Run by Lorraine Allanson, Rains Farm beat off competition from 25 other finalists which had all been nominated by the AA’s team of hotel inspectors, who inspect and rate over 3,000 B&B establishments.
Allanson has lived at Rains Farm all her life and, with her mother, welcomes guests to either B&B rooms or self-catering colleges. The venue features locally-sourced breakfast produce and home-cooked bread as well as offering enviable views of the Yorkshire countryside.
Speaking shortly after yesterday’s awards ceremony, held at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London, Allanson said: “I always believe that the best memories for guests are the ones imprinted by their host, and then the accommodation.
Hard work
“Many guests give me a friendly cuddle as they leave and that is when I know I have succeeded in my quest and they have truly enjoyed their stay. Winning an award like this makes all the hard work so worthwhile and I am so proud to be able to say we are the Friendliest Bed and Breakfast.”
The Award was previously known as the Friendliest Landlady of the Year Award, but was this year updated to mark the centenary of the AA’s hotel inspections and ratings. Other awards included guest accommodation for England, Wales, Scotland and London as well as the award for Funkiest Bed and Breakfast.
AA Funkiest Bed and Breakfast of the Year:
- Dragonfly, Chester
Dragonfly blends contemporary interiors with the original Georgian features of the building, displaying modern art and vintage pieces throughout. Chic rooms are individually designed with a modern, fresh, minimalist look featuring design classic furniture pieces. The distinct style, service and attention to detail provide a ‘unique’ and ‘memorable’ experience for guests.
AA Guest Accommodation of the Year for England:
- East House, Broadway
East House is run by Lauren O’Hara. She has been welcoming guests for almost three years having previously worked in the City. Guests comment that attention to detail is second to none which is probably why they arrive as guests and leave as friends.
AA Guest Accommodation of the Year for Wales:
- Crug-Glas Country House, Solva, Pembrokeshire
Crug-Glas is run by Janet and Perkin Evans, who both have a family connection to the house. Situated in 600 acres of farmland near the Pembrokeshire coastline, Crug-Glas offers guests a relaxed atmosphere in tranquil surroundings. Each room is individual and locally-sourced produce is offered for both breakfast and dinner.
AA Guest Accommodation of the Year for Scotland:
- Arden Country House, Linlithgow
Run by Beth Cruickshank, Arden Country House is set in the grounds of Belsyde House and Farm in Linlithgow. The rural, farmland setting provides a country retreat where guests can ‘get away from it all’. Ideally located for visiting Edinburgh and Glasgow and the surrounding areas, guests at Arden Country House can be sure of ‘a warm welcome’ and ‘beautifully presented, freshly made food.’
AA Guest Accommodation of the Year for London:
- Marble Arch by Montcalm
Located at the top of Park Lane, the Marble Arch by Montcalm is a retreat in the midst of London’s vibrant buzz. The five-star boutique accommodation offers a ‘serene tranquillity’ ensconced in a ‘wonderful ambience of modern comfort.’