We love shouting about Yorkshire spots winning national awards. It gives us a chance to highlight just how great this county is as well as highlight a business that is at the top of its game. And, this little gem that has won AA Inn of the Year for England, is just that.The Penny Bun in Askwith, near Ilkley, has been named England’s Inn of the Year, and it’s a thoroughly well-deserved win. It’s genuinely one of the few places I’ve visited that still lives rent-free in my mind.
From its beautifully stripped-back take on a traditional pub to its simple yet elegant bedrooms, it’s the kind of place where you just want to sit back and while away the hours, soaking up the surroundings.
And we’re not the only ones who think so. The AA also sang the inn’s praises, writing: “The Penny Bun Inn is part of the Denton Reserve, set on the edge of the Yorkshire countryside, and provides an inviting base for exploring the surrounding landscape, while delivering a destination experience in its own right. The rooms are stylish yet unfussy, designed to provide a relaxing retreat with an emphasis on comfort and understated elegance.”
There’s plenty to explore beyond the inn, too. The Penny Bun sits within the Denton Reserve, a pioneering 2,500-acre estate dedicated to restoring Yorkshire’s countryside and helping to combat climate change, making it an ideal base for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature.
The Yorkshire Post reports that Harriet Hughes-Payne, Director of Operations at Denton Reserve, said: “We are thoroughly delighted to receive this award at such an early stage of our evolution, and praise goes to the wonderful team behind The Penny Bun, who go above and beyond to serve high-quality food and provide exceptional Yorkshire hospitality. Our philosophy of turning ‘food miles into metres’ is proving that local produce and sustainable design really do make an unbeatable match. We can’t wait to continue our hospitality journey.”
Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, added: “As the staycation market plays an increasingly crucial role in driving British tourism, it is vital to champion and celebrate the independent operators who work tirelessly to make the UK such a compelling travel destination.
“The winners recognised at this year’s AA B&B Awards demonstrate the world-class hospitality, outstanding food and unforgettable guest experiences that are often driven by independent owners whose passion for hospitality, attention to detail and personal approach create the unique and memorable experiences that guests increasingly seek, and which set Britain’s B&B sector apart.”
Having been named England’s Inn of the Year, The Penny Bun will now compete against the Scottish and Welsh winners for the overall UK title. The winner will be announced at the AA Hospitality Awards in London on 21 September.
If you’d like to find out more about the awards, head over to the website here.
Read More: This Yorkshire Restaurant Has Been Named Best In The Region By Good Food Guide
Feature Image Credit: The Penny Bun
