LANGAR HALL IN NOTTINGHAM

WINS SAWDAY’S HOTEL OF THE YEAR AWARD

Sawday’s, champions of independent and special places to stay, has launched its first ever set of awards to coincide with its 20^th anniversary.  Langar Hall, Nottingham has been chosen as winner of the Hotel of the Year award.

The awards were presented to winners by Alastair and Toby Sawday at a celebratory event at the Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol on 27 October 2014.

Each of the 13 Sawday’s award winners have been selected by a panel of judges that included Alastair and Toby Sawday, Ben Ross, Travel Editor at the Daily Telegraph and Columba Colivet from Country Homes and Interiors magazine.

Langar Hall has been a family home for 150 years. Owner Imogen inherited the house and turned it into a traditional English country house hotel.  Each room is filled with beautiful things; statues, a pillared dining room, ancient overflowing books and an eclectic collection of oil paintings.  Bedrooms are wonderful, some resplendent with antiques and others with fabrics draped from beams or trompe l'œil panelling. Far from pretentious, there is a relaxed family atmosphere, where all are encouraged to enjoy the house as their own.

Heavenly food is a treat at Langar Hall too; tuck into a diverse menu, perhaps wild garlic soup, local venison and pistachio soufflé with lemon sorbet. There's a pretty conservatory that opens onto a terrace, perfect for afternoon tea. Outside medieval fishponds and an adventure play area can be found in the grounds, and once a year, visitors can watch Shakespeare on the lawn.

Alastair Sawday says:  “It is high time that we gave an award to Langar Hall.  Imogen's energy and devotion deserve an award in themselves, and the house is perfectly formed - a triumph of good taste and personality rolled together. The superb food, the elegant and surprising rooms, the setting - all deserve an award, as does the gentle sense of fun.”

Imogen Skirving, owner of Langar Hall, says: “This is a huge achievement and a great compliment since Sawday’s Special Places to Stay is our favourite hotel guide. It sends us the nicest customers who choose to stay in smaller independent hotels. After struggling away for almost 30 years, knowing nothing about the hospitality industry, I am feeling very proud and delighted.” 

www.sawdays.co.uk/awards2014