Jamaica Inn - Surge in Bookings at the World’s Most Famous Inn
PRESS RELEASE – 24 July 2014
Jamaica Inn on Cornwall’s Bodmin Moor is one of the South West’s most famous landmarks and is experiencing considerable success following its acquisition by a new owner and the publicity surrounding the BBC’s adaptation of du Maurier’s famous novel.
Since acquiring the legendary Inn, its new owner Allen Jackson has implemented a series of key changes and improvements. Additional en-suite bedrooms have been added, bringing the total number of rooms to 20, menus have been revisited and the décor refreshed. WiFi has also been installed at the Inn. The changes have also proved to be very popular with locals, especially as dogs are now permitted and the price of local ales slashed. A host of further improvements are also planned, with a key focus being on
dining at the Inn.
Over the past few months, the Inn has experienced a surge in bookings and visitor numbers. After the adaptation aired, the Inn had a 91% increase in enquiries, compared to the same period last year. The Inn is well booked for all peak times in 2014 and has increased turnover in all areas. Also, the Inn is now finding guests are booking further in advance to ensure their stay at the ‘real-life’ Jamaica Inn. The overall year-on-year turnover since 1st March, when it was purchased by Jackson, has increased by
22.5%, with a large increase in direct bookings. The Inn’s intriguing Smugglers Museum has had a 50% increase, due mainly to a substantial increase in its opening hours and the takings in the popular gift shop are up 70% year-on-year aided by a considerably increased stock.
The initial plan was for Jackson to divide his time between his Surrey base and the Inn. However he frequently spends up to 10 continuous days there due, he says, to thoroughly enjoying the excitement and challenge of building up the business, which is his first venture into the hospitality world. Jackson comments: ‘From the moment I set foot in the Inn, I could see its potential and I am thrilled that my impulse decision to purchase this iconic piece of Cornish heritage is proving to be so successful so soon. I’m breathing new life into this legendary establishment and aiming to continue this rate of growth.’
DVDs of the BBC series have recently been released and there are plans for the drama series to air in overseas markets, so perhaps this famous haunt will soon be seeing even more visitors through its historic
doors.
Notes to Editors
On entering Cornwall, Jamaica Inn is the first of the county’s major attractions and is set on a six-and-a-half acre site on Bodmin Moor — one of the most breathtaking locations in Cornwall. The Inn is an ideal stop-off point on the way to Cornwall’s many attractions, such as the Eden Project, Falmouth’s National Maritime Museum, the open-air Minnack Theatre and Land’s End. Immortalised in Daphne du Maurier’s bestselling novel and once owned by the thriller writer Alistair McLean, Jamaica Inn has well and truly earned its place in the history books.
Built in 1750, the Inn has seen its fair share of comings and goings. Both du Maurier enthusiasts and fans of the adaptation alike, may be tempted to follow in the footsteps of the smugglers themselves and learn more about their escapades at the renowned Daphne du Maurier Smugglers Museum at Jamaica Inn, which is thought to hold the finest genuine collection of smuggling artefacts in the country. Firstly, browse through a myriad of relics and treasures and then watch ‘The History of Jamaica Inn’ – a video that recounts many of the myths and legends surrounding the Inn. The Museum also features du Maurier’s original writing desk and a large number of other interesting items owned by her.
Situated in the middle of 'du Maurier country', close to the author’s former homes - Menabilly and Ferryside - Jamaica Inn was built around 1750 as a coaching inn called on by weary travellers using the turnpike between Launceston and Bodmin. It is said that smugglers used the Inn to hide their contraband, and it is estimated that half of the brandy and a quarter of all tea being smuggled into the UK was landed along the Cornish and Devon coasts. It is also thought that the Inn may have got its name because it did a considerable trade in rum!
In 1788, the Inn was extended to include a coach house, stables and a tack room, creating the L-shaped main part of the building as it is today. Currently a variety of rooms are available including some with four-poster beds and many rooms are reputedly haunted. Jamaica Inn has also been featured in an episode of the popular British TV programme, ‘Most Haunted’ and the show’s team described it as one of the spookiest places they had ever visited. Sky Sports and Sky Movies are also available in all bedrooms.
Jamaica Inn caters for all the family, with a dedicated outside play area and pirate ship for children.
An excellent range of home-cooked meals are offered throughout the day. A full traditional English breakfast is served from 7.30am to 11am with lunch from 12 noon to 3.30pm and dinner from 5pm to 9.30pm. Light bites and cream teas are available all day, as are picnics and a host of other tasty snacks.
bethany@chalkward.com Chalk & Ward Public Relations
01392 666291
www.chalkward.com
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