A COCKERMOUTH businessman has been ‘overwhelmed’ by the support shown to him since the re-opening of two popular West Cumbrian hospitality businesses.

The venues closed suddenly in January with many wondering what had happened to lead to such an abrupt closure.

It was announced in January that Western Lake District Hotels Ltd, which ran both Fredericks Bar Lounge & Restaurant in Cockermouth and the prominent Hunday Manor Hotel in Winscales, was to be dissolved.

Although Western Lake District Hotels Ltd ran the two venues for the past six years, the buildings are owned by Cockermouth businessman Joe Wilson, 62, who says he has made ‘every effort’ to prevent what happened in January.

He said: "We sympathise with the many people, both customers and suppliers, that have been affected by the situation.

“Every effort has been made by me over the past four years to prevent this situation from happening, but as landlord, I had no control over how the businesses were ran.”

After a short period of closure, Mr Wilson has re-opened Hunday Manor Hotel in Workington and Fredericks Lounge Bar and Restaurant in Cockermouth and says he will do ‘everything in his power’ to ensure the two venues return to being 'some of the best that West Cumbria has on offer'.

He said: "We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support people have shown us since reopening.

“We know how much these two venues mean to people in West Cumbria and we are grateful for the support from the local community in the last few weeks.

“We are already full for lunches on Mothering Sunday at Hunday Manor and have only a few tables left at Frederick’s.”

Hunday Manor has reopened for food seven days a week and is also now open for accommodation. Frederick’s is open for food and drinks from Thursday to Sunday.

Both restaurants have new Menus, more details can be found on Facebook. Reservations can be made by contacting the venues directly.