Independent Hotel of the Year Shortlist

Put simply, Jersey’s Atlantic Hotel is one of the country’s leading independent hotels when judged on criteria such as its overall excellence, its continuity of ownership by father and son for over 50 years now, its high levels of customer service, its high percentage of returning guests and its 4 AA rosette Ocean Restaurant. 

The only member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World in the Channel Islands, and one of the newest recruits to Pride of Britain Hotels, The Atlantic is owned and run by consummate hotelier and Master Innholder, Patrick Burke. Professionalism is Patrick’s watchword which is something he expects from all 60+ members of The Atlantic “family”.  

The Atlantic takes its responsibilities as a good employer seriously and recently became the very first hotel on the island to be accredited as a Living Wage Jersey Employer. 

At the same time The Atlantic has set out on a journey towards a more sustainable future with EarthCheck, a leading certification body, having achieved Benchmarked Bronze Status in 2022 and aiming to achieve Silver by the end of 2023.

In addition, The Atlantic has just launched a new scheme to support Rewild Carbon, a balancing programme which aims to reduce carbon in the atmosphere by rewilding threatened ecosystems in the Atlantic forest of Brazil. Every guest is now offered the chance to balance their emissions through a suggested donation per room per night.

One of the most significant events in the hotel’s calendar which celebrates its independent spirit is The Atlantic’s “Eat Jersey” food festival. Led by Executive chef Will Holland the festival incorporates four days of gourmet dining featuring guest chefs from around the UK, this year headlined by Michel Roux. 2023 was the most successful year yet raising £11,000 for The Atlantic’s philanthropic partner, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

Aviator is a luxury boutique hotel in Hampshire overlooking Farnborough Airport, close to London. The hotel is designed to reflect the unique and modern aesthetics of aviation. With its sleek contours inspired by the shape of a propeller, Aviator sets the scene for a sophisticated stay. Inside, you are met with the impressive central rotunda and staircase surrounded by luxurious yet understated interiors. 

The hotel boasts 169 rooms, including 19 suites, all of which are luxuriously appointed with high-quality furnishings and modern amenities. All three room types feature a king or super king sized bed, a large TV with complimentary movies, climate control, a seating area and an ensuite with a walk-in rain shower. 

When it comes to dining, our award-winning Brasserie provides the perfect setting for a sophisticated dinner, with seasonal menus that are created using local and seasonal produce. Our second restaurant, One Eleven, provides a more casual atmosphere with a state-side dining concept and full-flavoured dishes that will leave you unashamedly sunken in your chair. The secluded Sky Bar which overlooks the Farnborough Airport runway is an extraordinary location to sip one of our signature cocktails

We are an established hotel that offers a unique and memorable experience for its guests. Aviator is rated the twelfth best hotel in the UK by TripAdvisor Traveller reviews which, we think, says it all. Whether travelling for business or pleasure, the hotel's exceptional facilities, stylish design, and convenient location make it an excellent choice for a home away from home.

Delicious food, deep sleep and dramatic views – the Cottage in the Wood Malvern is not a cottage in the wood – it is a hotel on the hill!  The hotel offers a desirable mix of laid-back elegance, incredible food and intuitive service in a naturally dramatic space.  32 bespoke bedrooms across the Main House, Beech Cottage and The Coach House, and the 2 AA Rosette 1919 Restaurant, Lounge Bar and Terrace offers all day dining and drinks - with a view.   

The Malverns is one of Britain’s best kept secrets. It may not be as famous as its neighbouring Cotswolds, but this Area of Outstanding Beauty offers up some of the most beautiful countryside Britain has to offer. Picturesque villages, sweeping views, historical landmarks and cultural heritage – The Malverns is an escape away from the typical British tourist hotspots and The Cottage in the Wood Malvern is the perfect base from which to explore.  Sip a cocktail on the Terrace overlooking the sweeping views, simply relax in the Lounge Bar with a coffee and a natter or take to the Malvern Hills for a bracing walk right on your doorstep. There is no itinerary, no agenda – just space to enjoy the great food, good company and stunning views.

Sister property to Dormy House, Foxhill Manor and Hillside Hangouts, The Fish Hotel is a collection of quirky hotel houses and huts on a 500-acre estate, Farncombe, high above the village of Broadway in the Cotswolds. Farncombe has been privately owned by the same family for over 40 years, and the estate has been transformed by a multi-million-pound investment. 

Alongside country-chic rooms and suites in The Stables, The Outhouse and The Coach House, there are shepherd’s huts - Hilly Huts and Hideaway Huts - nestled within the grounds, as well as three Treehouses, accessed via a rope bridge. 

The Fish is home to Hook, a laid-back seafood-inspired restaurant helmed by Head Chef Richard Thorpe and overseen by Farncombe’s culinary director Martin Burge, and The Feasting Deck, an interactive BBQ dining experience for private groups of up to 20. The Boot Room, designed in conjunction with The Original Muck Boot Company, provides guests with boots to borrow and walking maps of local routes and villages to explore. There is also a ‘Dunk your Dog’ dog bath and children’s play zone, created using recycled wood from across the estate. The Fish offers a range of Farncombe Adventures which invites guests to try their hand at axe-throwing, archery, clay shooting and hover crafting and wellness walks in the woodland.

