Cumbrian hotel reopens after £500k revamp

A family-owned Grade II-listed hotel in Cumbria has been given a £500,000 facelift.

Work to refurbish The Kings Head Hotel, Ravenstonedale, near Kirkby Stephen has taken nearly a year to complete, and the establishment is now trading again after lying empty for three years.

Owned by the same family since 1892, the Kings Head was originally four 17th Century cottages. One was converted into a pub in late Victorian times, and the rest early in the 20th Century.

Before the recent work was carried out, the property was empty for three years and seriously dilapidated.

During the project the property was totally revamped and now has six letting rooms, an increase from four. All rooms are also now ensuite.

The hotel is run by manager Beverly Tunstall, former marketing manager of Tebay Services. It is owned by Chris Metcalfe-Gibson, along with his two sisters and brother. The head chef is Gary Fothergill, formerly of the Leeming House Hotel, Ullswater.

Malcolm Ireland and Samantha Brown of Lancashire law firm Napthens’ licensing team carried out the necessary legal work to allow the hotel to reopen.

Malcolm Ireland, head of licensing said: “This high quality refurbishment is proving very popular with local residents and tourists, and is just what the area needs.

“The family has done a great job with the work, and years of patience have really paid off.”

Chris Metcalfe-Gibson, a retired surgeon, said: “We have been packed almost every night since we opened which is a great sign.

“It has taken a long time to complete this project and people really seem to be welcoming us with open arms.”