The Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester has been crowned Hotel of the Year at a prestigious awards ceremony.

The hotel, which is independently owned, is part of the Bespoke Hotels group which hosted the awards at Hotel Brooklyn in Manchester last week.

Hotel of the Year was awarded to the Kings Head for continuing to thrive and expand despite unprecedented challenges facing the hospitality industry over the past year.

General manager Michael Obray said the award is testament to a phenomenal team effort over the past 12 months.

“In this time the whole team not only overcame the challenges presented by Covid-19 and Brexit but forged ahead together to grow the business by building and opening 14 new bedrooms, adding a new restaurant, redeveloping the Corn Hall Deli and opening a wine shop.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Corn Hall DeliCorn Hall Deli

“On top of this, the stylish subterranean spa is in the process of refurbishment and a new cocktail bar is due to be opened shortly.”

Michael added none of it could have been achieved without the vision of the owner Mark Booth coupled with the determination of the staff in the hotel, MBB Brasserie and Corn Hall Deli and Cellars.

“Our goal is to continue to build a destination where our guests can enjoy consistent quality and truly enjoyable experiences, be it a relaxing stay, tempting dining, a spa pamper or unique shopping.

“This award is dedicated to our staff and our guests, a huge thank you for all the support.”

The Kings Head Hotel is located in Market Place and dates to the 14th century.

Graham Marskell, Chief Operating Officer at Bespoke Hotels, said: “The team have responded fantastically well to all the change they've had to handle during a global pandemic.

“With a stunning financial performance and recruitment of significant new team members we believe this hotel is surely deserving of Hotel of the Year.”

In addition to winning the Hotel of the Year accolade from Bespoke Hotels’ portfolio of 87 properties across the country, the hotel’s head housekeeper, Fay Butler, also won Housekeeping Employee of the Year.

Fay, who has worked at the Kings Head for seven years, said: “I was very honoured to have been nominated and was so delighted for both myself and my team to win the award.”