshall Cup for the best exhibit in the Pot Plant classes, while Jane won the Ambleside Flower Show Trophy for the best exhibit in the Photographic Classes. Pat received first prize for her beautifully decorated cake in the shape of a lady in her ballgown, while one of our guest, Pat Comfort, won first prize for her sausage rolls! Well done, Pat.

Marco at the Church

What a lovely day it was. The weather was dry and bright although the wins was cool and the sun came out in the afternoon – just in time for the photos!

The vintage double decker transporting the guests

Marco was there in plenty of time and didn’t seem at all nervous. Many of the guests arrived at the Church on a vintage double-decker bus which had been organised to bring them through from the Low Wood to alleviate potential parking problems.

Becky’s bridesmaid arrived in a white VW campervan, while Becky arrived on time in a vintage white VW beetle. Becky was given away by her Mum as she was married by her Dad, Methodist minister David Crouchley. It was a lovely service and there were a few tissues and hankies pressed into service.

Marco and Becky leaving the Church on their way to the reception

The church itself was freezing so were all glad to see that the sun had come out as we left the church to enjoy sparkling wine and Grasmere gingerbread while the photos were taken.

Any wedding in Grasmere on a Saturday is sure to draw attention from visitors, which indeed it did. It also provided a good photo opportunity for some visiting Japanese tourists who mingled with the guests and took great delight in admiring (closely!) Becky’s beautiful dress.

At the Low Wood we were treated to Champagne and canapes while more photos were taken on the lawn and, out the breeze, it was a beautiful afternoon.

After a delicious meal, Marco’s speech brought tears to quite a few eyes – especially his Mums and we all joined in toasting their future happiness.

Mr and Mrs Soldatt

Marco and Becky should now be enjoying their honeymoon (red shirts and volcanic ash permiting!), and although for us the 3 weeks will seem a long time, for them I’m sure it will fly by!

Marco

Well, its almost here! What? Marco and Becky’s wedding of course!

Anyone who has visited us over the last couple of years will have been aware of Marco’s forthcoming wedding. He has been counting down the months, week, days, minutes since it was booked and unbelievably – its almost here.

Today is his last day at work before the wedding on Saturday and his 3 weeks away on honeymoon so we had a little celebratory drink with him this morning and wished him well for the future.

We are all looking forward to the ‘big day’ and hope the weather stays fine and bright but warms up just a little! If you see a cream double decker bus bedecked with ribbons travelling through Ambleside on its way to Grasmere on Saturday morning, be sure to give us a wave.

Full details of the wedding and more pictures will be available both here and on Facebook within a few days so make sure you have a look and do some ‘staff spotting’!

Nigel, Gwyneth and Peter at the Awards evening

On Tuesday evening, Nigel, Gwyneth, Anne-Marie and Peter donned their ‘glad rags’ (black tie for the gents!) to attend Cumbria’s version of the Oscars at Rheged, near Penrith.

The red carpet was out when we arrived and we were given glasses of Champagne and canapes to while away the time before the awards ceremony began.

Well known Radio 2 presenter, journalist and author Stuart Maconie was the compere for the evening and added a touch of humour to the occasion with some very witty tales and observations, while the whole event was filmed to be broadcast on the Lakes TV channel (203) on 20th May at 7.30pm.

Peter, Anne-Marie and NIgel on the red carpet at Rheged

The auditorium at Rheged is very steep and presented somewhat of a challenge to ladies with high heels, who had to take extra care when descending to the stage to collect their awards. Luckily, everyone managed to negotiate them without mishap!

Following the ceremony, all the finalists, guests, sponsors and judges enjoyed a very nice meal with entertainment provided at the tables in the form of magicians and caricaturists.

Congratulations and thanks must go to Cumbria Tourism for all their hard work in organisng the awards and the event itself, and good luck to all who did win and now represent Cumbria in the North West Awards.

A good night was had by all and, while we didn’t win, we were delighted to have been shortlisted from the vast amount of competition that exists in Cumbria.

Maybe next year Peter …….

