Newark hotelier named AA’s Friendliest landlady at B&B Awards

Lisa Holloway, owner of Compton House B&B, was named the UK’s friendliest landlady from a shortlist of 25 finalists for her “wonderful cooking, homely interiors and friendly smile”.

Welcoming guests from across the world, Holloway and her husband Marko serve both breakfast and dinner alongside a selection of homemade marmalade, pickles, jams and muesli.

She said: “I am honoured to have won this award and to be recognised for doing something that I love doing. We always do our best to make every guest’s stay an enjoyable experience not just somewhere to stay and I am looking forward to continuing to offer guests the friendliest welcome they at Compton House.”

She is now working on an entertainment series at the hotel, including Dinners with Speakers evenings and How to Run a B&B weekends, and is working on creating the Compton House Cookery Book.

Regional B&B Awards​

Meanwhile the AA Bed & Breakfast Awards also recognised the best accommodation in England, Scotland, Wales and London, as well as the Funkiest B&B in the UK.

The AA Guest Accommodation of the Year for England went to Blackmore Farm in Cannington, Somerset, a 15th century, grade-I listed manor house with farm shop, café and self-catering accommodation.

The AA Guest Accommodation of the Year for Scotland was named as 23 Mayfield in Edinburgh, which features boutique style rooms and offers guests a luxurious and unique experience.

The AA Guest Accommodation of the Year for Wales was Plas Maenan Country House situated high above the Conwy Valley, with many bedrooms offering mountain views.

The AA Guest Accommodation of the Year for London went to the Park Grand London Paddington, a centrally-located B&B with “tastefully designed” bedrooms and “elegant interiors”.

And finally, the award for the Funkiest Bed & Breakfast of the Year went to The Wensleydale Heifer in West Witton, Yorkshire, where each room is uniquely themed from movies and chocolate to whisky, Champagne and animals.

Simon Numphud, AA Hotel Services manager, said: “The AA is delighted to recognise and reward such deserving individuals and their establishments, whose standards of hospitality and service are truly exemplary.”

The awards were held at a lunchtime event at the Guoman Royal Horseguards Hotel in London yesterday.