Just 6 weeks after opening The Lion at Settle has been awarded a much prized 4 star Inn grading by the AA.The Lion re-launched in late March after a £400k development programme including a complete refurbishment of all rooms.
It’s one of the founding members of the new Thwaites Inns of Character – and the second one in North Yorkshire, as it joins The Lister Arms at Malham.
Ian Pilcher, Manager of The Lion, comments “ I’m delighted that we have achieved such a good grading in our first 6 weeks, especially for the team as they have all worked so hard. We’re very proud of our new-look Lion and the customer feedback has been exceptional”.
The Lion is already becoming a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike, with regular events for all and a barter board where local gardeners can bring in their surplus home grown fruit and veg in exchange for tokens to spend at the inn.
The AA is one of the most widely recognised grading schemes for the hotel and pub industry and gives prospective guests a clear indication as to the level of hospitality and standards to expect on their visit.
Thwaites are planning to grow to 25 inns up and down the country by 2016. Thwaites Inns of Character will revive the traditional aspects of ‘inn-keeping’ with strong emphasis on exceptional hospitality, good quality en suite bedrooms, locally sourced food on all menus and a wide range of cask ales and fine wines. They will be managed by Shire Hotels, and initially located within an hour of one of the existing 4 star properties to enable the hotel team to support the new business. Recruitment is underway for talented Chef Patrons and Managers who want to run their own business without taking on all the risks of ownership.
