AA reveals Britain’s Best B&Bs
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The AA has this week revealed the ultimate B&Bs across the UK who have gone above and beyond in their industry.
Now in its 28th year, the 2024 AA B&B Awards saw its team of expert inspectors recognise the best-of-the-best across the bed and breakfast scene in England, Wales and Scotland. Individuality, the standard of housekeeping and the all-important breakfast, are just some areas the AA’s experts used to decide the winners. Excellent levels of hospitality and attentive service are also at the heart of the guest experience for each of the winners.
Categories include “Inn of the Year”, “Bed and Breakfast of the Year” and “Restaurant with Rooms of the Year” with winners representing England, Scotland and Wales in each category. Spanning every corner of the UK, winners included The Auld Kirk, in Ballater, to Y Talbot, Tregaron and Boys Hall, in Kent.
Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, said: “This year we have a very rich B&B scene across the UK, showcasing an extraordinary level of individuality and the very highest standards of hospitality.
“The calibre of the nine worthy winners represents the very best from across Scotland, Wales and England. With so many to choose from, holidaymakers can explore Britain, enjoying a comfortable sleep and delicious breakfast in an array of B&Bs wherever they decide to go.”
The winners of the AA B&B Awards 2024 are:
AA INN OF THE YEAR
ENGLAND
The Cartford Inn, Little Ecclestone, Lancashire
SCOTLAND
Kildrummy Inn, Kildrummy, Aberdeenshire
WALES
Y Talbot, Tregaron, Ceredigion
AA RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS OF THE YEAR
ENGLAND
SCOTLAND
Mingary Castle, Kilchoan, Highland
WALES
The Checkers, Montgomery, Powys
AA BED AND BREAKFAST OF THE YEAR
ENGLAND
Mallard Grange, Ripon, North Yorkshire
SCOTLAND
The Auld Kirk, Ballater, Aberdeenshire
WALES
Here’s what the AA inspectors and judging panel of the 2024 AA B&B Awards had to say:
AA INNS OF THE YEAR
ENGLAND
The Cartford Inn, Great Ecclestone, Lancashire
“The family-run, 17th-century Cartford Inn enjoys extensive views towards the Lake District and offers stylish and chic accommodation together with award-winning food. Some bedrooms have Juliet balconies with views of the river. Eating on the terrace is possible in warmer weather and a private function room is available for small parties. There’s also their own branded on-site TOTI Deli and designer home store.”
SCOTLAND
Kildrummy Inn, Kildrummy, Aberdeenshire
“Located in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, Kildrummy Inn is the perfect base for touring the Grampian Mountains and beyond. This family run, traditional inn combines a harmonious blend of luxury heritage, tradition and nature to form the quintessential Scottish getaway. The inn provides four charming bedrooms. The lounge bar, with a roaring fire and a good selection of beers and whiskies, is a great place in which to while away the time. No visit would be complete without sampling the food on offer, with indulgent, award-winning cuisine capturing the essence of the dramatic Cairngorms landscape.”
WALES
Y Talbot, Tregaron, Ceredigion
“Located in the heart of this quiet town, Y Talbot provides a range of very high-quality bedrooms and bathrooms with luxury showers; some smaller, standard rooms are also available. There is a traditional bar serving real ales and a contemporary main restaurant and lounge. Dinner offers a very good selection of dishes using quality produce.”
AA RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS OF THE YEAR
ENGLAND
“Decorated in a beautiful boutique style, Boys Hall is a lavishly restored 17th-century manor house now resurrected as a classy restaurant with rooms. The 9 bedrooms are individually styled and deliver style and comfort in spades. There's a cosy bar for a drink before you enjoy some excellent food with interesting global influences, beneath soaring rafters in the gorgeous barn-style restaurant. The lovely gardens are a pleasure to wander, and the location is perfect for exploring Kent's attractions.”
SCOTLAND
Mingary Castle, Kilchoan, Scotland
“Built within the 13th-century curtain walls of Mingary Castle, this restaurant with rooms is unique and individual, with high levels of quality, charm and character. Luxurious feature bedrooms and en suites combine with a stunning restaurant showcasing great technical skill. Guests can explore the top of the curtain wall or climb down the staircase towards the sea and the viewing platform to take in the Isle of Mull just across the water.”
WALES
The Checkers, Montgomery, Powys
“Expect modern British cuisine served in an intimate and relaxed environment, with a focus on carefully sourced seasonal ingredients and fine wines. The Checkers is a fine dining restaurant with rooms in the heart of Montgomery, a picturesque Welsh borders town close to the Offa’s Dyke path, River Severn and Shropshire Hills. Superb food and great wines at accessible prices. A relaxed atmosphere and a chance to get away from it all are promised at this 17th-century coaching inn brimming with character.
AA BED AND BREAKFASTS OF THE YEAR
ENGLAND
Mallard Grange, Ripon, North Yorkshire
“A genuine welcome is always guaranteed at homely Mallard Grange. The original features of this early 16th-century, Grade II listed farmhouse are highlighted by quality furnishings and tasteful decor. Bedrooms, two of which are in a converted smithy, are filled with a wealth of thoughtful extras. Breakfast is one of the highlights of any stay here and features home-reared and local produce. The property is a short walk away from Fountains Abbey, and there's an easy path to walk from the property to there.”
SCOTLAND
The Auld Kirk, Ballater, Aberdeenshire
“This Victorian Scottish Free Church building has been carefully converted into a warm guest house and is now hosted by welcoming proprietors Helen & Kevin. Many original features of the kirk have been restored and incorporated in the design, and all seven purpose-built rooms are situated on the first floor, accessed by a wide staircase from the large entrance hallway. Excellent homecooked breakfasts, using the finest local produce, are served at the table in the characterful dining room.”
WALES
“Located in a quiet area of Llandudno, Bryn Derwen is just a short walk from the main shopping area and local restaurants. A friendly welcome is assured at this impressive Victorian house, which retains many original features such as tiled floors and fine stained-glass windows. Décor and furnishings highlight the historic charm of the property, which is most apparent in the sumptuous lounges and attractive dining room. A choice of individually styled bedrooms is offered, and all are equipped with many thoughtful extras.”
All the B&Bs are invited to attend the annual AA Hospitality Awards on 23 September, where an ultimate winner in each category will be announced.
Discover all the top B&Bs across the UK and watch the AA B&B 2024 Awards here: https://www.ratedtrips.com/travel-ideas/aa-bed-and-breakfasts-of-the-year-awards-2024
