The general manager of Clifton’s George and Dragon has stepped down.
Chris Curry has spent 11 years in charge of the venue near Penrith and Askham Hall in Askham.
Although stepping down from the general manager role, he will continue to be involved with the business on a part-time advisory and administrative role.
While based at the George and Dragon, Chris and his team received a number of accolades, including two Taste of Cumbria awards and a Taste of England Silver award.
The dining pub was also recognised in 2017 by Alistair Sawday as The Best All Rounder and by the Good Pub Guide as Cumbria’s Dining Pub of the Year.
Chris was also significantly involved with the development of Askham Hall and the appointment of head chef Richard Swale and house manager Nico Chieze, who together, have successfully gained a Michelin Star for its Allium restaurant.
Taking over at the George and Dragon is Susan Wouters, who has moved from her position as manager of the Queen’s Head in Askham – part of the same collection – to take on the role of operations manager for both properties.
Susan, who hails from the Netherlands, studied International hospitality management and joined Hilton as an intern in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, USA.
She continued to work for Hilton Netherlands in several roles for two-and-a-half years before moving to Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh in 2016.
She left in December 2020 to move to the Lake District with her fiancée, Josh Mullock, who is the sommelier at Askham Hall.
Chris said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the George and Dragon and being part of the development of Askham Hall.
“I have worked with some fantastic people and I am immensely proud of what has been achieved. I am also particularly proud of what Richard Swale and Nico Chieze, together with their small team, have achieved at Askham Hall.
“I wish Susan every success in her new role and I look forward to being able to support her and her team”.
Owner Charles Lowther added: “I am incredibly grateful to Chris for giving 11 years of his career to our growing company at a time when we most needed it.
“His attention to detail and experience have proved invaluable. He is passing over to a very capable person and we wish Susan every success.
“Chris’s experience in the industry meant his introduction of Richard Swale to me as a candidates for running the kitchen at Askham Hall, was probably the most fortuitous appointment we could ever have hoped to make. I am forever indebted to him.
“We wish Chris a happy semi-retirement but suspect we won’t be able to keep him away!”
