The Wisteria Hotel in Oakham is ready to reopen with a new resident and a £150,000 refurbishment to reveal
A couple who run their own hotel have more reason than most to celebrate the easing of lockdown restrictions on July 4.
Not only can Chris Newsham and Kristy Carey finally unveil their newly-refurbished premises, they can also show off its newest resident.
The couple completed a £150,000 transformation project at The Wisteria Hotel in Oakham just one day before lockdown was announced and a few weeks later their second son Finley was born on April 16.
The family had to furlough their staff and have spent the last few months juggling parenthood, home-schooling six-year-old Freddie and keeping the business afloat.
Chris said: “The lockdown had an immediate impact both on our business and on our family.
“Due to lockdown restrictions, although I was able to be with Kristy during the birth at Peterborough City Hospital, I could not accompany her onto the post-natal ward as the pandemic was at its peak.
“This was a very strange experience for us both.”
He added: “Despite the hotel being closed to guests, we had lots of tasks to complete. Our 21 members of staff, with the exception of ourselves, were all furloughed and we had to re-negotiate our fixed costs given we had no income coming in at all and we had to maintain the hotel throughout the lockdown period.”
Following Tuesday’s announcement that hotels can reopen on July 4, the couple are now looking forward to welcoming back staff and customers.
The bar, restaurants and reception have been refurbished along with the 26 bedrooms.
Chris said: “We are very proud of the refurbishment and are keen to show off all the hard work that’s taken place.”