Award winning Scots hotelier and entrepreneur Ian Fleming and celebrity chef Mark Salter have joined forces to breathe new life into the oldest operating Inn in America.

Located in Oxford, Maryland, The Robert Morris Inn has been acquired by Ian Fleming and Chef Proprietor Mark Salter and the pair have ambitious plans to revive the fortunes of this iconic 16 bedroomed hotel and 200 cover dining room and Tavern.

The acquisition is a joint venture between Fleming Homestead and Salter’s Chesapeake Gourmet and will feature UK born, US Celebrity Chef, Mark Salter as Chef Proprietor with Fleming Homestead driving the sales, marketing and accounts from the UK.

The Robert Morris Inn, which celebrates its 300th anniversary this year, is credited as the oldest working Inn in the US. Robert Morris Jnr, who was born in the UK, lived in the Inn during his youth when it was the family home and is regarded as the ‘Financier of the American Revolution’. This prestigious piece of American history is now in British hands under the stewardship of Ian Fleming and Mark Salter.

Owner Ian Fleming said; “As one of America’s oldest operating Inns of quality and character, The Robert Morris Inn is a truly exceptional venue in one of the Eastern Shore’s most delightful locations. Oxford has thankfully avoided over commercialization and remains a truly historic and characterful town and we are privileged to be taking our place at the helm of the Robert Morris Inn as it starts a new chapter in its history.”

The Robert Morris Inn has remained true to its historic past, with traditional features such as four poster beds, timber beams, panelled walls and open fires.

The Restaurant, which re-opens at the end of June, is also in keeping with the Inn’s history. Red brick walls, slate floors, huge open fires in the cooler months and relaxed outside dining during the warm summers all ensure that diners have a memorable experience whilst sampling the delights of Mark Salter’s cooking expertise.
Mark Salter, who was Head Chef at the renowned Inn at Perry Cabin for 17 years, is now Chef Proprietor at The Robert Morris Inn and brings a British take on Eastern Shore classics. The Inn’s new menus feature some of Salter’s classic signature dishes, including award winning Maryland Crab Cakes, Honey and Tarragon Glazed Lamb Shank and Chesapeake Bay Oysters Poached in Champagne.

Hotelier Ian Fleming has a long standing relationship with the area, having been General Manager at The Inn at Perry Cabin from 1990 until 1993, during which time he increased the hotel from 24 to 45 rooms and added a health spa and meeting facilities. He currently owns the successful and award winning Lake of Menteith Hotel in Perthshire, which has been modelled directly on the Eastern Shore, as well as The Terraces Hotel in Stirling and the ‘casual food’ brand, Thyme in the Kitchen. As well as being at The Port Bar at the Lake of Menteith, Thyme in the Kitchen will also be opening at a site to be confirmed in Edinburgh during October.

Additionally, as Managing Director and founder of FH Hospitality, Fleming heads up a team of six experienced leisure industry professionals who work with a range of development clients, including the Gean House in Alloa, Maitlandfield House in Haddington, the Tinto Hotel in Symington and Glenskirlie House in Banknock.