From an inn with 700 whiskies to listed 16th-century lodgings: The AA names the UK's best hotels, pubs and restaurants in its 2018 Hospitality Awards
- If any award can lay claim to being the ‘Oscars of the UK hospitality industry’ then it’s the AA's
- 2018’s winners are in following 12 months of jumping on mattresses, quaffing wine and scoffing fine food
- The awards include gongs for eco hotel of the year, chefs' chef and AA customers' choice
If any award can lay claim to being the ‘Oscars of the UK hospitality industry’ then it’s the AA's.
Each year it hands out gongs for ‘hotel of the year’, ‘restaurant of the year’, ‘pub of the year’, ‘chefs chef’, ‘hotel group of the year’, ‘eco hotel of the year’ and ‘AA customers’ choice’.
And 2018’s winners are in following 12 months of jumping on mattresses, quaffing wine, scoffing fine food and running fingers along windowsills to check for dust. Here are the results…
Hotels
Hotel of the Year for England goes to Great Fosters Hotel in Egham (pictured). A 16th-century mansion that’s the ‘perfect setting for tea and cocktails’
Hotel of the Year for England goes to Great Fosters Hotel in Egham.
A 16th-century mansion that’s the ‘perfect setting for tea and cocktails’.
The judges said: ‘Dating back to the 16th century, this Grade II listed mansion is very much to the keeping of the house’s original style, but with up-to-date amenities.
‘The beautiful public rooms, including the terrace during the summer months, provides the perfect setting for afternoon tea and cocktails, and there is a stimulating range of award-winning cuisine to be enjoyed in The Estate Grill.’
The Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square has picked up the gong for best London hotel
The Hotel of the Year for Wales goes to Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdovey, with the judges gushing that it is in a delightful location and has ‘welcoming hospitality and attentive service’
Hotel of the Year for Scotland goes to Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, St Andrews
The Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square has picked up the gong for best London hotel, with the judges wowed by its ‘spacious bedrooms’, ‘excellent spa’ and overall ‘style and comfort’.
The Hotel of the Year for Wales goes to Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdovey, with the judges gushing that it is in a delightful location and has ‘welcoming hospitality and attentive service’. But it’s dinner that is the highlight, apparently.
Hotel of the Year for Scotland, meanwhile, goes to Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, St Andrews.
Hotel of the Year Northern Ireland goes to Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry-Londonderry. It’s a property, the AA says, that used to be two private residences. Now it’s a hotel that ‘has been lovingly restored to retain many original features’
An AA judge said: ‘Whether staying at this iconic hotel, out on the golf course, relaxing in the state-of-the-art Kohler Waters Spa or enjoying a meal, guests are assured a superb experience.'
Hotel of the Year Northern Ireland goes to Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry-Londonderry. It’s a property, the AA says, that used to be two private residences. Now it’s a hotel that ‘has been lovingly restored to retain many original features’.
Restaurants
Restaurant of the Year, England, goes to Sorrel in Dorking. The judges said: ‘This is inspirational modern cooking in a delightful dining room'
Restaurant of the Year, England, goes to Sorrel in Dorking.
The judges said: ‘This is inspirational modern cooking in a delightful dining room. Ingredients are combined in thoughtful and stimulating ways and the flavours are judged just so.’
Restaurant of the Year, London, has been snagged by Sabor thanks to having an outstanding trio of dining options that give customers ‘authentic regional experiences’.
Restaurant of the Year, London, has been snagged by Sabor thanks to having an outstanding trio of dining options that give customers ‘authentic regional experiences’
Restaurant of the Year, Wales, goes to Machine House Restaurant, Wrexham. The AA was mightily impressed
Restaurant of the Year, Scotland, has been won by The Newport Restaurant, Newport-on-Tay. An AA inspector said: ‘The style here is modern with a nod to the local maritime and fishing history'
Restaurant of the Year, Wales, goes to Machine House Restaurant, Wrexham.
The AA was mightily impressed. It said: ‘The kitchen has strong supply lines to outstanding local producers, then dials the flavours up to 11 in lively, sharply executed dishes.'
Restaurant of the Year, Scotland, has been won by The Newport Restaurant, Newport-on-Tay.
An AA inspector said: ‘The style here is modern with a nod to the local maritime and fishing history. The modern restaurant is set over two floors, both enjoying panoramic views.’
Pubs
The Pub of the Year, England, accolade goes to The Crafty Baa, Windermere. 'Several beers are available on draught and the team are keen for you to taste before you buy,’ says the AA
In Scotland it’s Glasgow’s The Pot Still that brings home the bacon for 2018. Apparently, it offers over 700 whiskies and serves ‘proper pies’
The Nags Head Inn, Garthmyl, scoops the honours in Wales. The AA says: ‘The Grade II listed coaching inn on the A483 stands only a few yards from the Severn and the Montgomery Canal, a pleasant spot for an intelligently renovated country pub'
The Pub of the Year, England, accolade goes to The Crafty Baa, Windermere.
‘Set over three floors there’s an array of seats and tables where good food and an extensive range of beers around the world can be enjoyed. Several beers are available on draught and the team are keen for you to taste before you buy,’ says the AA.
The Nags Head Inn, Garthmyl, scoops the honours in Wales.
The AA says: ‘The Grade II listed coaching inn on the A483 stands only a few yards from the Severn and the Montgomery Canal, a pleasant spot for an intelligently renovated country pub.’
In Scotland it’s Glasgow’s The Pot Still that brings home the bacon for 2018.
Apparently, it offers over 700 whiskies and serves ‘proper pies’.
- The full list of this year’s AA Hospitality Awards winners can be found at www.theaa.com/hospitality-awards/hospitality-awards-winners.
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I must be getting old but as nice as some of them ...
by missisuproad 55