When Daniel McSweeney and Gavin Hall were running their hospitality business in Blackpool they were looking for a quieter life in the country — and found the perfect work-life balance in the Eden valley.
Daniel and Gavin have worked in the hospitality industry since leaving school, with more than 40 years of experience in the industry. When they relocated to a cottage in Brough they were looking for a new business venue — and a former tailor’s shop provided the ideal location for The Outfitters.
Daniel said: “We were settling into living in the village when we saw the old outfitters building for sale. It had been a gents’ outfitters for 210 years and run by seven generations since it opened in 1810. We went to take a look at the building and went for it.”
Daniel and Gavin have created four separate rooms, with bar and bistro areas which have become a bustling hub for the local community as well as for visitors from nearby villages and holidaymakers.
Daniel said: “Because of the pandemic, we opened as a takeaway first in March, 2021. Gavin has been a chef all his working life and makes everything from fresh produce, locally sourced where possible.
“As restrictions eased we started to open the outside area for meals on April 12. The decked area outside looks over the river and it is a lovely place to sit and enjoy a drink or meal. Then, on May 17, we fully opened The Outfitters.
“Since then we have been open Thursday to Sunday, 10am until 10pm. During the day, children come in for ice-creams and people feel comfortable popping in for a coffee or tea with friends on their own. The wonderful thing for us is that we know all our regulars by name. We really feel we are part of the community and that we are providing somewhere everyone can enjoy coming to.
“Compared to running a business in a busy seaside town, this has provided us with a completely different way of life which we really enjoy.
“In Blackpool, our customers were very transient — staying for a weekend or week then off again. There is something special about running a business like ours in a place like Brough.
“Most of our customers are local, and we are very grateful for their support. We very much feel embraced by the people of Brough
“We run karaoke events for children and adults, open mic nights, Play Your Cards Right and dominoes evenings too. And we have a great Sunday lunch.”
With Gavin in the kitchen and Daniel front-of-house, they are always there when The Outfitters is open, and have two members of staff to help out during busy lunchtimes and special events.
Daniel added: “We were looking for a different environment. We were hungry for the beauty of Cumbria, and we have found the perfect work-life balance here in Brough.
“Work is a pleasure for us now, and we feel we are a part of a very special local community”
And Daniel and Gavin are sharing their old town with their new Cumbrian friends and neighbours — by are organising a day trip to Blackpool this summer.
Daniel said: “It will be fun to be a daytripper for the day. However, we will both be happy to return to our new home in Brough.”
