Discover the best B&Bs in the UK for 2024
The AA B&B Awards 2024
The AA B&B awards celebrate the very best of Britain's B&Bs, in the following categories:
– Restaurant with Rooms of the Year for England, Scotland and Wales
– Inn of the Year for England, Scotland and Wales
– Bed & Breakfast of the Year for England, Scotland and Wales
Congratulations to all of the winners on their fantastic achievements.
Read about all the B&B Award winners here
AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year England
Boys Hall, Ashford, Kent
4 Gold Stars, 2 AA Rosettes
Done out in beautiful boutique style, Boys Hall is a lavishly restored 17th-century manor house now resurrected as a classy restaurant with rooms. The 9 bedrooms are individually styled and deliver style and comfort in spades. There's a cosy pubby bar for a drink before you enjoy some excellent food with interesting global influences, beneath soaring rafters in the gorgeous barn-style restaurant. The lovely gardens are a pleasure to wander, and the location is perfect for exploring Kent's attractions.
Brad Lomas, co-owner of Boys Hall, said, "Unbelievable that we've got another award again. Such a prestigious award to have in such a short space of time. We certainly couldn't be where we are without the entire team. Thank you."
AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year Scotland
Mingary Castle, Kilchoan, Highland
5 Gold Stars, 3 AA Rosettes
Built within the 13th-century curtain walls of Mingary Castle, this restaurant with rooms is unique and individual, with high levels of quality, charm and character. Luxurious feature bedrooms and en suites combine with a stunning restaurant showcasing great technical skill. Guests can explore the top of the curtain wall or climb down the staircase towards the sea and the viewing platform to take in the Isle of Mull just across the water.
Colin Nicholson, Chef-patron of Mingary Castle, said, "On behalf of Mingary Castle, I would like to thank the AA for this amazing award. It's been a great year and thanks to all our team for the hard work."
AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year Wales
The Checkers, Montgomery, Powys
5 Silver Stars, 3 AA Rosettes
Expect modern British cuisine served in an intimate and relaxed environment, with a focus on carefully sourced seasonal ingredients and fine wines. The Checkers is a fine dining restaurant with rooms in the heart of Montgomery, a picturesque Welsh borders town close to the Offa’s Dyke path, River Severn and Shropshire Hills. Superb food and great wines at accessible prices. A relaxed atmosphere and a chance to get away from it all are promised at this 17th-century coaching inn brimming with character. Bedrooms are available from Wednesday to Saturday and rates include the tasting menu. Lunches are also available.
Andrew Birch of The Checkers said, "We're very grateful to be part of the AA guide and we're honoured to have this year won Best AA Restaurant with Rooms in Wales."
AA Inn of the Year England
The Cartford Inn, Little Ecclestone, Lancashire
5 Gold Stars, 2 AA Rosettes
The family-run, 17th-century Cartford Inn enjoys extensive views towards the Lake District and offers stylish and chic accommodation together with award-winning food. Some bedrooms have Juliet balconies with views of the river. Eating on the terrace is possible in warmer weather and a private function room is available for small parties. There’s also their own branded on-site TOTi Deli and designer Home store.
Patrick Beaume of The Cartford Inn, commented, "We work tirelessly at the Cartford Inn to strive for the best in what we do, and to receive something like this really makes it worthwhile. We're all overjoyed with it."
AA Inn of the Year Scotland
Kildrummy Inn, Kildrummy, Aberdeenshire
5 Gold Stars, 2 AA Rosettes
Located in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, Kildrummy Inn is the perfect base for touring the Grampian Mountains and beyond. This family run, traditional inn combines a harmonious blend of luxury heritage, tradition and nature to form the quintessential Scottish getaway. The inn provides four charming bedrooms – all are en suite and feature TVs, DVD players and free WiFi. The lounge bar, with a roaring fire and a good selection of beers and whiskies, is a great place in which to while away the time. No visit would be complete without sampling the food on offer, with indulgent, award-winning cuisine capturing the essence of the dramatic Cairngorms landscape.
Sophie Littlewood, co-owner of Kildrummy Inn, said, "We have a wonderful young team here at Kildrummy Inn, and this award really is testament to the hard work that everyone puts in. Congratulations everyone, congratulations."
AA Inn of the Year Wales
Y Talbot, Tregaron, Ceredigion
4 Gold Stars, 2 AA Rosettes
Located in the heart of this quiet town, Y Talbot has been appointed to provide a range of very high-quality bedrooms and bathrooms with luxury showers; some smaller, standard rooms are also available. There is a traditional bar serving real ales and a contemporary main restaurant and lounge. Dinner offers a very good selection of dishes using quality produce.
Tracy Watkin, co-owner of Y Talbot, said, "We're delighted to be recognised by the AA, and this is due to the hard working team we have. Roll on London, and come on, Wales!"
AA Bed and Breakfast of the Year England
Mallard Grange, Ripon, North Yorkshire
5 Silver Stars
A genuine welcome is always guaranteed at homely Mallard Grange. The original features of this early 16th-century, Grade II listed farmhouse are highlighted by quality furnishings and tasteful decor. Bedrooms, two of which are in a converted smithy, are filled with a wealth of thoughtful extras. Breakfast is one of the highlights of any stay here and features home-reared and local produce. The property a short walk away from Fountains Abbey, and there's an easy path to walk from the property to there.
Maggie Johnson of Mallard Grange, commented, "We were surprised and delighted to receive this prestigious award from the AA after 31 years. It's really lovely to know that so many people think that what we do here is a little bit special. Thank you."
AA Bed and Breakfast of the Year Scotland
The Auld Kirk, Ballater, Aberdeenshire
4 Gold Stars
This Victorian Scottish Free Church building has been carefully converted into a warm guest house and is now hosted by welcoming proprietors Helen & Kevin. Many original features of the kirk have been restored and incorporated in the design, and all seven purpose-built rooms are situated on the first floor, accessed by a wide staircase from the large entrance hallway. Excellent homecooked breakfasts, using the finest local produce, are served at the table in the characterful dining room.
Kevin Smith, from The Auld Kirk, said, "We're absolutely delighted to receive this Best Bed and Breakfast in Scotland award for 2024. Thank you to all our lovely guests, and to our team for making this possible."
AA Bed and Breakfast of the Year Wales
Bryn Derwen, Llandudno, Conwy
5 Gold Stars
Located in a quiet area of Llandudno, Bryn Derwen is just a short walk from the main shopping area and local restaurants. A friendly welcome is assured at this impressive Victorian house, which retains many original features such as tiled floors and fine stained-glass windows. Décor and furnishings highlight the historic charm of the property, which is most apparent in the sumptuous lounges and attractive dining room. A choice of individually styled bedrooms is offered, and all are equipped with many thoughtful extras.
Mark Rogers, proprietor of Bryn Derwen, said, "We are honoured to think that all our hard work has been recognised and appreciated by the AA, and by our wonderful guests that we have had over the years."
