A LAKE DISTRICT hotel showcased its multi-million pound refurbishment to locals in a glitzy Great Gatsby celebration.

More than 130 people – clad in black tie and flapper dresses – turned up to The Belsfield, Bowness, for a night of 1920s splendour.

The hotel, which was recently renovated by British design brand Laura Ashley in a multi-million pound project, was taken back in time with pearls and feathers galore.

Stilt walkers served champagne, magicians entertained at dinner, vintage cars sat proudly at the entrance and Laurel and Hardy lookalikes made an appearance.

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Business development manager Joe Nichols, who organised the event, said: “We chose the 1920s theme because it fitted the elegance of the refurbishment, and the opulence of the era gave us a the opportunity to create an incredible party.

“We really wanted to showcase the incredibly exciting changes that the hotel has gone through with Laura Ashley, and to celebrate all the work that has gone in to the project.”

And the glamorous evening was a great presentation of Cumbrian talent, with Macaron Marquee, of Kendal and the Lakes Distillery, Cockermouth, being two of the many local businesses involved.

“We take our partnerships with local artisan producers very seriously and always want to support local businesses. From the evening menu to the leaf teas, musicians and the cars, everything was Cumbrian where possible,” said Joe.

Cumbria Tourism’s head of operations Richard Greenwood, one of the lucky guests, said: “It was great to see The Belsfield in all its restored glory. The evening was just absolutely fantastic."

And Derek Armstrong, manager at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said it was ‘absolutely fantastic’ that the prestigious Laura Ashley had chosen to come into South Lakeland.

“The refurbishment is absolutely tremendous and really set the scene for the Gatsby event. The fact that the brand chose to come here is something that I really feel will benefit the whole area,” he said.

The refurbishment has seen the hotel completely re-designed by Laura Ashley, with all the brand’s fabrics, furniture and fittings used throughout.

Head designer Kay Cullen displayed a ‘concept to completion’ exhibition at the Great Gatsby party. She said: “The project has taken a year to complete and I have lived and breathed the hotel in that time, but it’s worth it when you see it celebrated and enjoyed by everyone.

“I was completely inspired by the building and fell in love with it from the beginning – the potential was just amazing.

“The decor does have modernity to it now but I always kept in mind the building’s origins. It’s an eclectic mix of classics and vintage while bringing it up-to-date.”

The hotel has been renamed ‘Laura Ashley The Belsfield Lake District’, but continues to be operated by the Corus Hotels group.