Iconic 16th century inn catering for customers’ 21st century needs

NESTLED at the foot of one of the UK’s most famous mountain passes might not be the place where customers relishing an outdoor pub meal at an iconic inn expect to enjoy the best digital connectivity.

You’d be hard pushed to find a more stunning location in Britain on a beautiful spring day than the Woolpack Inn, situated at the foot of Hardknott Pass at the head of the Eskdale Valley in the English Lake District.

Now, as well as welcoming food and drink, clear Lakeland air and views of surrounding mountains, visitors can also enjoy uninterrupted WiFi after the owners used lockdown to further enhance their customers’ experience.

Some visitors might want to escape the day-to-day and enjoy going off grid for a while to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of the rural setting.

Others might want to explore the natural beauty of the area but still need to stay digitally connected for work or pleasure.

Now the choice is entirely theirs.

The Woolpack’s new IT network was installed in time for the reopening of its beer garden, motorhome site and self-catering accommodation, following the easing of the government’s lockdown restrictions earlier this month.

Specialist firm Carlisle-based Integrity IT Solutions, who have helped a range of businesses during lockdown, carried out the work which included upgrading the existing WiFi and network infrastructure.

The inn now has fast, reliable WiFi throughout its Hardknott Bar & Cafe, as well as its bedrooms, and across the beer garden, self-catering accommodation and motorhome site.

The upgraded IT system has also enabled the pub to install a new EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system.

Paddington Berger, who runs The Woolpack, said: “It’s going to transform the way we work completely.

“We got fibre optic broadband to the pub last February but, due to Covid, we weren’t able to take advantage of it.

“Previously, we had a system which worked separately in different parts of the building, which was not ideal but now it all works together and we have

high-quality WiFi coverage throughout the pub, and the outdoor areas.

“It’s essential that we have excellent WiFi coverage, not only for our customers and guests but also for the running of the business.”

After initial lockdown restrictions eased on April 12, customers are now able to enjoy food and drink outside in the Woolpack’s beer garden, and takeaway food in its picnic field.

Guests are also able to stay over in The Woolpack Lodge, a self-catering log cabin, and use the inn’s motorhome site.

The Woolpack is due to reopen fully on Monday, May 17, following the lifting of further Covid-19 restrictions, when the bar and restaurant is set to be open for indoor food and drink, and guests can once again stay over in the pub’s seven ensuite bedrooms.

Stephen Whelan, technical director at Integrity IT Solutions, said many hospitality businesses had updated and upgraded their IT systems during lockdown ahead of reopening to customers.

He said: “I think fast, reliable WiFi has become an expectation now for many people, regardless of the geographical location.

“Customers expect to be able to use their phones to pay their bill, or check their social media, and in more rural areas where mobile phone signal coverage can be patchy, WiFi becomes especially important.

“By investing in its IT infrastructure, The Woolpack Inn can deliver an excellent customer experience while also ensuring that its own business requirements are met.”

Stephen said the IT firm also looked at network security as part of the project.

“As a business, you wouldn’t want a guest being able to access information on your private network or other guests’ devices for example, or a virus on a guest’s device possibly getting onto the hotel’s devices or EPOS system,” he said. “Enhancing the security of the network can prevent these issues occuring.”