A POPULAR Lake District inn will be upgraded as plans have been submitted for a project which is said to 'ensure the future viability of the establishment'.

The Kirkstile Inn at Loweswater, a popular Lake District inn which is well known as a stop for both locals and tourists, have submitted plans to create a new kitchen at the site.

Plans were submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority for the 'extension and incorporation of existing single storey building to provide enlarged kitchen and service areas' last Tuesday, May 7. 

The applicants say that the upgrade to the commercial kitchen is 'essential' and will allow the owners to ensure the 'future viability' of the popular restaurant, bar and inn.

Documents supporting the application said: "The proposed works seek to make better use of an existing single storey outbuilding, joining this to the main building with a modest traditionally constructed infill. This will allow essential upgrading of the existing commercial kitchen and service areas ensuring the future viability of the establishment.

"To facilitate the works the existing cat-slide roof will be replaced along with the roof of the existing outbuilding. Roofing materials will be of local green slate in keeping with the wider buildings group. New walls will be of rough cast render to one side and local rubble wall to the other."

The plans say that the 18m2 of new building is proposed along with incorporation of 33m2 of existing outbuilding space.

Applicants say that the plans will ensure their is no impact on the Lake District, through the 'adopting traditional materials and incorporating an existing building eliminates any discernible impact on the heritage status of the of the distinct area and wider National Park'.

The inn has won a number of awards previously, being honoured with a spot in the 2024 Good Beer's Guide, as well as holding CAMRA awards, it has also been a spot visited by former Top Gear presenter who has a home in nearby Buttermere.

The plans will now go through a consultation process with the Lake District National Park Authority, before being determined.