Newark landlady named friendliest in AA awards

A multi-skilled businesswoman from Nottinghamshire has been named the AA's Friendliest Landlady of the Year 2011.

Lisa Holloway of the seven-bedroom Compton House in Newark was presented with her award at a celebration lunch at the Royal Horseguards hotel in London, today.

She said she was honoured to be recognised for doing what she loves. "We always do our best to make every guest's stay an enjoyable experience, not just somewhere to stay, and I am looking forward to continuing to offer guests the friendliest welcome at Compton House."

Running the bed and breakfast with her husband Marko is just one of several ventures in which Lisa is involved. She also runs Dinners with Speakers and How To Run a B&B weekends, sells homemade marmalades, jams, pickles and muesli, and is currently writing the Compton House Cookery Book.

Marko cooks breakfast, while Lisa prepares dinner for guests at the bed and breakfast.

Other award winners included the Wensleydale Heifer in West Witton, Yorkshire, where each of its 13 bedrooms has a unique theme. There is something for every guest, whether they are a whisky, Champagne, chocolate, movie or animal lover.

Owner and head chef David Moss said it was necessary to offer something different to become successful in more challenging times.

"The fact that some of our rooms operated at almost 100% occupancy even through the notoriously difficult winter season shows that our guests certainly like what we offer," he said.

Winners of the regional AA Guest Accommodation of the Year Awards are:
AA Guest Accommodation of the Year for England - Blackmore Farm, Cannington, Somerset
AA Guest Accommodation of the Year for Scotland - 23 Mayfield, Edinburgh
AA Guest Accommodation of the Year for Wales - Plas Maenan Country House, near Llanrwst, Conwy
AA Guest Accommodation of the Year for London - The Park Grand London Paddington

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By Janet Harmer

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