Eco-friendly Northumberland hotel Battlesteads, near Wark, has been shortlisted in three categories of the North East England Tourism Awards 2020.

The hotel, restaurant and observatory will be competing in the categories of 'Small Hotel', 'Taste' and 'Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism' at the regional awards ceremony, which takes place on Tuesday 24 March.

Nearly 150 applications were received for this year’s awards, which are organised and delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative in partnership with the Northern Tourism Alliance.

The awards play a key role in highlighting the importance of tourism in the region, which continues to be the fourth largest sector in the North East economy.

Battlesteads' success in the shortlisting for these awards is thanks to a combination of its industry-leading sustainability credentials, championing of home grown and local produce and boosting year-round tourism in the region through its onsite Dark Sky Observatory.

General manager of Battlesteads, Katie Meyrick-Scott, said: "We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in three categories at the 2020 awards, especially as the three categories represent the key pillars of our business – warm and welcoming hospitality, delicious local food and drink and an inspiring eco-friendly experience. We are looking forward to celebrating with all of the other fantastic local businesses who have been shortlisted at the ceremony next year."

Sarah Stewart, chief executive at destination management and marketing organisation NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: "Having launched the new look Tourism Awards for 2020, it's great to see the number and quality of applications that we have received. The refreshed format aligns the Awards more closely with the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence and gives a wider range of businesses a chance to be successful thanks to the new categories."

Northumberland hotel and restaurant Battlesteads, near Wark, has been awarded one of the highest accolades in UK hospitality – the Sustainable Business Award at The Cateys 2019.

The Cateys, now in their 36^th year, recognise the most talented individuals, biggest brands and strongest performers in the hospitality industry. Chosen by a panel of highly-respected industry judges, the awards are the pinnacle of success in the hospitality industry.

Battlesteads received the coveted award for sustainability at a glittering awards ceremony on Tuesday 2 July, held at London's Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott hotel.

The hotel, restaurant and observatory has become famous for its eco-friendly initiatives, including achieving a carbon footprint six times lower than the industry average and championing local producers in Northumberland.

Battlesteads' sustainable tourism offering also includes a Dark Sky Observatory, with some of the clearest night skies in the country perfect for stargazing; five modern eco-lodges and a restaurant serving ingredients fresh from the hotel’s kitchen gardens and polytunnels. The hotel has previously been recognised for its sustainability by the Good Hotel Guide, the AA, and at the Visit England Awards for Excellence.

Owners of Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant, Richard and Dee Slade, said: "The Cateys really are considered 'the Oscars of hospitality', so to win this award, going up against such strong competition from across the country, is an outstanding achievement for us. Our goal has always been to show that being sustainable doesn’t have to mean sacrificing guest experience, and this award gives us a platform to share our ethos and expertise with the wider industry, driving forward innovation and putting Northumberland on the map for eco-tourism."

Read the Cateys Statement

Northumberland hotel and restaurant Battlesteads, near Wark, has been named as one of the winners of the 2019 Good Hotel Guide Editor’s Choice Award for eco friendly hotels.

Published on Monday 8 October, the 2019 Good Hotel Guide is the UK's leading accommodation guide with independent advice and reviews of luxury and boutique hotels, B&Bs and inns.

The Editor's Choice Awards highlight the top 10 hotels in the UK in each of 16 categories. Battlesteads has been recognised for its 'unique blend of sustainable hospitality and astronomy'.

Battlesteads has received glowing reviews from many of the Good Hotel Guide’s independent reviewers, including comments like "Our luxury lodge was superb, with every comfort," and "The most fastidious traveller would struggle to find fault."

Owner of Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant, Richard Slade, said: "The Good Hotel Guide really is the ultimate guide to the best hotels in the UK, and we are delighted to have received one of the esteemed editor’s choice awards for 2019. We pride ourselves on offering a sustainable tourism experience without sacrificing luxury or comfort, and it is fantastic to have our eco-friendly efforts praised by the guide."

Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant in Wark, Northumberland, is celebrating after being named Hotel of the Year at the 2017 North East England Tourism Awards.

Held at The Boiler Shop in Newcastle on Thursday 16 November, the North East England Tourism Awards celebrate the very best tourism businesses in the region.

Sustainable hotel, restaurant and observatory Battlesteads, which was also shortlisted in the Best Small Attraction and Dog Friendly Business Categories, will now go on to represent the North East at the Visit England Awards for Excellence in 2018.

Katie Meyrick-Scott, general manager of Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant, said: "We are thrilled to be named Hotel of the Year, in a category where we were up against three other really fantastic businesses. Battlesteads is a proud champion of the tourism industry in the North East, and we are looking forward to representing the region at the national Visit England Awards for Excellence."

The North East England Tourism Awards are organised and delivered by the NewcastleGateshead Initiative in partnership with the Northern Tourism Alliance. The winner of each category is automatically entered into the annual VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, which will take place in April 2018.

Sarah Stewart, chief executive at destination management and marketing organisation NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “Huge congratulations to all of tonight’s winners. It's been another brilliant year for entries and we received a high standard of entrants across all categories.

"The tourism sector in the North East of England continues to thrive, from our buzzing city centres to our beautiful coastline and varied countryside. Next year promises to be another exciting one for the region as we welcome the Great Exhibition of the North which will have a major impact on our visitor, and wider, economy."

More information about the awards can be found at www.newcastlegateshead.com/tourism-awards.