Eighteen months later, The Swan Inn has reopened after a total refurbishment.

Following a soft launch, across their social media on April 3, the Swan Inn held a grand reopening today, Friday April 21.

The ribbon was cut by VIP Guest, Steve Watts MBE, who is a local fell runner known for his fundraising efforts, and breath-taking photography.

The Bread and Butter Theatre Company from Ulverston visited the hotel dressed as sheep, to welcome and entertain guests.

Visitors were welcomed with a cool glass of Prosecco, and offered snacks from the new menu as they looked around, including avocado on toast, mini burgers, scotch eggs and scampi with chips on a stick, there were even some cupcakes decorated with swans.

Lots of people and companies were invited, including Grasmere Sport, Cumbria Tourism, Coniston Launch, Wordsworth Foundation.

Because The Swan is a listed property the refurbishment has kept original features, such as slate, beams and open fire log burners throughout.

Old windows have been renovated to modern standards by adding a secondary glazing.

The interior was designed by BXB interiors, who work across many of the Inn Collection’s establishments, they created an open yet cosy feel with lots of warm colours and natural light.

All of the art and photos displayed in the hotel were locally sourced and there is a unique mural of a Swan painted above the hearth in the lounge and bar area.

Wordsworth’s chair is proudly displayed in the corner window where he allegedly wrote some of his famous works.

With the remodelled dining area, lounge and bar there is enough space for more than 200 covers inside, while the beer garden and outside grounds can sit over 150 people.

An annex at the back of the hotel is currently still under construction and will be ready for unveiling in 8 weeks’ time, family spaces in the annex will bring the room count up to 49 in total.

The finishing touch was unique, complimentary umbrellas for guests to use in bad weather.

The Senior Communication Executive for The Swan Inn, Andrew Robson said: “Everything has changed, but The Swan has kept it’s character and history while making better use of the space.”

The number of bookings is already starting to increase, and they are looking forward to a busy summer.