Hospitality experts crown this Ripon B&B the best in UK at 2024 AA Awards

Mallard Grange in Ripon was awarded B&B of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards 2024 after recently claiming the B&B of the Year in England title this summer.

It comes as the UK’s hospitality elite gathered at JW Marriott Grosvenor House last night (September 23) for the ceremony that has become the “benchmark” for excellence in the industry.

Hosted by AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, the star-studded evening was presented by BAFTA-nominated television and radio broadcaster Angellica Bell, known for winning BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef.

The night celebrated the “most outstanding” hotels, spas, restaurants, overall Inns and B&Bs, alongside the people who drive them forward.

Key awards across 16 categories included AA Restaurant of the Year, AA Hotel of the Year, and the AA Sustainable Award, reflecting the industry’s commitment to innovation, quality, and environmental responsibility.

See the full list of winners across the UK here.

What did the AA say about Mallard Grange?

An AA inspector wrote: “A genuine welcome is always guaranteed at the homely Mallard Grange.

“The original features of this early 16th-century, Grade II-listed farmhouse are highlighted by quality furnishings and tasteful decor.

Fancy staying at Mallard Grange? Officially now the best B&B in the UK (Image: Tripadvisor)“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 is a short walk away from Fountains Abbey, and there’s an easy path to walk from the property to there.”

Mallard Grange also has a 5/5 rating on Tripadvisor from more than 400 reviews.

A recent visitor shared: “We had an extremely comfortable stay at this lovely farmhouse B&B, Our host Maggie was very welcoming and had thought of everything that would make our stay thoroughly enjoyable. Home-made flapjacks were very much appreciated as well as quality toiletries in the bathroom.

“Maggie was the perfect hostess, warm, welcoming and suggesting places of interest locally. What can we say about the breakfasts, utterly delicious using the farm produce where she can and supporting other local businesses.”

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North Yorkshire hotels and restaurants awarded new 3 and 5 AA Rosettes

In addition to the awards, 27 hotels received AA Rosettes and Red Stars and three new restaurants earned 5 AA Rosettes, including the Angel at Hetton in Skipton.

Let’s take a look at all the hotels and restaurants in North Yorkshire which received new 3 and 5 AA Rosettes:

New 5 Rosettes

New 3 Rosettes 

• The Old Deanery, Ripon
• Pignut, Helmsley
• Chartwell at Aldwark Manor, Alne
• Skosh, York

Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media, expressed his pride in the resilience and creativity shown by the UK’s hospitality sector in 2024.

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He commented: “This incredible celebration is a true testament to the strength and innovation within our industry.

“The dedication and excellence demonstrated by all the hospitality teams have been nothing short of inspiring.

“Congratulations to all the winners, nominees, and new Rosette holders for their remarkable contributions.”