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North Wales Live
6 hours ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Former Royal bolt-hole named best in Wales in AA awards
The AA has announced the winners of its 2025 B&B Awards - which includes a former Royal bolt-hole in Gwynedd. The awards honour the top places to stay across the UK that continue to set the benchmark for excellence in British hospitality. Now in its 29th year, the AA B&B Awards celebrate establishments that go the extra mile, from meticulous housekeeping and memorable breakfasts to authentic service and unforgettable stays. This year's winners impressed AA inspectors with their individuality, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to guest experience. There were awards for the different UK nations with a location in Gwynedd named the best AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year in Wales. A pub in Mid-Wales was named the best Inn. Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Hotel & Hospitality Services , said: 'These awards shine a light on the brilliant people and places that make Britain's B&B scene truly world class. . Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox "Whether it's a warm welcome in Scotland, a design-led retreat in England, or a culinary gem in Wales, this year's winners represent everything that's special about independent UK hospitality. They go beyond offering a bed for the night - they offer character, comfort and care that stays with you long after check-out.' Wales winners AA Restaurant with Rooms - Wales: Plas Dinas Country House, Bontnewydd, near Caernarfon What judges said: 'Plas Dinas Country House nestles between the Snowdonia (Eryri) mountains and the Irish Sea; an idyllic setting with stunning views. Located in beautiful grounds, this delightful Grade-II listed building dates to the mid-17th century. Featuring beautiful grounds and an award-winning restaurant, and formerly the home of the Armstrong-Jones family, it offers ten individually styled bedrooms in historic yet relaxed surroundings. "Take a stroll round the estate or sit by the roaring log fire in the drawing room on a cold winter's day. Each room has recently been redesigned to represent the person or role within the Armstrong-Jones family that they represent. The Princess Margaret Suite has been recently redesigned and features wedding memorabilia from her wedding to Lord Snowdon.' AA Inn of the Year - Wales: The Nags Head Inn, Montgomery, Powys Judges said: "Once a coaching inn, the Grade II listed Nags Head but has been bought right up to date to offer modern accommodation. A warm welcome is assured from the friendly team here. Log fires in the winter and a sunny terrace for alfresco dining make this a great destination at any time of the year. A range of imaginative dishes including their own take on pub classics is on offer. To complement the food, a range of local beers is stocked in addition to a well-chosen wine list.' AA Bed and Breakfast of the Year - Wales: Ramsey House, St Davids, Pembrokeshire Judges said: 'Ramsey House offers the ideal combination of professional management and the warmth of a family-run establishment. The property is quietly located on the outskirts of St Davids and is surrounded by unspoilt countryside. It provides modern, well-equipped bedrooms, with en suite bathrooms, along with a good range of welcome extras. The award-winning breakfast provides a choice of home-made items, including breads and preserves.'
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Best B&Bs in Scotland revealed – from tiny inn on ‘secret coast' to a cosy lochside restaurant with rooms
Scroll down to see the friendliest place to stay in the UK BE OUR GUEST Best B&Bs in Scotland revealed – from tiny inn on 'secret coast' to a cosy lochside restaurant with rooms TRAVEL experts have revealed the best cosy inns and beautiful B&Bs in Scotland. The AA has unveiled the winners of its Bed and Breakfast Awards for 2025, recognising the very best places to stay across the country. 4 The Perth hotel took top B&B 4 This stunning Ullapool restaurant with rooms is right on the water 4 The Colintraive is Inn of the year The categories take in inns, restaurants with rooms and traditional B&Bs with each winner delivering exceptional service, character and comfort. Now in its 29th year, the gongs celebrate establishments that go the extra mile, from meticulous housekeeping and memorable breakfasts to authentic service and unforgettable stays. This year's winners impressed AA inspectors with their individuality, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to guest experience. Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, said: 'These awards shine a light on the brilliant people and places that make Britain's B&B scene truly world class. 'This year's winners represent everything that's special about independent UK hospitality. They go beyond offering a bed for the night - they offer character, comfort and care that stays with you long after check-out.' Taking top spot in Inn of the Year is The Colintraive on the Isle of Bute. With four cosy rooms, it's just on the edge of The Loch Lomond National Park. The Colintraive is located on 'Argylls Secret Coast' with views onto the narrow channel that separates the mainland from the Isle of Bute. Judges said: 'This is an ideal base for touring, with the Isles of Bute, Islay, Arran, Jura and Gigha within easy reach. 'The well-appointed bedrooms are very comfortable and fantastic food is served in the bar and restaurant, using the best from both land and sea. Craft beers and an array of malts are available.' In the Restaurant with Rooms category, The Dipping Lugger in Ullapool came out on top. Inside Scots hotel where you can stay in Outlander heart-throb's room and take an e-bike ride from your doorstep On the banks of Loch Broom, the 18th-century former manse has been transformed into a wonderful restaurant with three luxurious rooms. The judges said: 'It offers the highest levels of service as well as hospitality backed up with a stunning dining experience. 'The property takes its name from a sailing boat and much of the design has a nautical theme. 