The Lynebank Hotel in Westlinton has been given a new lease of life under the management of Steve Vaughan and his wife Ina.

Steve, who has worked as a chef in Scotland, Australia and Holland before giving up the trade, will also manage the hotel’s nine rooms and coffee shop with Ina.

He said: “This is a new venture for us and the first time we have ever done anything like this. I worked as a chef years ago but I stopped and vowed that if I ever did it again it would be for myself. We held an open day last week and invited local people and friends and it was really good.

“I ran out of everything at the bar, which is a great sign.”

He added: “I know that a lot of businesses are struggling at the moment but I we feel very positive.”

Steve who is living nearby his new venture with his family, also has high hopes for the restaurant. He added: “There are a lot of pizza and fast food places in Carlisle but I feel that what is really lacking is a good steak and fish restaurant. We are focusing on good quality food, well prepared.”

The menu has been changed but one popular feature has remained – the 48 oz steak challenge.

Steve added: “The local people really are the key in a place like this,”
he added.

“We want people to be able to feel comfortable popping in for a meal without having to make reservations.”

He added: “We have stripped the place out and refitted most of it.

“It is totally different.”

The kitchen has been updated and new flooring laid throughout the premises which has also been redecorated.

Steve said: “We didn’t want people to come in and say ‘its just the same as it was before’ so we have spent a lot of money on it.

“We have had a lot of good feedback from local people.”

Article courtesy of Linzi Watson - Cumberland News.