A LAKE District pub which had a £2 million refurbishment has received a 'Superior Quality' accreditation from Cumbria Tourism.

The Queens Head at Troutbeck, Windermere, has become only the 16th venue in the county to receive the award.

The pub, which reopened in March 2017 following a huge blaze, has welcomed thousands through its doors over the last 11 months with more than 3,900 people enjoying the night in the pub’s 10 letting bedrooms.

Samantha Robinson, general manager of the Queens Head, said: “We are delighted to have received such an accolade less than 12 months after we have reopened our doors. We always strive to put our customers first and give them a great Cumbrian welcome.”

Assessors for the award commented on the warming and relaxing ambience of the Queens Head whilst giving a nod to the retention of the pub’s original features.

Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said: “The Queens Head is a wonderful example of a business that has chosen to heavily invest in the area to provide a high-quality customer experience, and consistently goes the extra mile for their guests.

"The Superior Quality mark recognises and rewards the very best of tourism businesses in Cumbria and is given at the discretion of independent assessors who judge from the highest level of quality criteria.”

Alongside the Superior Award, the Queens Head also received Cumbria Tourism’s ‘Pets Welcome’ accreditation thanks to the Queens Head’s dog friendly bedrooms and bar.

“We are a nation of dog lovers, myself included,” said Samantha, “so it’s always been important to us that we keep the Queens Head as dog friendly as possible."

William Robinson, managing director (pubs division) for Robinsons Brewery said: “We are delighted that the Queens Head has been awarded this accolade by Cumbria Tourism.

"When we set out to reopen the Queens Head last year, we wanted to give this wonderful pub back to the community with the same relaxing atmosphere that has been synonymous with the Queens Head for generations.

"This accolade is a testament to the hard work of Sam and the entire team at the Queens Head.”

The Queens Head is open daily serving a range of ales, world beers, spirits and classic pub food.