Two Richmondshire businesses – both in Bainbridge – were winners at last night’s White Rose Awards.
The Small Hotel category was won by Yorebridge House, while Low Mill Guesthouse came home with the Guest Accommodation award.
The Georgian Theatre Experience in Richmond, was highly commended in the Small Attraction of the Year category for its guided heritage tours and recently opened exhibition area.
More than 1,000 people attended Welcome to Yorkshire’s Big Night Out celebrations at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
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The White Rose Awards, which are the UK’s largest celebration of tourism, saw businesses from across the county go head to head in 17 different categories, from Restaurant of the Year, to the Art and Culture award.
Guests were wowed by performances from the Yorkshire Regiment Band, dancers Glo-men, aerial acrobats Urban Angels and stunning vocals by soprano schoolgirl Emmie Beckett.
The night also recognised a successful year for Yorkshire’s rugby league stars Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers, Hull FC and the Bradford Bulls’ women, who attended on the night to share their celebration with everyone and show off their trophies.
Champion featherweight boxer Josh Warrington was among the guests, fresh from his latest win in the ring the previous weekend.
Cricketer Ryan Sidebottom who retired this year was also honoured at the awards as he was made a Yorkshire Patron.
Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “The White Rose Awards are a great opportunity for us all to celebrate the wonderful Yorkshire businesses who work so hard to make this county a world-class visitor destination.
“Without the amazing efforts of these businesses, Yorkshire wouldn’t be the success it is – it really is a group effort that goes in to making the county a destination that people want to visit again and again.”
Chair of the independent panel of judges, Professor Colin Mellors said: “Given the tough competition, this year’s winners deserve our warmest congratulations. The region’s visitor economy goes from strength to strength and our tourism businesses provide sector-leading levels of service and hospitality.
“The White Rose Awards are a fitting opportunity to celebrate some of Yorkshire’s finest businesses.”
Winners:
Yorkshire Pub of the Year – The Bay Tree, Stillington, York
Business Tourism Award – The English Institute of Sport, Sheffield
Restaurant with Rooms – Estbek House, Whitby
Large Attraction – Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Ripon
Taste of Yorkshire – Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley
Arts and Culture Award – Hull Truck Theatre
Visitor Information – Bridlington Tourist Information Centre
Self-catering – Smallshaw Cottages and Spa, Sheffield
Caravan and Holiday Park – Camp Katur, Bedale
Small Hotel – Yorebridge House, Leyburn
Guest Accommodation – Low Mill Guesthouse, Bainbridge
Makers and Producers – Yorkshire Dama Cheese, Sowerby Bridge
Small Attraction – Scampston Hall and Walled Garden, Malton
Restaurant of the Year – The Pheasant Hotel, Helmsley
Outstanding Customer Service – Wentbridge House Hotel, Pontefract
Large Hotel – Rudding Park, Harrogate
Tourism Event of the Year – Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate
Highly Commended:
Business Tourism Award – National Railway Museum, York
Large Attraction – National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
Yorkshire Pub of the Year – The Bruce Arms, West Tanfield, Ripon
Taste of Yorkshire – Miller’s Fish and Chips, York
Arts and Culture Award – Spear at Semerwater – Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes
Self-catering – Lendal Tower, York
Caravan and Holiday Park – Vale of Pickering Caravan Park
Small Attraction – The Georgian Theatre Experience, Richmond
Outstanding Customer Service – Tong Garden Centre, Bradford
Restaurant of the Year – The Westwood Restaurant, Beverley
Tourism Event of the Year – Wakefield Festival of Food Drink and Rhubarb
The awards were backed by leading businesses, including Twisted Automotive, Slingsby Gin, Lucy Pittaway, Three Create, CGC, Calverts Carpets, Froneri, the Yorkshire Regiment, BBC Yorkshire, Biffa, Total Food Service, Cleanbright, Barclays, Yorkshire Post, CNG Ltd, The Bells, British Beer & Pub Association, P&O, Crow Recruitment, Aagrah and Leeds City College School of Travel, Food and Drink.
