Joe and Charlotte Locker have taken over Rum Bridge Glamping and Fishing Resort in Stoke Road, Clare, introducing a mix of traditional and unconventional accommodation options. The couple relocated from Surrey Quays, London, in mid-January to manage the site and develop its offerings.
Joe Locker, whose professional background is in leisure and children’s entertainment, and Charlotte had been searching for a property suitable for hosting events.
Charlotte told Suffolk News, “We were looking for a year, and when we saw this, it had all the things we wanted. It had lakes and beautiful trees and a bit of space – but it was not perfect.”
Since taking ownership, the couple have undertaken a range of improvements to prepare the site for visitors. All eight fishing pods were rebuilt with new doors, double-glazed windows, updated electrics, and private decking and gardens facing the lakes. They also constructed a two-storey pod with two bedrooms themselves.
The outdoor kitchen, recently completed, supports their plans for concept catering nights and themed events, including a four-day Halloween event held last week.
Operational challenges included the absence of a generator upon arrival and depleted fish stocks in the lakes.
The couple addressed these by purchasing a generator and restocking the lakes with pike, carp from the Wellington Estate in Hampshire, bream, tench, and roach. They also levelled a large, uneven lawn to provide additional space for guests and events.
The accommodation at Rum Bridge now combines traditional and ‘quirky’ options. These include Queenie, a converted rail carriage featured on Channel Four’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, a shepherd’s hut, a converted Bedford army truck named Armadillo, a selection of insulated bell tents, and an event yurt with solid oak flooring.
Graffiti art by two London-based artists decorates buildings across the site, including toilets and shower blocks.
The couple had initially aimed to open by June but experienced delays due to construction and tent deliveries. Charlotte said, “We are open. We are just looking to get more bookings.”
For outdoor hospitality operators, Rum Bridge highlights the operational realities of combining diverse accommodation types with event hosting, including infrastructure preparation, guest experience enhancements, and the integration of creative elements to differentiate the site in a competitive market.
Featured image by Rum Bridge Glamping and Fishing Resort via rumbridge.co.uk