A POPULAR inn has had to cut its opening hours because it's struggling to recruit staff.

It's a global problem for the hospitality industry, said Nikky Beetson, manager of The Bridge Hotel, Buttermere.

"We are experiencing an overwhelming demand for food and drink in Buttermere but by the same token we are also suffering from the national shortage of hospitality staff that is affecting so many establishments in the Lake District, as well as other parts of the country and world.

"We have had to take the difficult decision to temporarily close the doors to the Bridge Inn for food and drinks after 6pm daily for the foreseeable, so that we can allow our hotel guests to eat and drink with us."

The busy hotel usually employs about 30 people, including six chefs - who provide breakfasts, lunches and dinners. But they are having to operate with only four chefs and a total of 20 staff. This puts immense pressure on the existing staff, who are all pitching in and doing various roles, said Nikky.

They have been advertising and are delighted to have recruited some local staff new to the industry but need more. "I've never seen such a problem with recruiting in all the time I have been in this industry," said Nikky.

She and her team had been looking forward to opening again after being forced to close for more than a year. "We went from being stood still to sprinting. There was no warm up, we were so busy," she said.

She puts the national recruitment issue down to a variety of factors: coming out of Covid, how people perceive the industry and the effects of Brexit.

Some people who were previously employed in hospitality have been furloughed and then gone into other industries, she said. Regarding Brexit, some Polish people who previously worked at the hotel and were meant to be returning over the summer had residency issues. "We were looking online to see if we could be sponsors for EU workers but we were unable to do that as hospitality is not considered a skill shortage area," said Nikky.

People can have a negative view of the industry, said Nikky. "It's hard work but I love working in hospitality.

"People who work in hospitality go on to do really well. They learn many skills, including being tolerant.

"They also have really good fitness - without having to pay gym membership!"