Nigel being interviewed

Gary Robinson brought the Lakes TV cameras to Rothay Manor yesterday (Thursday) to record an interview with Nigel Nixon, the hotel proprietor.

Rothay Manor has been shortlisted in 2 categories this year – the ‘Small Hotel of the Year’ and ‘Access for All’ and the interview will be broadcast as part of the Awards ceremony for the Cumbria Tourism awards on May 11th at Rheged near Penrith. Each property shortlisted for the various awards will also be having a visit from Lakes TV and the resulting films shown as each is announced.

The whole ceremony will be filmed on the night by Lakes TV and excerpts will be shown on the Lakes TV channel (203 on Sky and Freeview) at a later date.

Businesses from Ambleside, Ulverston, Windermere, Bowness, Milnthorpe, Coniston, Dalton, Kirkby Lonsdale and Kirkby Stephen have made the shortlist for the county’s showcase for the tourism industry.

Ian Stephens, chief executive of Cumbria Tourism, which organises the awards, said: “Once again, Cumbria’s tourism industry has excelled itself with the volume of high quality entries, ensuring that the shortlisting panel had their work cut out this year.

“These businesses work hard all year round to make sure that our 15 million annual visitors have the best possible time when they come here and this is our chance to show our appreciation for their continuous efforts.”

A special awards ceremony, hosted by broadcaster Stuart Maconie, will be held at the Rheged Centre, Penrith, on May 11.

Firms nominated include: The Windermere Suites; Number 43, in Arnside; the Cranleigh, in Bowness; Yew Tree Farm, Coniston; The World of Beatrix Potter, Windermere; South Lakes Wild Animal Park, Dalton; Sizergh Castle, Kendal; Rothay Manor, Ambleside; Woodclose Park, Kirkby Lonsdale; Skelwith Fold Caravan Park; Stones Throw, Ambleside; Grove Cottages, Ambleside; Elder Grove, Windermere; Augill Castle, Kirkby Stephen; Crooklands Hotel, Milnthorpe; Castle Green Hotel, Kendal; River Deep Mountain High, Ulverston; Lakes Alive 2009, Kendal.

The lounge in the newly refurbished Loughrigg Suite

Following on our success in being shortlisted for the Cumbria Tourism ‘Small Hotel of the Year 2010′ Award, we are delighted to learn that w ehave also been shortlisted for their ‘Access for All’ Award.

This is a new award from Cumbria Tourism and is for businesses offering good accessible accommodation to the mobility, hearing and visibility impaired.

Rothay Manor has been offering good accessible accommodation since the mid 1980′s and is has held a National Accessible Scheme Mobility Level 2 grading since 2002.

Marketing Coordinator, Anne-Marie O’Neill, said ‘We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. We are proud of the facilities we offer for those with mobility issues as well as the hearing and vision impaired and, from the feedback we receive from our guests, they are very happy with all the efforts we have made to make their stay comfortable and problem-free.’ 

The Loughrigg Suite in the grounds of the hotel is one of 2 accessible accommodation options and has recently been completely refurbished to a very high standard

Marketing Coordinator, Anne-Marie O’Neill said ‘We have entered various categories in the Cumbria Tourism annual awards for the last 10 years and have been delighted to be shortlisted in at least 1 category each year. In 2006, we won the ‘Small Hotel of the Year’ award and in 2007 Reception Manager, Julia Howarth represented Cumbria at the North West for Excellence Awards after being shortlisted for the ‘Most Outstanding Customer Service’ award.”

“In 2008 we were shortlisted for the ‘Taste’ award and remain the only hotel restaurant to have made it to the short list, while in 2009, General Manager, Peter Sinclair was ‘pipped-at-the-post’ in what was termed a ‘close-run thing’ for ‘Most Exceptional Young Tourism Manager.”

“We are absolutely delighted to be recognised in this way,  especially with all the great hotels and restaurants there are in Cumbria.”

The hotel now expects a visit from a ‘mystery shopper’ over the next few weeks and the winner will be announced at the Awards Celebration Dinner will take place on the 11th May at the Rheged Centre, Penrith.