Aldridge Lodge B&B is top AA accommodation in Ireland
ALDRIDGE LODGE in Duncannon has been announced as the AA’s ‘Guest Accommodation of the Year 2018’.
The award – which is bestowed to the best AA accredited bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and Farmhouses in Ireland – was presented by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD at a prestigious ceremony in Dublin on Wednesday evening. Since opening in 2005, Billy Whitty and Joanne Harding’s Aldridge Lodge has received numerous awards and critical acclaim.
The small restaurant and guest accommodation located near Duncannon is holder of a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2007, two AA Rosettes for food since 2016, four AA Stars for the guest rooms and has won many Food and Wine Magazine awards and Sunday Independent Life Magazine awards to mention but a few. Daily changing menus, local and home-grown produce, excellent value for money make the restaurant widely regarded among the best in the region.
AA Director of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan said: ‘Ireland’s guesthouses and B&Bs have always brought a unique charm to Ireland’s hospitality industry and we regular hear of tourists being blown away by the welcoming and attentive nature of the hosts at Aldridge Lodge.’
Mr Faughnan recommended the restaurant and B&B to people travelling from the UK into Rosslare on the ferry. Joanne Harding said: ‘Billy and I and all our amazing staff are overwhelmed to be considered for such a coveted award. Looking back on previous winners we are so honoured to be nominated for the accolade. It’s a wonderful testament to all our hard work and the commitment that we have from all our staff many of whom have been with us for numerous years. Being able to work from home in the Hook Peninsula right in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East really does have its advantages from the plentiful fish being landed daily in our many fishing villages to lush countryside where we get most of our produce.’
The AA uses highly trained and experienced inspectors to personally visit every AA accredited hotel or Bed & Breakfast establishment that is accredited. The assessments of the standards of hospitality, service, cuisine, facilities and staff are the most exacting in the industry. Winners are selected in recognition of excellence in service and hospitality, as well as a clear demonstration of continuous improvement in the preceding 12 to 18 months.