An update from the Swan

It has now been two weeks since we closed our doors, and like many I have had to adjust to a new norm of running a business, securing its future whilst taking on parenting and home-schooling duties. It has been tough, and I am looking forward to those simple, small pleasures that I certainly took for granted before - a walk along the Lakes, dinner with friends, or like my son - a ride on his dirt bike.  

Over the past few weeks, I have been a little quiet, but for good reason. I have been taking this time to think. To think about our lovely guests and what you want from The Swan. I have been thinking about how we can deliver the best experience once we are able to reopen. And also to think about all those favourite little things and moments you may be missing whilst in isolation. 

Thank you to everyone who completed our recent survey. It was just fantastic to hear what you love about our Swan, and also to understand what we could do a little better. Rest assured, we haven’t just closed the doors on our hotel, ready to open again as before in several months’ time. We are listening to your feedback and suggestions, making the necessary improvements to provide you a greater Swan experience.  

Like many hotels and restaurants, we have had to furlough a large percentage of staff in order to ensure jobs remain when we reopen, we most certainly would have been looking at many job losses without this initiative from our Government. The small team that remains are working tirelessly (and of course remotely) planning and implementing big changes at our hotel.  

So, to whet your appetite, here’s a taster of what’s to come: 

• Our health club area, which was looking a little tired, will be refurbished to give you an amazing space for body & mind when we reopen.  
• We are overhauling the food experience at The Swan. Our Swan Inn will continue to offer the fab pub grub that you know and love - with new menus! Our chef is also working extremely hard to reimagine our hotel restaurant - new wine lists, a twist on classic cocktails, and a menu featuring seasonal dishes, local produce and plenty of wild garlic - which can be found in abundance around Lake Windermere. 
• As many of you love eating alfresco, taking in our beautiful river views, we are bringing you a lovely outdoor dining experience with at-seat-service throughout the hotel. No more queueing at the bar when you should be outside supping up those rays and sipping down a glass. 

• We will be delighted to welcome your four-legged pals into the hotel once we reopen. Some rooms are being refurbished especially for your canine friends. Expect lots of treats and a big welcome for your pooch! 
• As soon as we are able, we are investing in our lovely Swan team with a series of training programmes and many opportunities for growth and development.  

That’s just some of the bigger changes. There are also many, many smaller touches coming to the hotel. 

So, what now?  

We really don’t know how long this will last, we hoped weeks, but now it seems we are looking at months. But don’t despair. We will be active on social media keeping you engaged and up-to-date with what’s going on at The Swan behind our closed doors. 

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram

You can have your say too!  

We will be asking for your input on some of the changes, so please do get involved. We will also be introducing you to some of the friends and suppliers of the Swan, so you can get a little fix of us from home! And of course, we won’t forget the little monsters, we have plenty to keep them busy too!  

We want this to be your Swan. We look forward to seeing you again soon.