A POPULAR Grasmere family business that survived lockdown has now been named in the inaugural Top 50 Boutique Hotels list in Britain.

The Yan, located at Broadrayne Farm in Grasmere, is a chic bistro with beds near Grasmere.

Following a refurbishment, the Bistro was forced to close during the Covid lockdown but continued to operate by sending meals across the country.

The family run Bistro, owned by Dave and Sally Keighley, and run by their daughter and son-in-law Jess and Will Manley, travelled to York on November 23 to attend the award ceremony.

The awards recognise the best boutique hotels in UK, helping people discover these unique and diverse places to stay.

Jess said: "My husband and I lived in France where we ran our own hotel near the Alps.

"We had been there for seven years and when we were on holiday visiting the Lake District, where my parents live, we came up with the idea.

"They ran the farm and they had a holiday cottage inn a few years back and an independent hostel.

"We came home, had a few glasses of wine and then the idea to form this family run business came up.

"That's how it all started for us.

"We loved the mountain vibe you get from the Lakes, and it’s really similar to the one we had in France. We love France and we love the Lake District.

"It's perfect just for going out for the day, having a day of hiking, then come back for some hearty food. It's all good for the soul.

"There is even a ski life behind us ran by the Lakes Ski Club."

The family run business was closed in early 2019 and began a six-month long renovation of the property.

During the Covid lockdown, the business rallied on the furlough scheme and worked to support itself by sending meal boxes across the UK.

Jess added: "When it came to the awards, we couldn't believe it.

"We got a balloon in the post which has a note inside when you pop it.

"Lockdown was very tough for us, and of course all the businesses in the area.

"It was a very emotional time having no income for the duration and not even being in business for a full year before it happened.

"However, we did what we could and kept working through it as best we could.

"We're glad it paid off.

"The award means so much to us.

"We hold ourselves to a very high standard because we know that is what the public expect from us, and it just feels nice to be recognised for something like this.

"We love what we do and we love the team we have behind us.

"At first it was just the four of us, but now we have grown to include eight full time workers and three part time workers. Without them none of this would be possible. We're so grateful for what we have."