Pride of Britain Hotel of the Year 2016

Hambleton Hall is named Pride of Britain Hotel of the Year 2016

Pride of Britain Hotels, the collection of 48 privately-owned independent British hotels and spas, is proud to announce that Hambleton Hall in Oakham, Rutland (England’s smallest county), has been named Pride of Britain Hotel of the Year 2016 due to its outstanding hospitality in all areas including service, accommodation, housekeeping, food and overall luxury.

Perched on a hill overlooking Rutland Water and surrounded by magnificent manicured gardens, Hambleton Hall is a beautiful Victorian country house hotel boasting 17 individually-decorated bedrooms (complete with canopied beds and marble bathrooms), elegant lounges and crackling log fires.

One of Britain’s finest country house hotels, Hambleton Hall has been owned and run by Tim and Stefa Hart since 1980 and has acquired a loyal following of returning visitors owing to its warm welcome and beautifully-furnished interiors. The long-standing team includes Hambleton Hall’s General Manager Christopher Hurst who has worked at the hotel for 14 years, sommelier Dominique Baduel (14 years), Executive Chef Aaron Patterson (24 years) and Restaurant Director Graeme Matheson (29 years).

The intimate restaurant is a haven for gourmet food lovers, serving exquisite seasonal and locally-sourced dishes prepared by Michelin-starred chef, Aaron Patterson, accompanied by an award-winning wine list, overseen by sommelier Dominique Baduel. The hotel has its own traditional artisan bakery a short drive away, and you’ll find delicious freshly-cooked biscuits in the bedrooms.

Guests are encouraged to make the most of the lakeside setting; a magnet for wildlife, it’s often visited by osprey, terns and waders. Windsurf or sail on Rutland Water, cycle around the water’s edge (the hotel has a selection of bikes) or walk around the peninsula (about seven miles). A little further afield, there’s Fort Henry in Exton Park and several interesting market towns, including Oakham, just a mile or so down the road.

Says Peter Hancock, Chief Executive, Pride of Britain Hotels, “All hotels must meet strict standards before gaining admission into our small collection but this year we are proud to single out Hambleton Hall and its highly motivated team for special praise. Not only does the hotel enjoy beautiful surroundings, overlooking Rutland Water, but it also delivers seemingly effortless hospitality of the highest order.”

Lead-in price: A one-night stay at Hambleton Hall costs from £270 per room/£135 pp (two sharing) including full English breakfast, morning newspaper and use of the outdoor pool. Contact Pride of Britain Hotels (0800 089 3929, www.prideofbritainhotels.com) to book.