A LAKE District hotel group has appointed a new general manager to take the helm of two of its most popular four star venues.

English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues has promoted Matt Stanaway, currently general manager of The Midland in Morecambe, to take responsibility for both The Wild Boar Inn Grill & Smokehouse in Windermere and the Lake District's only four-star town house hotel, Waterhead Boutique Hotel and Dining in Ambleside.

“This is an exciting new opportunity and the chance to manage two very different, high quality Lake District venues,” said Mr Stanaway.

“I’ve loved working at The Midland and now I’m looking forward to working with both teams at The Wild Boar and Waterhead to enhance what are already two incredibly well-run and successful properties.

“My priority is to continue building strong relationships with our guests, suppliers, local community and colleagues in South Lakes and Cumbria.”

English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues managing director Simon Berry added: "We like to give our staff every opportunity for personal development throughout their careers.

“Matt thoroughly deserves his promotion and the move reflects our ‘+1 culture’ initiative to look for creative ways of going the extra mile and give our general managers the scope to introduce innovative practices in different roles and environments.

“Our venues have their own hallmarks and we are very much looking forward to Matt making a significant contribution and bringing fresh ideas to his new role.”