Two Lake District hotels have been named as among the best in the UK for hospitality.
Rothay Manor in Ambleside and Storrs Hall in Ambleside were among five venues presented with four red stars at the AA Hospitality Awards.
The award is the AA’s ultimate accolade, which is used to recognise hotels in the British Isles that stand out by offering excellent quality and outstanding levels of hospitality and service, regardless of their size or style.
Jamie and Jenna Shail, owners of Rothay Manor, said: “Achieving four red stars has been one of our aims over the past few years and we are so proud of our team for the hard work that they have put in to help us achieve this award.”
The hotel’s restaurant and head chef Dan McGeorge has achieved an outstanding amount in the past 12 months. The 3 AA Rosette restaurant hosts a Michelin plate and is a renowned exceptional culinary hotspot. Dan was crowned Champion of Champions in the final of the BBC’s Great British Menu TV series last year, won a prestigious Acorn Award in 2020 and this year received the Restaurant Chef Award at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards.
The AA inspectors said of Storrs Hall: “In an enviable location – Windermere is literally at the bottom of the garden – Storrs Hall Hotel has a classic style perfectly in keeping with its 18th century origins. The restaurant has heavy gilt mirrors and well spaced tables dressed with fine linen. Cooking here is seasonal, contemporary and skilled, delivered by a small, dedicated brigade.”
Meanwhile, a north Cumbrian fine dining restaurant is celebrating after retaining its three AA Rosette award.
The accolade ranks Pentonbridge Inn, near Carlisle, among the top 10 per cent of restaurants listed in the AA Restaurant Guide.
Head chef Chris Archer and his team were recognised with the award at the awards.
Chris said: “It’s our ambition for Pentonbridge Inn to be a must-visit destination for diners from across the country and retaining our three AA Rosettes is a brilliant testament to the team’s creativity, talent and hard work.
“It’s a proud moment for everyone. We’re creating something really special here and are committed to delivering excellence in everything we do across the whole dining experience.”
Pentonbridge Inn, which sits in countryside close to the Scottish border at Penton in North Cumbria, was first awarded three AA Rosettes last year.
Pentonbridge Inn recently launched an eight-course tasting menu featuring ingredients from the restored walled garden of its sister business, Netherby Hall, a historic stately home four-and-a-half miles away at Longtown, near Carlisle.
Chris, who has been at Pentonbridge Inn for three years, works closely with the garden team at Netherby Hall to source up to 70 per cent of the fruit, herbs and vegetables used in the dishes on the set tasting menu, as well as working with local suppliers from across Cumbria.
