And finally… Grantley Hall builds its way to the top
In a boon for Yorkshire, the 47-room five-star establishment in Ripon has been crowned Independent Hotel of the Year.
Built in 1680, the property has been a stately home, a wartime convalescent unit, and an adult education college, before undergoing a five-star upgrade.
Privately owned by Valeria Sykes since 2015, the most recent addition to the portfolio is Grantley Arms, a country pub unveiled this summer that comes complete with timber beams and stone walls.
The spa is also not to be sniffed at, offering 25,000 sq ft of relaxation via a steam room, sauna, multiple treatment rooms and wellness areas, and an 18-metre swimming pool, among other necessities.
Earlier this year, the hotel joined The Leading Hotels of the World club, the hospitality equivalent of getting your project LEED Platinum, RIBA-approved, and featured on Grand Designs all in one go.
