Hard working PA is given a hotel to refurbish and run by her boss

March 13, 2012 - PRLog -- A hotel, given to a loyal and hard-working PA to run and do up by her boss, will open its doors to guests for its first summer season following a transformation and name change.

The Cuckoo Brow Inn, near Hawkshead, formerly The Sawrey Hotel, was bought by South Lakes Hotels owner Jonathan Denby in July 2010 for £1.1million. Denby asked his 30 year old PA, Sally Schrieber from Lancashire if she wanted to share the ownership of it, refurbish it and run it with her New Zealander husband Dan who also has experience of working in the hospitality trade.

Sally and husband Dan spent last winter organising a £400,000 refurbishment of the 300 year old hotel whilst also being kept busy as first time parents.

“Having the Cuckoo Brow means the world to us both, it is an amazing opportunity to have our own business and run it the way we think is right. From the start Jonathan has given us complete free reign, his trust in us is unbelievable and something we will always be grateful for” said Sally.

Describing their approach to the refurbishment Sally explains: “We worked in the hotel as it was for a few months before any major decisions were made so we could get a feel for our guests and what they want from us. We hope that we have hit the right note. A major advantage has been all the help from my family, having my uncle project manage the build meant that we could relax in the knowledge that he was always going to be looking out for our best interests and give us nothing but top class work. My mum is a decorator and has been invaluable in helping me choose the colours as she has a great eye for what works well together. My dad is in the antiques trade and having him go to weekly auctions across Cumbria and call me with great deals of chairs, tables, rugs, pictures and so on has not only saved us a fortune but helped create the eclectic mix of furniture we hoped for.”

Sally who comes from Heysham, Lancashire, first came to work for Jonathan Denby in 2008. She studied Business and Economics and previously worked for The Hard Rock Café and Mitchells of Lancaster.

“Right from the start Sally showed initiative and that she could turn her hand to anything” said Jonathan.

“I’ve been impressed with what she has taken on including the complete refurbishment of our Riverside Hotel in Kendal, supporting me with show gardens at Hampton Court and Chelsea and helping me with a regeneration bid in Grange over Sands. I felt she and Dan were a safe pair of hands for this new venture.”

With 14 en suite bedrooms, a 40 cover bar and dining area, exposed beams, an open log fire and a character-giving choice of furniture and paints the property has been given a new lease of life.

Cuckoo Brow, located 22 miles from the junction 36 of the M6, is close to Beatrix Potter’s former home, Hill Top, and minutes away from the shores of Windermere. Landladies Mrs and Miss E Robison (1929-1968) were believed to be great friends of the famous writer.



For further information please contact Emma Dewhurst, Ten Stories High at emma@tenstories.co.uk


Notes to editors

http://www.cuckoobrow.co.uk/
Muddy boots, wet dogs and children welcome.

Beatrix Potter who lived just ¾ mile away was a regular visitor to the hotel and was believed to be great friends with the Landladies Mrs and Miss E Robison (1929-1968). A postcard of the Sawrey Hotel, written in July 1930 and describing a holiday-maker’s meeting with Beatrix Potter, provides a very real and fascinating insight into the life of the famous authoress. The postcard came to light earlier in the year when the Beatrix Potter Society asked Sally and Dan to verify that the hotel still existed.

The new name was drawn from the surrounding Cuckoo Brow Woods and Cuckoo Brow Lane adjacent to the hotel.  Beatrix Potter also makes a reference to Cuckoo Brow Wood in one her famous stories.

Cuckoo Brow has had remarkably few landlords in its 300 year history. Sally and Dan took over from the Brayshaw family who were the landlords for the last 42 years.

Dan Schrieber, former landlord of the Derby Arms, Witherslack, and Assistant Manager of the Strickland Arms, Kendal, is the new hotel manager.

A group who have been coming to the hotel over the last 40 years for their AGM have given the new owners and the refurbishment their seal of approval:
“Having stayed here previously, I, and my friends, were most impressed by the investment made in twhat had become a rather tired old hostelry. Thanks to huge efforts by Dan and his colleagues the hotel has been updated and is now very comfortable and is excellent value for both accommodation and food. We had a great weekend (despite six inches of snow), and would unhesitatingly recommend the CB Inn to anyone. It is walker and dog friendly and Poppy, Dan's dog, is very welcoming. The food was excellent, in choice, quality and value, and the service was excellent Looking forward to returning.”

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g1099045-d24...