The Grand, York is an iconic destination combining timeless elegance and contemporary luxury. Nestled in the heart of York, one of England's most historic and vibrant cities, the hotel offers an unrivalled experience for city breakers.

With its stunning architecture and the team's excellent attention to detail and service, The Grand offers a luxury gateway for guests to immerse themselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of York. The hotel's central location allows guests to easily explore the city's iconic landmarks, charming streets, and cultural attractions.

One of the standout features of the hotel is its exceptional dining options. From the Michelin-recognised restaurant Legacy, where guests can savour a modern British and Yorkshire-inspired tasting menu, to the distinguished Rise Restaurant and Terrace Bar, awarded with an AA Rosette, where indulgent afternoon teas and locally sourced produce take centre stage.  

The hotel also prides itself on a state-of-the-art Cookery School, a culinary haven where aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts can embark on a journey of immersive learning and creativity. With this wide culinary offering, foodies can indulge in a variety of gastronomic experiences.

The hotel boasts 207 magnificent bedrooms, from elegantly appointed rooms to opulent suites, each meticulously designed. The hotel also includes a fitness centre, a tranquil spa offering rejuvenating treatments, and a dedicated concierge team.

 

Hidden in the rolling Narberth hills, surrounded by meadows, woodland and mature gardens, if you weren’t looking for the Grove of Narberth you might just miss it. The warmest of Welsh welcomes awaits you here, the kind reserved for the oldest and best of friends, as you wander through the thoughtfully restored house and grounds, your new home from home deep in the Pembrokeshire countryside. Breathe in the magic, soak in the fresh air, and escape to thoughtful luxury.

Enjoy our unbuttoned approach to exceptional hospitality, and experience a beautiful, intimate and elegant small luxury hotel, crafted carefully for you. Each bedroom has been individually designed, with a modern twist on a traditional Welsh country house, while our fine-dining Fernery and more relaxed Artisan restaurants are widely renowned for their outstanding food. Embrace the Grove spirit, good cheer and laughter, or as we like to say in Wales, enjoy the ‘hwyl’!

Family owned since 1979, The Headland is one-of-a-kind independent resort in a wild, dramatic location on the Cornish clifftops. With a long-standing pursuit of relaxed luxury and excellent service combined with grand traditions and age-old charm, it embraces the modern with a stunning Aqua Club, and five-bubble platinum rated spa facilities.

The team believe that you should arrive feeling welcomed, whoever you are. And you should leave rejuvenated, wherever you're going back to. That's what holidays are for. This approach has established The Headland as a timeless destination for many visitors who return every year. Renowned and stunning architecture, and unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean: just a few reasons to discover The Headland.

With the leadership of the second generation of family at the hotel, through winter 22/23 a £3m renovation project was undertaken in the main 170 guest restaurant, two storey kitchen and team dining area. Restaurant RenMor opened to huge acclaim and has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from regulars and new diners.

In April 2023 The Headland was acknowledged in the BBC documentary “Simon Reeves’ return to Cornwall” for “changing the perception of hospitality work in Cornwall, one of the most impoverished regions in the UK” through year round employment of young people, older people, those with additional needs, and those previously homeless. The team actively engage weekly with local, national and international schools and colleges, to further knowledge and aspirations of young people.

The Headland is recognized as the UK beachside resort destination of choice, and delivers to its guests a home from home experience, where they are welcomed as family and can relax and enjoy the best of Cornish hospitality.

Ness Walk is ‘redefining luxury’ on the leafy banks of the River Ness, in the capital of the Scottish Highlands. An air of stately splendour from the original 19th-century house (Grade B listed) permeates throughout the property and it’s setting on the riverside provides a picture-postcard scene.

The gated entrance announces your arrival and from the complimentary glass of chilled champagne to welcome you, to the 47 exquisite bedrooms, guests are cossetted in a warm Highland welcome. Beyond the exceptional finish and fabric of the hotel, personality shines through at Ness Walk; the team are incredibly passionate about delivering personal luxury experiences, beyond expectations. 

The hotel’s Torrish Restaurant has become a firm fixture on Scotland’s culinary map, showcasing the meat, seafood, plants, crops, dairy, culture, landscape, skill, and character that make the Scottish Highlands so special. Boasting far reaching views over the river, the menu in Torrish is ingredient-driven and focused on seasonality and locality – each dish reflecting independent producers and growers and presented with culinary flair. 

While sustainability is often associated with grand gestures, at Ness Walk, the belief is that even small choices have a significant impact. The rooftops of the hotel harnesses solar energy from their rooftops while visitors are encouraged to travel by electric vehicle through the provision of 11 EV Charging Points.

Immense pride is taken in the hotels’ recent Gold Green Tourism Award – a testament to the initiatives which enhance the guest experience while preserving, protecting and enhancing the local environment and community. 

Whether you’re wishing to explore the stunning vistas, discover the finest whiskies on a local distillery tour or improve your swing at one of the championship golf courses nearby, Ness Walk delivers all the plush comfort and personalised hospitality you could hope for.”