A LONG-SERVING hotel boss is preparing for an emotional goodbye after deciding to hang up his door keys.

Thomas Twigge has decided to step back from running The Clarkes Hotel in Rampside.

The 61-year-old has been running the pub for 23 years, and bought out his partner in 2008 just before the financial crisis hit.

The Mail:

As he prepares to say a final goodbye to his loyal customers, he said: “I’d probably just cry and then give them a generous hug.

“I can’t thank people enough. It’s my client base that’s got me through. It’s Barrow, it’s Ulverston, it’s Grange.”

Lakeland Inns will take over the running of the pub and hotel from July 19.

Kirsty Ridge, managing director of Lakeland Inns, said: "The Clarkes is a fantastic venue in an excellent location.

"Over many years, it has built a great reputation among local residents and visitors alike.

"This is down in no small part to the hard work and dedication of Thomas Twigge and this is something we look forward to building on over the coming months and years.”

The Mail:

It’s been a decision a year in the making, but with restrictions lifting, Mr Twigge says the pub needs £60,000 of refurbishments, which would take him 10 more years to pay off.

He said: “In 10 years I’ll be 71. That’s too old to have fun. You can’t have fun at 71.

“Kirsty does a good job. She has more enthusiasm than I’ve ever seen in anyone. She’ll take it where it to where it should be.”

And his success? “I’m old fashioned. That’s what people like. I like to dress up in a nice suit and entertain. Modern hospitality sometimes forgets what its job is," said Mr Twigge.

"I’ll remember the locals on New Year’s Eve, we have tremendous New Year’s Eve celebrations. And the view. Always the view. It’s the most spectacular road anywhere.

"I live 25 miles away and sometimes I just drive 25 miles there and 25 miles back just to admire the beauty.”

The Clarkes is the sixth pub to join the Lakeland Inns portfolio; the business also has The Sun in Ulverston; The Commodore in Grange; The Black Cock in Broughton; The Royal Oak in Spark Bridge and The Royal Oak in Curthwaite.

Kirsty said: "With the government now having confirmed hospitality venues can fully reopen from July 19, we're preparing for a summer of fantastic food, excellent drinks and great company."