The sun shone as the individuals and teams behind some of the country’s finest independent accommodation gathered at The AA B&B Awards in London yesterday. In the opulent surroundings of the St Ermin’s Hotel, Westminster, owners took a well-earned break to enjoy champagne and a fine afternoon tea and learn which of them would take the coveted top spot in categories including Guest Accommodation of the Year and Breakfast of the Year.
eviivo were very proud to be a sponsor of the event, especially as the AA B&B Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the independent accommodation industry. The standard was extremely high, which is to be expected when the properties have all been inspected by The AA and recommended for inclusion in the judges’ shortlist by a team of qualified and highly experienced inspectors.
We were delighted that eviivo users Tigh Na Leigh Guest House in Alyth, Perthshire, were awarded Guest Accommodation of the Year for Scotland and The Swan, in Bampton, Devon were recognised as Inn of the Year.
We are also celebrating the fact that three more categories were won by eviivo properties, using our online booking diary software:
Unique B&B of the Year went to Brightham House in Malborough, South Devon, where owners Scott and Alistair have created a striking and stylish boutique B&B with a vintage and retro feel combined with the best of modern comforts.
eviivo sponsored a couple of the awards, one of which was Friendliest B&B, won by Woodlands Farm, North Yorkshire. At this 5 Star Gold Award property on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, Paul and Amy Callin extend a warm Yorkshire welcome to guests and attend to their every need.
Also sponsored by eviivo, the AA Story Award went to Wold View House, near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire. The tale told by 72 year old Irene Ward Kedall summed up the trials and tribulations of running a B&B and took the judges through getting the property up to scratch, financial challenges, unexpected disasters, a TV appearance and the life-changing advice from an AA inspector to start taking online bookings. The tireless Irene is the epitome of the hardworking, determined B&B owner and the perfect proof that eviivo truly is for anyone with rooms to sell and a story to tell.
In other awards news, we’re thrilled to announce that entries for the eviivo Awards will be opening this month! So stay tuned for how to apply, tips on your application and the announcement of which categories will be running this year.
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!