A Cumbrian hotel has been presented with a prestigious industry award.
Askham Hall, near Penrith, is just one of 10 hotels to be named a César award winner in the Good Hotel Guide 2022: Great Britain & Ireland.
Each year, 10 César awards are presented to a selection of hotels which have demonstrated consistent excellence in their field.
Askham Hall, near Penrith, has been named Country House Hotel of the Year.
The guide says: “Despite the grand medieval façade and stately surroundings, informality overrules ancestral pomp.
“The Grade II listed garden is a reverie of topiary, terraces, lawns and meadows; the interior is delightfully furnished with antiques and old photographs – and the Michelin-starred restaurant serves estate produce in unusual combinations: Lowther roe deer, smoked sheep yoghurt, juniper, elderberries; rose geranium cream, rhubarb, orange and Campari.”
Named after César Ritz, the awards are known as the Oscars of the hotel industry.
Established in 1978, the Good Hotel Guide is an independent UK hotel guide.
Formerly the family home of the Earls of Lonsdale, Askham Hall dates back more than 800 years and opened its doors to guests eight years ago.
The news comes almost two years to the day since the renowned restaurant with rooms was awarded its first Michelin star, under the guidance of head chef Richard Swale.
Askham Hall’s owner, Charles Lowther, will officially receive the César award in person at this evening’s Independent Hotel Show Awards in Olympia London.
He says, “Being named as the UK’s Country House Hotel of the Year is a fantastic surprise for the team after a difficult time for everyone across the hospitality industry. It’s a tribute to each and every member of staff who has really stepped up the mark and shown a collective determination to strive for excellence and maintain the very highest standards for our guests over the past 18 months.
“The César award also perfectly complements our Michelin star. With an abundance of produce on Askham Hall’s doorstep, sustainability is at the heart of what we do and we are passionate about producing plates of food that are completely in harmony with nature.
“This philosophy of living off the land resonates strongly with our customers and will remain integral to Askham Hall as we grow and evolve post-pandemic.”
