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The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
The best B&B in England has been revealed – it's right by the seaside and even Joanna Lumley has stayed there
THE AA has announced the winners of its 2025 B&B Awards - and taking the top spot is a quirky venue in the south west. Located on the English Riviera, The 25 Boutique B&B in Torquay, Devon is located moments away (a 10-minute walk) from the sandy beach of Torre Abbey Sands. Advertisement 3 Located on the English Riviera, The 25 Boutique B&B in Torquay, Devon has been named the best B&B by the AA Credit: The 25 3 The B&B boasts a number of different rooms and suites all named after local beaches Credit: The 25 A little further and guests will reach a bustling harbour full of extravagant boats and the town centre too. Named the best bed and breakfast of the year, the AA said: "After nearly a decade, The 25 Boutique B&B is still very much on top of its game, an engaging fusion of comfort, quality and hospitality, all of which combine to ensure a rewarding and fulfilling guest experience. They added: "Breakfast remains a tour de force." Inside the B&B, guests will find a number of differently designed bedrooms and suites - all named after local beaches. Advertisement Read more on travel inspo In the Torre Suite (named after Torre Abbey Sands), a faux zebra named Frank hangs over the orange bed. In the Shoalstone Suite (named after Shoalstone Beach), there is a king-size bed and a glittery wall. This room was even stayed in by Joanna Lumley as well. There is then also the Advertisement Most read in News Travel The rooms all have ensuites, free WiFi and fridges with fresh milk and bottled water, Netflix and air conditioning - for when it is especially warm. The B&B also features an outdoor terrace, where guests can relax on sofas with a drink from the 'honesty bar'. The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her top tips when flying hand luggage only In the morning, guests can also enjoy a full English breakfast. One recent guest said: "The most amazingly elegant B&B I've ever stayed in. It was faultless from start to finish." Advertisement Another said: "The decor was impeccable, delivered with imagination and a quirky flair that sets the accommodation apart. "Everything is five star - exceptionally comfortable bed, amazing lighting, a separate lounge, separate TV's, separate Alexas and an en-suite that even had a TV in the shower!" The five-star B&B was opened back in 2015 by Andy and Julian - who previously ran a successful country house hotel in North Wales. The B&B is adults-only and a room can be found for £287.30 for two adults for two nights (minimum stay). Advertisement The B&B makes a great base for exploring south Devon's beaches and Torquay's neighbouring towns - including Paignton, All the winners of the AA B&B Awards 2025 THESE are the top B&Bs across the UK according to the AA Hospitality Awards: AA INN OF THE YEAR England: The George Inn, Norton St Philip, Somerset Scotland: The Colintraive, Isle of Bute, Argyll & Bute Wales: The Nags Head Inn, Montgomery, Powys AA RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS OF THE YEAR England: Restaurant Interlude, Lower Beeding, West Sussex Scotland: The Dipping Lugger, Ullapool, Highland Wales: Plas Dinas Country House, Bontnewydd, Caernarfon AA BED AND BREAKFAST OF THE YEAR England: The 25 Boutique B&B, Torquay, Devon Scotland: The Townhouse, Perth, Perth & Kinross Wales: Ramsey House, St Davids, Pembrokeshire AA BEST BREAKFAST OF THE YEAR Roskhill House, Dunvegan, Highland AA SUSTAINABLE CHAMPION OF THE YEAR The Riverside at Aymestrey, Aymestrey, Herefordshire AA FRIENDLIEST B&B OF THE YEAR Broad Bay House, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides Plus, the 3 The B&B is adults-only and a room can be found for £287.30 for two adults for two nights Credit: The 25 Advertisement
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Wales Online
The Times has named this Welsh area as the perfect place for a ‘gourmet mini break'
The Times has named this Welsh area as the perfect place for a 'gourmet mini break' It's been described as 'the surprising rising star of the Welsh food scene' Looking for a romantic, wine-filled getaway? Check out Llanerch, the UK's first vineyard hotel, where you can swill wine in a beautiful leafy setting. (Image: AA Hospitality Awards ) The Vale of Glamorgan is probably one of the most crowd-pleasing spots in Wales when it comes to easy walking options, activities and glorious views, with everything from stunning seaside's to open countryside and within easy reach of cities, it ticks all the right boxes. But it's also recently been getting some love for its foodie offerings. According to The Times, the Vale is emerging as 'the surprising rising star of the Welsh food scene', making it an ideal spot for a 'gourmet mini break.' The paper has praised the region's growing number of award-winning restaurants and artisan producers in an article written by journalist Sarah Baxter. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here The Hare & Hounds in Aberthin is highlighted as a standout with The Times noting that the ''community soul has been retained under its present owner." The decor of the pub is rustic and homely without being too fussy Sarah describes dishes such as beef shin pappardelle with sourdough crumb and confit pork belly, and says the three-course evening menu offers 'exceptional value at £30." It's also been a long time holder of a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which recognises 'establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.' Article continues below Also mentioned is Home in Penarth which won a Michelin star in 2022 just six months after opening and is famous for its immersive, intimate dining experience where diners have to ring a doorbell to enter the venue, and nearby The Touring Club diners can expect 'on-trend small plates' including 'a mean Welsh rarebit dripping with beery cheese'. You may have noticed that Penarth has been having a moment on the foodie front, with the popular new restaurant changing up the feel of the high street, Hickmans Bar and Restaurant, opening last year and the brand new Goose on the Loose also taking over The Deck, on the marina. (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Later in the piece, Sarah encourages food lovers to stay at Llanerch Vineyard in Hensol which is the UK's first vineyard hotel, and enjoy tastings from its cellar. Llanerch, which is surprisingly only a 20-minute drive from Cardiff city centre was named as Britain's most beautiful vineyard out of 268 locations throughout the UK in 2022, and if you've ever visited or seen photos it's easy to see why. With the Welsh rolling hills providing an incredible backdrop, the scenery is immaculate. On site, there's also a rooftop terrace and a stunning permanent wine tasting lodge (you can read more on that here), which features some of Llanerch's own award-winning Cariad wines. (Image: ALS Photography/Llanerch Vineyard ) From vineyards and cheese shops to sea swims and pastry stops, it's unsurprising that The Times is the latest to recognise the region where top-quality food meets down-to-earth charm - and while we might be a tiny bit biased we couldn't agree more that the area is definitely one of a kind. Article continues below Describing the Vale, Sarah noted: is 'a fertile, flourishing foodie destination, yes, but one with its feet still on the ground.' So if you're looking for a short trip to indulge in the best of the best of food and drink, you definitely don't need to travel too far, as if you're based in south Wales (or further out) it might be the perfect time to explore more of what's right on your doorstep.