'Luxurious bedrooms cater well for the modern guest while the open log fires and the drawing room reflect the character of the property and its heritage. Local provenance is used to good effect in the restaurant.' The AA Scottish B&B of the year went to The Townhouse in Perth. This traditional, Georgian terraced property enjoys a great location in the heart of the city centre and several of the large beautifully appointed rooms benefit from great views over picturesque South Inch Park. The judges commented: 'Luxurious beds and antique furniture sit alongside contemporary design. Breakfasts feature local and home-made produce. 'Warm and genuine hospitality is backed up with professional and attentive service. Complimentary parking is available.' Finally, the award for Friendliest B&B in the UK went to a Scottish establishment - Broad Bay House in the Isle of Lewis. Run by well-travelled couple Sue and Tom, their ethos is rooted in exceptional service, understated style, and effortless comfort. The judges said: 'From the moment you step through the door, you'll feel the warm and welcoming spirit that defines Broad Bay House. 'Every detail is thoughtfully considered to ensure your stay is not only relaxing but truly memorable – a reflection of Sue and Tom's dedication to creating something special for every guest.'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
The UK's best B&B revealed - with huge beer garden and award-winning food
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more The AA has unveiled the winners of its Bed and Breakfast Awards for 2025, recognising the very best places to stay across England, Scotland and Wales. As well as smaller prizes like AA Best Breakfast of the Year, the main three awards categories are AA Inn of the Year, AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year and AA Bed and Breakfast of the Year. There are three winners for each of these awards, selected from each of the three nations. Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, says: 'These awards shine a light on the brilliant people and places that make Britain's B&B scene truly world class. 'Whether it's a warm welcome in Scotland, a design-led retreat in England, or a culinary gem in Wales, this year's winners represent everything that's special about independent UK hospitality. 'They go beyond offering a bed for the night - they offer character, comfort and care that stays with you long after check-out.' In England, the Inn of the Year is the George Inn & Plaine, Norton St Philip, Somerset, which has a history dating as far back as 1937. The AA says: 'There is a wonderfully warm and engaging atmosphere here, a very committed team making every effort to ensure a relaxed and rewarding stay, and a tangible sense of the past at every turn with period features adding to the unique sense of place.' George Inn & Plaine Book For Scotland, The Colintraive, located on 'Argyll's Secret Coast', on the Isle of Bute, was handed the top prize. Of the Inn, the AA says: 'The well-appointed bedrooms are very comfortable, and fantastic food is served in the bar and restaurant, using the best from both land and sea.' Once a coaching inn, the Grade II-listed Nags Head, in Montgomery, Powys, won the award for Wales. The AA says: 'It has been brought right up to date to offer modern accommodation, and a warm welcome is assured from the friendly team here.' England's Restaurant with Rooms of the Year is Restaurant Interlude, Lower Beeding, West Sussex. The restored Grade II-listed property, set on a Grade I-listed country estate, has '10 unique and individually designed luxurious bedrooms' and 'unmissable multi-course 'estate experience' dining' created by 2025 Great British Menu runner-up, Jean Delport. For Scotland, the award has gone to the Dipping Lugger, overlooking Loch Broom in Ullapool. According to the AA, this 18th-century former manse has been 'transformed into a wonderful restaurant with rooms offering the highest levels of service as well as hospitality backed up with a stunning dining experience'. For Wales, Plas Dinas Country House, a Grade II-listed building nestled between the Snowdonia mountains and the Irish Sea, won the award. The AA notes its 'idyllic setting with stunning views, beautiful grounds and an award-winning restaurant'. It adds: 'The Princess Margaret Suite has been recently redesigned and features wedding memorabilia from her wedding to Lord Snowdon.' The adults-only 25 Boutique B&B, Torquay, Devon, won the English award for B&B of the Year, with the AA saying it's 'top of its game' thanks to 'an engaging fusion of comfort, quality and hospitality, all of which combine to ensure a rewarding and fulfilling guest experience'. The Townhouse, a traditional, Georgian terraced property in the heart of Perth, was Scotland's winner. The AA notes: 'Several of the large, beautifully appointed rooms benefit from great views over picturesque South Inch Park. 'Luxurious beds and antique furniture sit alongside contemporary design.' Lastly, it's Ramsey House, St Davids, Pembrokeshire, which won the award for Wales. The AA said the 25 Boutique is 'top of its game' due to 'an engaging fusion of comfort, quality and hospitality, all of which combine to ensure a rewarding and fulfilling guest experience' The AA says it 'offers the ideal combination of professional management and the warmth of a family-run establishment' 'The property is quietly located on the outskirts of St Davids and is surrounded by unspoilt countryside.' Most importantly, there's also an award for AA Best Breakfast of the Year – which was given to a charming cottage in the Isle of Skye - Roskhill House, Dunvegan, Highland. According to the AA, the food here is 'a real treat, fully vegetarian featuring a breakfast table laden with fresh baked cakes, fruit, seasonal treats and all dishes are homemade'. All the B&Bs are invited to attend the annual AA Hospitality Awards on 22 September, where an ultimate winner in each category for AA Inn of the Year, AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year and AA Bed and Breakfast of the Year will be announced.
