[A]t Granny Dowbekin’s, situated right by the river in Pooley Bridge, the most commonly asked question is “What’s happening with the new bridge?” And the answer to that is – a new permanent bridge is currently in the design process, an architect has been appointed and some initial concept sketches should be made available to the public in the next few weeks.
New for Summer 2017 – Design your own Pooley Bridge
Never one to rest on his laurels, owner Colin Hindle and the Granny D’s team have conceived an alternative Pooley Bridge design project – design your own concept for the new bridge (just for fun!). Open to everyone, budding designers need no previous experience or structural engineering qualifications. While the team can’t promise any will be built, the most imaginative entries will be featured on the Granny D’s Facebook page and will be entered in a monthly draw to win an Afternoon Tea for Two voucher.
Since the old bridge was destroyed in the storms of 2015, Granny Dowbekin’s has been transformed. As a result of purchasing the cottage next door, and with an investment of half a million pounds, a larger, more welcoming and brighter Tearoom has been created for customers to enjoy. There are further plans to increase the size of the beautiful riverside garden in order to cope with the ever increasing demand for our freshly cooked breakfasts, homemade pies, scones and cakes. The brand and building has been updated with a new logo and modern colour palette but the emphasis remains on a reputation for great food and exceptionally welcoming and friendly service in a fabulous location.
Inside the Tearoom customers can enjoy the original artwork of the multi-talented Colin Hindle. Pen and ink drawings of the most beautiful views around Ullswater are on display and limited edition prints are available to purchase. The Pooley Gingerbridge range (ginger shortbread made to our own recipe in the shape of the old bridge) in presentation gift packs with a commemorative label are also on sale and remain extremely popular.
The recent refurbishment of Granny Dowbekin’s is the latest development in the regeneration of Pooley Bridge as a destination for both tourists and locals.
Colin and the team are all very excited and looking forward to a busy summer – making the most of the extended seating capacity and kitchen space.
Colin commented: “Granny Dowbekin’s has been a mainstay in the village for over 100 years and despite the dark days of ‘Desmond’, the media spot light that subsequently lit up Pooley Bridge spurred us on to create a more resilient business. Those difficult months made me in particular realise that as a small business owner, I have to do everything I can to protect the jobs and the livelihoods of my team and keep responding to visitors’ ever growing demand and interest in our beautiful Ullswater valley.
Granny Dowbekin’s is located just beside Pooley Bridge itself. The Tearoom is open daily from 9am – 5.30pm serving breakfast, fresh bakes, sandwiches, hearty lunches and traditional afternoon teas. For more information visit www.grannydowbekins.co.uk
