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Trenchers Restaurant has appointed highly experienced hospitality professional Craig Ripley as manager of its new Bowness-on-Windermere restaurant, which is due to open in July 2026.
Ripley brings with him an impressive track record in the hospitality sector, having managed prestigious Cumbrian venues including the Lodore Falls Hotel and The Ro Hotel. His career has also taken him across the UK, with roles at luxury destinations such as The Bath Priory, as well as involvement in launching acclaimed hotels including King Street Townhouse in Manchester and The Swan at Southwold.
Commenting on his appointment, Craig Ripley said: “Trenchers is a company I’ve admired from afar for some time as I’ve always been impressed with their work ethic and commitment to producing the best award-winning fish and chips in the UK. When I became aware that they would be launching a new restaurant in my home county of Cumbria, I spotted an opportunity that could not be passed up.
“My background has always been within the hotel sector, so I’m looking forward to this new challenge of remaining within the hospitality industry but in a role that is less 24/7 and more defined hours.
“As a typical Cumbrian, I love nothing more than getting into the outdoors, especially golfing, so the opportunity to work in a role that allows a much better work-life balance is something I’m excited to get stuck into.”
Throughout his career, Ripley has worked within several award-winning luxury hotels and developed extensive experience in opening and relaunching hospitality venues.
He added: “I’ve been lucky to work at such amazing locations as the Lodore Falls Hotel and The Ro Hotel in Cumbria, while also working on the opening of hotels including The Swan at Southwold and King Street Townhouse in Manchester.
“This background in launching new or renovated venues will prove invaluable as we launch Trenchers Bowness-on-Windermere. I’m excited to take the venue forward and focus on maintaining the strong level of service and quality to which Trenchers has become synonymous, and hopefully winning awards for the Bowness branch.
“I’m also looking forward to introducing a new range of drinks to the bar including local Cumbrian ales and specially crafted cocktails.”
Trenchers Bowness-on-Windermere will mark the company’s first restaurant outside of the North-East of England. The new 99-capacity venue will operate seven days a week from midday until 8.30pm.
Alongside Craig’s appointment, Trenchers is currently recruiting for a range of positions including chefs and kitchen staff, front-of-house team members, and a deputy general manager.