The owner of one of Cumbria's landmark hotels is one of the most influential people in his field.

Charles Lowther, owner of Askham Hall, near Penrith, has been named on the ‘Brit List’, featuring the 25 most important individuals in both the hotel and design industries, produced by trade title Hotel Designs.

Mr Lowther was behind a six year project to transform Askham Hall into a 'restaurant' with rooms and since it opened its doors to guests in 2014 it has quickly built up a national reputation with a string of awards including the Cumbria Tourism ‘Taste’ Award for 2017. He is also responsible for the the George and Dragon country inn in nearby Clifton, which made the Good Pub Guide’s Cumbria Dining Pub of the Year 2017.

Mr Lowther said: “I was proud to be named on this special list, which celebrates the strength and diversity of the hospitality sector nationally. It’s vital for our industry to keep innovating and raising the bar, so we can continue to keep moving forward and giving customers a quality all-round experience."

The people mention attended a ‘Brit List’ event at the Urban Coterie sky bar and restaurant in Shoreditch, London.

Hotel Designs editor Daniel Fountain said: “It was fantastic to host such a varied mix of influential and interesting people. We wanted to celebrate the fantastic hard work of some of the best hoteliers working in the UK and Ireland right now. This being the inaugural Brit List, we cannot wait to make this a regular event and we look forward to doing it all again next year.”