Strands & Screes Holdings Limited operates two iconic Lake District inns in the village of Nether Wasdale: The Strands Inn and The Screes Inn. Established in January 2025 by husband-and-wife team Paul and Lisa, the business was created to facilitate the purchase and revival of these much-loved local hospitality venues.

Drawing on extensive careers in the hospitality industry, Paul and Lisa recognised the important role both properties play within the local community and visitor economy. Situated in one of the Lake District’s most picturesque locations, the inns have long been at the heart of village life, welcoming residents, walkers, climbers and tourists alike.

While The Strands Inn remained operational, The Screes Inn had been closed for six years. As a result, the village had lost one of its key hospitality venues, reducing dining and social options for both locals and visitors.
The closure also limited the business's ability to meet growing demand. During the busy summer season, The Strands regularly had to turn away between 20 and 40 guests each evening due to capacity constraints.

Reopening The Screes was a priority, but significant investment was needed to refurbish its commercial kitchen and bring the property back into operation.

Without external support, the business would not have been able to complete the kitchen improvements required to deliver a quality food offering and successfully reopen the venue.

Support from Cumbria Business Growth Hub provided the grant funding needed to complete the refurbishment of The Screes Inn's commercial kitchen.

The investment of £35,000 enabled the business to undertake the essential works required to reopen the pub and restaurant, restoring a key community asset that had been absent from village life for several years.

The project represented more than simply renovating a kitchen. It was about bringing back an important part of Nether Wasdale's identity and creating a stronger hospitality offering for visitors exploring the Western Lake District.

Just weeks after reopening, The Screes Inn has already generated significant excitement within the local community. Residents and visitors once again have a choice of venues, helping to enhance the overall visitor experience and strengthen the village's hospitality offering.

The reopening has also significantly increased the business's capacity ahead of the busy summer season. With both properties operating, the business can now accommodate many more guests and reduce the number of visitors previously turned away due to lack of space.

Looking ahead, Paul and Lisa plan to refine their menus, service style and overall customer experience throughout the summer before focusing on attracting greater local support during the quieter winter months.

They also intend to redecorate the eight hotel rooms at The Screes Inn over the coming winter season, completing the transformation of the property into a fully refreshed and iconic Lakeland inn.

A spokesperson from The Strands Inn and The Screes Inn said:

"The grant has played a key role in helping us complete the refurbishment of the commercial kitchen at The Screes, allowing us to reopen the pub after six years of closure. The Strands and The Screes are at the heart of the Nether Wasdale community, so bringing The Screes back to life means locals and visitors once again have two fantastic places to enjoy. Since reopening, there's been a real buzz around the village, and we're excited to see the business grow.”

This support was made possible through funding from Cumberland Council via the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).