Another win for the Pheasant Inn, Kielder

Last week we received some great news to round off the end of a really busy summer season. Not only have we been awarded the AA 4 Star Gold Award, we have also achieved the AA Breakfast Award for our tasty Northumberland breakfasts, and retained our Dinner Award into the bargain.

It’s always slightly nerve-wracking when the AA inspector comes to visit The Pheasant at Kielder. While we know we will be inspected, we have no idea when it will take place and the inspectors are people who leave no pillow unturned and no sausage unsampled. You can’t ask for these awards, pay for them or even beg for them, you can only achieve them through consistently maintaining high standards.

We are assessed on criteria such as cleanliness, hospitality, bedrooms, bathrooms and food in a set of detailed standards agreed by the AA and the UK tourist authorities of VisitBritain, VisitScotland and VisitWales.

To say we were delighted with the outcome of the inspection, and to read the kind comments in the report would be an understatement, we were over the moon! It was clear that all the investment we have made recently, particularly to the bar and restaurant areas, has been well worth it and made a very positive impact.

I know we’ve said this before but we never tire of repeating it because it’s true - winning quality awards like these are a real credit to all our staff who work so hard to make sure our customers receive a friendly welcome and have a great experience with us.

‘The hospitality of this small but hands on team remains a real strength which is pleasing to see and really does make a difference to the overall guest experience,’ said the inspector.    

We couldn’t have put it better ourselves, now please do excuse us while we open a bottle of something fizzy to celebrate!