A Lake District inn has been awarded a prestigious title.
The Punch Bowl Inn & Restaurant at Crosthwaite was named the AA Inn of the Year Award at the 2023 B&B Awards.
It was celebrated for its outstanding hospitality, service, and commitment to quality, during a virtual awards ceremony.
The awards are highly respected in the industry and see teams of AA inspectors head out every year to find the best bed and breakfasts the UK has to offer.
Individuality, standard of housekeeping, and the all-important breakfast were just some of the areas the inspectors used to decide the winners.
Richard Rose, owner of the Punch Bowl Inn & Restaurant, said: “We’re hugely grateful to the AA for this much coveted award. I’ve been running the Punch Bowl for almost 20 years and I know it takes a special kind of person to really thrive in this line of work.
“Luckily for me, I have a whole team of special people who always go the extra mile to make sure our guests have an exceptional stay, so this award is for every single one of them.
“We’re all so passionate about The Punch Bowl, whether it’s the striking location with breath-taking countryside views, the outstanding dishes on our seasonal menus, or our stylish, full-of-character bedrooms and dining areas.
“Every last detail is carefully thought out to make sure our guests feel entirely at home when they visit, and a big thank you again to the AA for their appreciation of this.”
Simon Numphud, managing director at AA hotel & hospitality services, which operates the AA quality assessment schemes, presented the award to owner Simon.
He said: “Consistently rated amongst the finest places to stay and eat in the North of England, this well-established inn has long been a staple destination in the Lake District setting a high benchmark for quality and comfort. The setting is full of allure next to the village church and with views down the Lyth Valley.
“Richard will not however allow its character as a traditional inn to wane. Stone floors, low ceilings, open fires, local ales and spirits and always with warmth and hospitality.
“Nine luxurious bedrooms are all set upstairs and offer traditional comfort and charm, and food is a key driver here having held two AA rosettes for almost 20 years and shows no sign of easing off. Congratulations to Richard and all the team at the Punch Bowl Inn.”
