Hotelier thanks public for ‘outpouring of support’
The managing director of an historic Lake District hotel has spoken of his gratitude to locals and the wider community following a devastating fire at the 17th century Queen’s Head last Friday evening.
The blaze, which started at around 21.30hrs, caused extensive damage to the property in Troutbeck, which will be closed for the foreseeable future. Fifty people, including staff and hotel guests were safely evacuated and no-one was injured.
Ian Dutton, who ran the 15-room hotel with his wife Annette, said: "On behalf of the management and staff at the Queen’s Head, I would like to extend my sincere thanks for the unprecedented outpouring of support and kind messages we have received from patrons across the country.
"We have been so touched by the level of sympathy and encouragement received. Naturally, we are devastated by the fire and damage caused. The Queen’s Head has been a part of the fabric of the landscape in Troutbeck for hundreds of years and is one of Cumbria’s oldest and most famous pubs.
"The most important factor of course, is that everyone was evacuated safely and I would also like to extend thanks to the fire crews who worked tirelessly to get the blaze under control.
At this stage, the level of damage caused is not yet fully established, but we are determined to rebuild this wonderful establishment and come back stronger than ever. We are hopeful for the future."
The hotel, which is close to Windermere, is owned by Robinson Brewers.
The cause of the blaze has not yet been established.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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