Sue Williams achieves triple success at South West Tourism Awards

Hotelier Sue Williams triumphed at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2011-12 with success in three categories.

As well as carrying off the award for Outstanding Achievement, Williams, general manager of the Bath Priory and Gidleigh Park, was also presented with a gold award for the Bath Priory and silver for Gidleigh Park in the Taste of the South West category and gold (Bath Priory) and highly commended (Gidleigh Park) for the Small Hotel of the Year.

Williams is seen here with, from left to right: Robin Barket of award organiser Services for Tourism; and Simon Calder, travel editor of The Independent.

Other key winners include the Jetty restaurant in Christchurch, Dorset, which received a gold award in the Taste of the South West category. The restaurant has been open just over a year and is situated in the grounds of the Christchurch Harbour Hotel.

Alex Aitken, who heads up the team at the Jetty, said: "What a remarkable achievement, I am so proud of the team - this award is testament to the fact that by championing local produce and celebrating our incredible location on the South Coast, we have transformed this wonderful restaurant into an award-winning experience."

The Jetty opened in late 2010 after the former Gary Rhodes restaurant was given a new lease of life by its owners, Harbour Hotels.

Key hospitality winners among the 67 awards presented in 17 categories at the Riviera Conference Centre, Torquay, included:

TASTE OF THE SOUTH WEST AWARD

GOLD
The Bath Priory Hotel, Restaurant & Spa, Bath
The Jetty, Christchurch, Dorset

SILVER
Gidleigh Park, Chagford, Devon

HIGHLY COMMENDED
The Lamb Inn, Sandford, Devon
Trawlers on the Quay, Looe, Cornwall

SMALL HOTEL OF THE YEAR

GOLD
The Bath Priory Hotel, Restaurant & Spa, Bath

SILVER
The Manor House Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

BRONZE
Boskerris, Carbis Bay, Cornwall

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Gidleigh Park, Chagford, Devon
Hotel Penzance, Penzance, Cornwall
Tremarne Hotel, Mevagissey, Cornwall

BUSINESS TOURISM AWARD

GOLD
Arundell Arms Hotel, Lifton, Devon

SILVER
Cornwall Destination Management Company, St Austell, Cornwall

BRONZE
St Mellion International Resort, St Mellion, Cornwall

LARGE HOTEL OF THE YEAR

GOLD
Bovey Castle, North Bovey, Devon

SILVER
St Mellion International Resort, St Mellion, Cornwall

BRONZE
Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Calne, Wiltshire

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Headland Hotel, Newquay, Cornwall
St Michael's Hotel & Spa, Falmouth, Cornwall

BED & BREAKFAST AND GUEST ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR

GOLD
Pentillie Castle, St Mellion, Cornwall

SILVER
Roundhouse Barn Holidays, St Just-in-Roseland, Cornwall

BRONZE
Larkbeare Grange, Talaton, Devon

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Harptree Court, East Harptree, Bristol
Hedgehog Corner Guest Accommodation, Axminster, Devon
Pendragon Country House, Davidstow, Cornwall

AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
Sue Williams, general manager of the Bath Priory and Gidleigh Park

Menuwatch - Bath Priory >>

Sue Willaims - A Minute on the Clock >>

Alex Aitken to run Gary Rhodes' restaurant in Christchurch >>

By Janet Harmer

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