On 17th October 2017 eviivo and several hundred of the UK’s best independent hosts and hoteliers gathered together for the eviivo Awards at the fabulous Café de Paris in London.
For the first time, awards were open to both eviivo and non-eviivo customers, establishing the eviivo Awards as a truly industry-wide event. The top quality judging panel included industry experts, internationally recognised journalists and a Michelin-starred chef who were hugely impressed by the quality of the entries. Find out about the winners at the eviivo Awards 2017 below.
Hidden Gem & Star Amongst Stars Award
From across the UK, nine properties were identified as a Hidden Gem, representing the very best that their region has to offer. Each made it through to become a finalist in the ultimate Star Amongst Stars award. The regional winners were:
The Midlands: Abbots Grange, Broadway | Northern Ireland: Bridge B&B, Derry | North East: Burnhopeside Hall, Co. Durham
North West: Sutton Park, Blackpool | Scotland: Glenegedale House, Isle of Islay | South East: The Grove, Cromer
South West: Bayards Cove Inn, Dartmouth | Wales: The Dolaucothi Arms, Pumsaint | Yorkshire: Orchard Lodge, Scarborough
The judges decided that the 2017 Star Amongst Stars Award winner was Abbots Grange, Broadway, Worcestershire. With a helipad and croquet lawn among the facilities on offer, Abbots Grange is no ordinary B&B. Set in 8 acres of grounds, this 14th century Cotswolds gem has four-poster beds, oak paneling and open fires. The needs of modern travellers have not been forgotten though, with WiFi, fluffy bathrobes, luxury toiletries, first class service and, of course, an excellent breakfast.
Most Beautifully Presented Award
The Old Hall Ely, Ely, Cambridgeshire
This Jacobean manor house was originally renovated for use as a family home by Anthony and Alison Morbey and became a Bed and Breakfast as their children grew up. It is now run by their daughter Alex. Interiors are designed in a Jacobean style, with no expense spared in creating a homely feel using luxurious fabrics and furnishings. Their website very much reflects this with fantastic imagery.
Tastiest Breakfast Award
Bovey Cottage, Betchworth, Surrey
Owned by a chef, Bovey Cottage treats guests to delights such as homemade bread made to a Scandinavian recipe and bread pudding made to a Caribbean recipe. One of the most popular options here is a delicious dish of homemade pancakes with bacon and maple syrup, accompanied by blueberry compote freshly made with fruit from the garden.
Budget with a Twist Award
Broomhills Farm River Eco Pods, Longtown, Cumbria
Set in ancient Cumbrian woodland beside the River Lyne, a stay at these wooden eco pods is described by the owners as being like ‘camping without the tent’. The pods provide a family-friendly holiday in the great outdoors, close to nature, at a fraction of the usual cost. Consistently excellent reviews show there is no compromise on quality at this charming accommodation.
Quirkiest Place to Stay Award
Castle Levan, Gourock, Renfrewshire
This fabulous 15th-century castle is an eclectic surprise at the end of a 21st-century residential road. Once through the arched entrance, guests are transported back in time – rooms have been decorated with quirky little touches and gargoyles and dragons can be found in hidden corners. Guests love having a picture taken with ‘Sir Clyde’, the suit of armour adorning the Great Hall.
Outstanding Host Award
Manor Farm, Marlborough, Wiltshire
A working farmhouse and family home for 6 generations, Manor Farm offers guests a real home away from home. Over and above the fine rural setting, comfortable rooms and excellent breakfasts, the owners’ genuine, friendly and sincere welcome and the way they look after their guests from the moment they check-in until their departure, exemplify the vevry highest levels of service.
Most Creative Name Award
The Who’d Have Thought It, Yelverton, Devon
The ‘Whody’, as it is called by locals, has a memorable name and a customer experience to match. A cosy country pub on the edge of Dartmoor, if offers exceptional food and great value rooms plus regular events and a warm welcome. The name recalls when, hundreds of years ago, the owner was so surprised to be granted a licence he exclaimed ‘Who’d Have Thought It!’ from the pub’s porch.