Moorlands businesses take starring roles at Tourism and Food Awards

Published on 28 October 2019

Businesses across the Staffordshire Moorlands are celebrating after an excellent showing at the Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism and Good Food Awards.

Local winners scooped some of the top prizes including the awards for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism, Best Large Visitor Attraction, Best Accessible and Inclusive Tourism and Best Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year.

Five businesses in the Moorlands received a total of nine awards at the ceremony held at the Boat House, Aston Marina, Stone.

Alton Towers was a big winner on the night taking home four titles: Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable; Best Large Hotel of the Year - Cbeebies; Best Large Visitor Attraction of the Year; and The Graeme Whitehead Award for the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism in Staffordshire.

Beechenhill Farm in Ilam won the Best Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award with the Best Camping, Glamping Holiday Park title going to Quarry Walk Park near Alton.

And catering establishments were also recognised with the Three Horseshoes Inn and Country Spa near Leek taking home the Best Casual Dining Restaurant Award and Denstone Hall winning a brace of awards for Best Tea Room and Coffee Shop of the Year and Best Farm Shop and Drink Retailer.

Leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Councillor Sybil Ralphs, who also has responsibility for regeneration, said: "What a fantastic result for Moorlands businesses! I'd like to add my congratulations to all those who have won these prestigious awards.

"The range of businesses represented at these awards is a real showcase for the diversity of experience we have to offer - from a big, national theme park to camping parks and tea rooms.

"I'm delighted for all those who have been recognised and shortlisted who are really helping to consolidate the Moorlands on the tourism map. But I'd also like to recognise all those who work hard day in day out in tourism and visitor services businesses across the Moorlands who make the district such a friendly and welcoming place to live, work and visit. Well done everyone!"