Three Worcestershire establishments have won accolades in the 2023 AA Hospitality Awards hosted by AA Hotel & Hospitality Services.

The awards ceremony was presented by TV presenter and broadcaster Claudia Winkleman and it celebrated the UK’s top hotels, spas, restaurants and pubs as well as the people behind them.

The night's highlights included the crowning of AA Restaurant of the Year, AA Hotel of the Year, AA Accessible Award, AA Spa Hotel of the Year, AA Wine Award, AA Chefs’ Chef, AA Lifetime Achievement Award, AA Sustainable Award and AA Housekeeper of the Year.

This year, the AA is celebrating 115 years of recognising excellence in hospitality.

Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, said: “It’s a delight to be back at Grosvenor House as we mark the greatest hospitality celebration across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The last year has been tough on the hospitality industry as we’ve felt, like many others, the challenges facing businesses.

“Yet I’m so proud of the resilience, innovation and quality shown by the UK hospitality industry in response. We would like to extend a massive congratulations all the winners and shortlisted establishments for their hard work, passion, and dedication.” 

You can see the full list of winners via the AA website and all 2023 award winners, finalists and establishments awarded AA Rosettes feature in the 30th edition of the AA Restaurant Guide 2024 which can be bought on Amazon for £17.99 here but at the time of writing, it is discounted to £14.45.

Worcestershire hotels and restaurants win at AA Hospitality Awards 2023

MO at Dormy House in Broadway was awarded four rosettes while The Cottage in the Wood in Malvern received three rosettes.

The inspector said MO is an “elegant retreat”, adding: “A converted 17th-century farmhouse set in 400-acre grounds on the Farncombe Estate, luxurious Dormy House Hotel offers stunning views over picture perfect Broadway.

“This Cotswold dining stalwart is an elegant retreat with all the trimmings and there are two restaurants overseen by celebrated chef Martin Burge. MO is the chef’s table experience, where just 12 diners can sit at the horseshoe-shaped counter and watch as the tasting menu is cooked to order.

“Such a small and intimate audience guarantees high levels of skill and precision as the seasonal dishes are produced before your very eyes.

“A stunning dish of confit egg yolk, parmesan custard, white balsamic and black olive gets things off to an impressive start. It could be followed by caramelised lamb loin, morels and wild garlic oil or BBQ lobster, miso parsley butter, lobster tortellini and Thai consommé. Finish with passionfruit and chocolate soufflé.”

The Cottage in the Wood also impressed the inspector who said: “Set high above Malvern in eight acres of lovely woodland, with far-reaching views across the Worcestershire countryside, this unique hotel offers a desirable mix of laid-back elegance, incredible food and intuitive service in a naturally dramatic space.

“Bedrooms are available in the main house, Beech Cottage where the rooms are cosier and The Coach House where larger rooms are available, some with semi-private terraces or balconies.

“The main house public areas are modern and open-plan with a touch of London sophistication. Dinner, with menus of innovative dishes based on high-quality produce, should not be missed.”

The Fish Hotel in Broadway was awarded four red stars and it's part of the 500-acre Farncombe Estate. 

The inspector said The Fish Hotel “benefits from far-reaching views across the Worcestershire countryside.”

“The smartly appointed bedrooms are located on the hillside in former farmhouses and converted buildings, within easy reach of The Lodge, where all the hotel's main facilities can be found.”

The inspector also said “a variety of outdoor activities can be arranged” including the use of the tennis court onsite.