20 years in 2020: Gary Wilson

This year signifies 20 years since the millennium and it’s also 20 years since Lake District Hotels acquired the remarkable Inn on the Lake hotel.

However, not only did we gain one of the most wonderful hotels in the whole of the Lake District, but we also gained an irreplaceable gem in the form of our General Manager, Gary Wilson.

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A true Inn on the Lake figure that we have all come to know very well, Gary makes each and every person’s visit to the Inn a special one. Always wearing a smile, it’s safe to say there’s never a dull moment when Gary is around!

We hugely appreciate all your hard work and we know for a fact that the incredible Inn on the Lake wouldn’t be what it is without you, so we’d just like to say a massive thank you from across the board.

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Get to know Gary…

For a bit of fun, we caught up with General Manager, Gary, and had him reflect back on the past 20 years working for the Lake District Hotels Group.

  1. What date did you start working for the company?

I started working at the Inn on the Lake on the 31st July 2000 and how the years have flown!

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  1. What was your first job with the company?

I started as General Manager of the Inn on the Lake and I still am General Manager of the Inn on the Lake after all these years.

  1. Where did you work beforehand?

Before working within the hotel industry, I actually ran a company TV & film location catering business, believe it or not.

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  1. What is your favourite thing about your job?

By far, the best thing about my job is getting the opportunity to work with such wonderful people. Excuse the cliché, but we really are like one big family here at Inn on the Lake and it makes my job a whole lot easier being surrounded by such a great bunch.

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  1. What are a few of your favourite memories from the past 20 years with the group?

Honestly, there really are too many to mention! I’ve had many touching moments over the past 20 years, from moving wedding ceremonies to magical Christmases. Many kind guests have touched my heart during my time at the Inn on the Lake.

  1. Are there any special guests who are particularly memorable to you?

I’ve met lots of amazing people over the past 20 years, but I have to give a special mention to Mr & Mrs Rodgers and Mr & Mrs Franklin who have both been coming regularly since I started.

ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS →

  1. If you could do any other role within the group, what would it be and why?

I’ve been very happy doing what I’ve doing, and like they say, “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it!”. But in all honesty, I genuinely couldn’t imagine myself in another role.

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  1. What attracted you to work for Lake District Hotels?

To be perfectly honest, I live in the village and I thought the role sounded like a wonderful challenge for me! It was exactly the type of challenge that I had been searching for and it’s massively paid off.

  1. What has kept you with the company for so long?

It’s a great company to work for and I’ve really enjoyed the role. Another significant factor has to be the loyal team that I work with too.

CHRISTMAS →

  1. What do you consider your biggest achievement has been?

I would say my biggest achievement has to be the consistency and excellent level of service we have delivered over the past 20 years. We have developed an excellent reputation, both locally and farther afield which we have all contributed toward building.

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  1. Can you give any examples of things you have influenced over the past 20 years?

I would like to think that I’ve influenced a decent number of young employees in how to enjoy their working environment. I do all I can to make employees new and old to feel comfortable at work and more importantly, happy!

  1. Has anything happened in the past that you would like to see happen again?

To be honest, the whole working process is an ever-evolving journey and for that reason, I wouldn’t change a thing. We like to take everything as it comes and adapt to match our changing industry.

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  1. Who has been your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspirations have to be our company directors Kit and Charles Graves. Their drive, passion and enthusiasm continuously shines through and I feel like I have learnt a lot from the pair of them over the past 20 years.

GIFT VOUCHERS →

  1. How do you feel Glenridding has changed over the past 20 years?

I believe that Glenridding has developed into a very forward-thinking village and it’s an honour to be based here. I love the sense of community spirit and it certainly attracts like-minded people who are a pleasure to meet.

Experience our unforgettable hospitality

If you have not yet had the pleasure to come stay with us at the Inn on the Lake or meet the treasure that is Gary Wilson, why not treat yourself to an overnight stay?

It’ll give you the chance to truly experience what friendly hospitality is. Everyone who steps food into the Inn on the Lake is not just a customer, but a friend, and the impeccable team do all they can to make your stay a memorable one.

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What’s more, we are home to some of the most magnetising views that the whole of the Lake District has to offer, with adventure right on our doorstep.

To check room rates and availability, please call our friendly reservations team on freephone number 0800 840 1245.

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