The Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa in Helmsley, North Yorkshire received nationwide recognition last night when it was named Hotel of the Year at the glittering AA Hospitality Awards ceremony, at the Hilton, Park Lane in London.

Attended by top UK chefs and prominent hoteliers, the AA Hospitality Awards recognises and rewards the excellent services provided by the UK's very best establishments, and honours the finest AA-inspected and rated hotels, restaurants and pubs throughout the UK.

This is the second time owner Simon Rhatigan has won the award, the first being with Seaham Hall in 2003, and now with his own hotel. After receiving the award Simon commented "We're delighted to have won - especially when you consider how many hotels the AA inspects every year. It's a real milestone in our journey of continuous improvement. It's great recognition for all the team here, who have done so much to bring it about."

Helmsley's very own country-chic hotel will now be putting the market town on the map with this celebrated honour. The award comes after a five year journey for the Feversham Arms under Simon Rhatigan's ownership, developing the property from what was originally a pub with rooms and now emerging into a relaxed hideaway hotel for today's guest.

Welcome to Yorkshire CEO, Gary Verity, said "Congratulations to everyone at The Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa. I am absolutely thrilled to see a Yorkshire hotel win this highly prized national award. The team take service excellence to another level so this achievement is tremendous recognition of all their hard work and determination to make the hotel the success it is."

The hotel, located in the picturesque market town of Helmsley, North Yorkshire now has 33 bedrooms, 22 of which are suites, a brand new reception, a fine dining restaurant, outdoor heated swimming pool and the Verbena Spa, and will celebrate winning the award by holding an exclusive dinner for friends and industry colleagues on the 4th November. -ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

For further press information, images and media visits, please contact:

Hayley Greenhill at Hayley.greenhill@perception-uk.com  / 0845 293 2552 Cath Couzens at cath.couzens@perception-uk.com  / 07843 382386

Purchased in late 2003 by current owner, Simon Rhatigan, the Feversham Arms sits in the picturesque market town of Helmsley, North Yorkshire. Over the last five years the hotel has undergone considerable development with Simons' long term aim being to create a true hideaway hotel. The Feversham Arms has 33 individually designed bedrooms, including six new suites. As well as 33 bedrooms, the hotel also has a new reception and library, a fine dining restaurant offering dishes that are deeply rooted in the local area, an outdoor heated pool and the Verbena Spa. Exclusive use is available for private parties and bed and breakfast rates start at £140 per room with dinner, bed and breakfast rates from £170. The Feversham Arms is a member of The Great Inns of Britain, Pride of Britain Hotels, and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.