The Heatherglen Country Hotel,situated in Cumbria’s picturesque Eden Valley is a five star establishment in one of the UK’s most dramatic landscapes and relies on a versatile and environmentally friendly fuel source to power its heating and catering facilities.
Alan Crossley,who jointly owns and manages the hotel,took ownership of the business in 2003 and has restored the building to its former glory,he said:“The idyllic location and the traditional feel of the hotel attract visitors.It’s a popular destination all year round and our reservations book is testament to this –we’ve rarely got rooms available.”
The Heatherglen Hotel offers 30 rooms,all with LPG central heating and water heating.The decision to convert the heating system from oil to LPG power was made by Alan:“The oil heating was noisy,it emitted fumes and the storage tank was unsightly.It was just not in keeping with the quality of the hotel or our picturesque surroundings,” he says.“This,coupled with new oil storage legislation and the risk of spillage made my decision to switch to LPG very easy,” he adds.
The hotel is also open for non residents to eat at the restaurant and,says Alan,the à la carte menu is one the best in Cumbria.“We are able to cater for large groups,but without losing the personal touch.”Head Chef Chris Taylor was classically trained at the Sharobear Hotel and insists on the control and cook quality which only gas provides.As a result,all Heatherglen’s catering equipment is LPG powered.
“There is no substitute,” he says.“The kitchen is equipped with a combi oven,a six ring cooker and a deep fat fryer and when you’re catering for 100 diners you need a fuel you can rely on.”
Two 3,000 litre Calor tanks are installed underground at the side of the main building and are topped up every week during the winter months and once a month during summer.
“All you can see are two green lids,” says Alan. “The tanks are discreetly located underground and don’t detract from the beauty of the surrounding countryside.”
“Calor provided expert help and advice on the installation of the bulk tanks and we always receive deliveries promptly -we’ve never been let down.
That’s crucial for us, because our business and our guests depend on that reliability,so Calor gives me peace of mind,”he adds.
