A shining star of Cumbrian hospitality has been named as one of the leading lights in the industry, according to a prestigious annual list.

Nina Matsunaga, chef, hotelier, and co-owner of The Black Bull in Sedbergh, has appeared in the 2022 Boutique Hotelier Power List, an annual celebration of the movers and shakers in the UK hotel industry.

The annual guide celebrates industry leaders who are integral to the growth and success of hotels up and down the country who have made their mark this year.

Nina features in a list of 10 Business Leaders, alongside the likes of Ross Grieve, Managing Director, of Seaham Hall, Sherene Fuller, General Manager, of Karma Sanctum, Soho, and Garry Baldwin, Managing Director, New Forest Collection.

Nina said: "I certainly didn’t expect to be listed in the Boutique Hotelier 2022 Power List, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.

"It’s a real pat on the back though for all the hard work (co-owner) James and I have put into the Black Bull since opening the doors in 2018.

"We’ve always tried to go that extra mile and to take our team on that journey with us.

"We are passionate about what we do, and we believe in constantly evolving and developing to ensure that we stay at the forefront of what we do.

"The sector has faced challenges in recent years, but this recognition is testament to the fact that hard work pays off, especially when you have an equally dedicated team on that journey with you."

Nina and James have a clear vision of the direction in which they want to take their Inn with rooms and as a result they have created 18 individual guest rooms, a busy restaurant and bar, a seasonal outdoor dining space and bar, and a combined bakery and deli, which came about as a response to the pandemic.

Not content to rest on their laurels, the couple is busy planning to create additional accommodation and dining offers, which will both be revealed in the coming months.