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Sept 2024
B&B near Ripon named best in Britain
A bed and breakfast near Ripon has been named the best in Britain at the annual AA Hospitality Awards.
Mallard Grange was praised for its "quality furnishings and tasteful decor" as well as its "genuine welcome" by judges.
Situated on a working farm near Fountains Abbey, it has been home to the Johnson family since 1933.
The AA inspector's report said:
A genuine welcome is always guaranteed at the homely Mallard Grange. The original features of this early 16th-century, grade two-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.
Other local hospitality venues were recognised at the AA's annual awards, which took place on Monday (September 23) at the Grosvenor House in London.
The Old Deanery in Ripon and Chartwell Restaurant at Aldwark Manor Estate were both awarded 3 AA Rosettes.
The AA says this rating is given to “outstanding restaurants that achieve standards that demand national recognition well beyond their local area”.
The Old Deanery in Ripon
The Old Deanery is a Jacobean mansion close to Ripon Cathedral. It was re-opened November 2023 following a rebranding as a restaurant with rooms.
Head chef Adam Jackson previously worked at the Black Swan in Oldstead, helping it win its first Michelin star in 2012. He also set up his own restaurant, the Park in Marmadukes Townhouse hotel, which gained 3 AA Rosettes.
The Old Deanery said on its Facebook page:
We re-branded the Old Deanery as a restaurant with rooms almost a year ago, re-opening from 10th November 2023, so to have achieved this less than a year later makes all off our hard work worthwhile.
Chartwell is the newest £3 million addition to Aldwark Manor Estate.
Chartwell Restaurant is the newest addition to Aldwark Manor Estate, opening in May this year. Taking name inspiration from Sir Winston Churchill’s country estate, the new restaurant cost £3 million and is led by head chef Chris O’Callaghan.
Aldwark Manor Estate celebrated the news by posting on social media:
It usually takes years to reach this level of recognition, but Chartwell has accomplished it just months after opening, a true testament to the skill, passion, and dedication of our incredible team, led by Chris O'Callaghan.
The motoring association introduced a star system for rating hotels in 1912 and a rosette award for restaurants in 1956 to assess the quality of service and food at hotels and restaurants.
Grantley Hall near Ripon retained its 5 Red Star hotel status, which is reserved for venues rated the "very best in the UK" while Goldsborough Hall, near Knaresborough, retained its 3 AA rosette status.
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