Company History
History of English Lakes Hotels Ltd
The Hotels have enjoyed a very interesting and
illustrious existence and each one has its own unique tales of
days gone by, but here we have compiled the background which explains
the development of English Lakes Hotels Limited from 1952 until
present day.
1950's
On 25th December 1952 Norman Buckley, great uncle
of the present Chairman/Managing Director Simon Berry, purchased
Low Wood Hotel.
On 8th August 1959, the Wild Boar Hotel was purchased.
During the 1950's, Norman Buckley secured four
World Water Speed Records on Lake Windermere in his own designed
and built boats, Miss Windermere II and III.
Norman Buckley MBE (centre) at the shores of
Coniston Water during one of Donald Campbell's world water
speed record attempts.
1960's
On 20th October 1965, the Royal Hotel was purchased.
In 1969, the Wild Boar and Low Wood were increased in size considerably.
Norman Buckley secured two further World Water
Speed Records on Windermere in Miss Windermere IV. As well as
these achievements he was the official timekeeper and good friend
of Donald Campbell C.B.E. and he was present at Campbell's fatal
attempt in Bluebird to raise his own World Water Speed Record
on Coniston Water in January 1967.
1970's
Norman Buckley secured one more World Water Speed
Record in Miss Windermere V. He was awarded the MBE for his endeavours
on 3rd June 1972 and died November 1974.
The Waterhead Hotel was purchased on 1st July
1975 and English Lakes Hotels Limited was established 16th May
1979.
Michael Berry, joined the group on 14th July
1972 and took over as Managing Director in 1974 when his uncle
died.
Douglas Dale (now Operations Director) joined
the company, as General Manager at The Famous Wild Boar in July
1979.
1980's
Simon (now Managing Director/Chairman) and Tim
(Building & Leisure Director) joined their father in running
the business.
The Low Wood Watersports Centre was created in
August 1983 and officially opened by the Minister for Sport, Mr.
Neil Macfarlane, M.P., on 9th January 1984.
Douglas Dale joined the board as Operations Director
in October 1986.
Major developments took place at Low Wood with
the building of the Conference Centre and Leisure Club, all of
which opened in June 1989.
1990's
His Royal Highness Prince Edward officially opened
the new extended Low Wood Hotel on 3rd March 1990.
Lancaster House Hotel was the first green field
site build and was opened 12th June 1991. Princess Alexandra performed
the official opening ceremony on 4th December 1991.
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Michael Berry at Buckingham Palace
with sons Tim (left) and Simon (right
after receiving his OBE.
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Michael Doyle (Financial Controller) joined
the Company.
On 14th June 1997, Michael Berry was awarded
the O.B.E. for services to training and tourism in Cumbria.
On July 1st 1998, Simon Berry took over
as Managing Director of the company, whilst his father Michael,
remained as Executive Chairman.
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2000
Michael Berry was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement
award at the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards organised by the
Cumbria branch of the Hotel and Catering International Management
Association. Michael collected his prize, for his major contribution
to the regions hospitality and tourism industry, having been a
key player in the Lakeland hotel industry for 30 years.
2001
In November of 2001, Jane Knowles was promoted
to the Board of Directors in a newly created position, Sales Director
from her previous position of Group Sales Manager.
Lancaster House celebrated its 10th anniversary
with a special dinner attended by Princess Alexandra who as Chancellor
of Lancaster University had opened the hotel 10 years previously.
In October this year Low Wood Hotel celebrated
achieving 4 star status from the AA and RAC. This accolade followed
improvements and re-development at the hotel amounting to £8million
over the last 10 years.
2002
English Lakes Hotels celebrated its 50th anniversary
and to commemorate this and the tri-centenary of Low Wood, 1702
- 2002, Michael Berry launched his book 'A Sunlit, Intimate Gift…
Low Wood on Windermere, Three Hundred Years of Lakeland History'.
In William Wordsworths 'Guide to the Lakes' first published in
1810, the poet wrote 'Low Wood Inn, a mile from the head of Windermere,
is a pleasant halting place, no inn in the whole district is so
agreeably situated for water views and excursions'. Nearly 200
years after Wordsworth wrote this, Michael Berry compiled a detailed
account of the inns history, beginning with the birth of Lakeland
tourism.
2003
Low Wood hotel won the 'Large Hotel of the Year'
award in the Cumbria for Excellence Awards run by Cumbria Tourist
Board. The Excellence in England Awards for tourism were created
by the English Tourism Council to encourage, recognise and honour
outstanding achievements within all sectors of the tourism industry.
In April 2003, English Lakes Hotels announced
the addition of Storrs Hall hotel to their portfolio. Under a
joint venture agreement, the group undertook a 10 year management
contract on the property and its grounds.
The Waterhead hotel closed in November to undergo
a major redevelopment.
2004
The Waterhead re-opened in April as the Lake
Districts first 4 star Town House Hotel following a re-development
programme costing over £3million. The new luxury hotel offers
a style that can not be found elsewhere in the Lake District.
The hotel was transformed from a 2 star, 27 bedroomed hotel, to
a luxurious and contemporary 41 bedroomed 4 star property. The
Royal, having been sold, ceased trading in September. Lancaster
House announced plans to expand, with 19 additional bedrooms,
new conference and function facilities, and extensive improvements
to the hotels leisure facilities and beauty salon.
Chairman Michael Berry died on June 14th 2004
following a long battle with cancer. His eldest son and Managing
Director Simon has taken on the role of Chairman. Tributes were
paid to Michael Berry by many in recognition of his dedication
and commitment to tourism and local history, heritage and community
work.
2005
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Luxury bedroom at Lancaster House |
In May Lancaster House completed a £3.2 million extension and re-development programme consisting of a new conference and banqueting suite, almost doubling the hotels capacity, 19 new luxury bedroom suites, plus expansions to the Sandpiper Leisure Club and Sandeman's Bar.
In June English Lakes Hotels celebrated great success in the Enjoy England Tourism Awards with Low Wood and Lancaster House winning 'Large Hotel of the Year' in their respective Cumbria and Lancashire regional awards and The Waterhead taking the Cumbria 'Small Hotel of the Year'. Judges considered the hotel's commitment to quality, customer care, investment in staff, training and development, innovative marketing and excellence in all areas of business practice.
To complete an award winning year for the group The Hotel Marketing Association Awards, held at the Savoy Hotel at the end of December, recognised English Lakes Hotels as having the 'Best Hotel Brochure'.