The Vineyard at Stockcross
It really is an outstanding hotel and is extremely well managed with excellent staff and fantastic service," said Rob Reen, co-owner of Ynyshir Hall hotel, last year's winner of the Independent Hotel of the Year Catey. Reen was speaking of the Vineyard at Stockcross, which this year joins the small but elite line-up of hotels that have clinched this top award.
Owned by Classic FM founder Sir Peter Michael, the Vineyard at Stockcross, near Newbury, Berkshire, is the smallest hotel in the UK to achieve AA five-star status. Under the control of managing director Andrew McKenzie, the 31-bedroom hotel has picked up numerous awards, including a Michelin star. It's also the English Tourism Council's current hotel of the year.
So what makes the Vineyard such a success? Having many strings to its bow is undoubtedly part of it.
For starters it's making loud culinary noises. The appointment of renowned chef John Campbell has allowed the Vineyard to build on its Michelin star, adding four AA rosettes for food in the 2003 restaurant guide. Campbell's scientific methods of cooking intensify the taste of the ingredients and challenge the taste-buds.
Wine is also an essential part of the Vineyard experience. Owner Michael has a vineyard in California, so it's no surprise to learn that the hotel's wine list offers more than 2,000 bottles, 63 of them under £20. The wine theme continues in the bedrooms, too, as each of the 31 guest rooms is named after a prominent wine company and all are furnished in a French provincial style.
Both wine and food were singled out for special mention by judge Rob Reen. "The food is outstanding and it has a brilliant wine list. There aren't many hotels that have achieved this level and maintained it," he said.
On top of that there's also the spa. Thought spas were just for women? Think again. The Vineyard holds men's spa days in response to the fact that at least 40% of the clients are male.
All in all, the judges for this Catey felt the Vineyard had a wonderfully diverse offering and was setting standards to which others could aspire. "There's no doubt that the Vineyard is leading the field," said Albert Hampson. "Everything about it is aspirational. There are very high staffing ratios and the service is excellent."
"It has some taken some great accolades and it fulfils all the categories to be a worthy winner of Independent Hotel of the Year," agreed Alex Stuart.
Judges
ALBERT HAMPSON Business manager hotel services, AA
JOHN JARVIS Chairman, Jarvis Hotels
RICHARD POWER Commercial director, Rocco Forte Hotels
JONATHAN RAGGETT Managing director, Red Carnation Hotels
ROB REEN Co-owner, Ynyshir Hall hotel
ALEX STUART Managing director, owned and leased hotels, Thistle Hotels
DECLAN SWAN Chief executive-elect, Sector Skills Council Hospitality & Tourism
Previous Winners:
2002 Ynyshir Hall Hotel
2001 Celtic Manor
2000 Chewton Glen, Hampshire
1999 Northcote Manor, Langho, near Blackburn
1998 Crieff Hydro, Tayside
1997 Gidleigh Park, Chagford, Devon
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