Rishi has welcomed the comprehensive refurbishment of a landmark hotel in North Yorkshire.
He said the overhaul of The Wainstones Hotel at Great Broughton, near Stokesley, was most impressive.
The hotel, which was originally a farmstead dating from 1725 and became a hostelry in the 1970s, has been virtually rebuilt since its purchase by local businessman Keith Clarke.
Rishi said the stylish transformation was a credit to the team responsible and the owner.
He said: “I know the old Wainstones Hotel was popular but this welcome investment secures its future and provides extra employment. They have done a first-class job.”
The revamped hotel features 20 individually designed bedrooms, a cocktail bar, a restaurant with modern, seasonal menus, and two private dining rooms. It has also added a flexible function suite for large events and a new lounge and outdoor terrace. There is also a new café – Stones Café – open seven days a week during the day.
During his visit, Rishi saw the completed works and met the hotel’s team, including staff in the kitchens where he tried his hand at some cake decoration.
He also saw work nearing completion on No 29 – an adjacent building which has been converted into four additional luxury rooms, including a bridal suite.
Rishi said he was particularly delighted to see the hotel catering for the increasing numbers of walkers tackling the Coast to Coast Path and the Cleveland Way. The hotel offers a free shuttle bus service picking walkers up from the trails at Clay Bank Top and returning them to the same point the following day to resume their treks.
Wainstones also participates in the official Coast to Coast Passport scheme – a souvenir booklet that lets hikers collect passport stamps and unlock local business discounts while walking the path.
The 192-mile path across the North of England was upgraded to a National Trail this year after Rishi’s successful campaign to have the walk’s status officially recognised.
He said: “Quality accommodation like that provided at the Wainstones Hotel is essential to the success of the new National Trail.”
Claire Johnson, manager of the hotel said: “We are very proud of what we have achieved at the new Wainstones and we were delighted that Rishi could give it his seal of approval and speak to our staff about being part of the Wainstones team.”
