Over the course of five and a half years it has served up a staggering half a million dishes, catered for 686 weddings and racked up a whole host of credentials.
And now the Alma Inn, in Laneshaw Bridge, has another string to add to its bow - after bagging the coveted title of “Inn of the Year”.
The Emmott Lane venue scooped the accolade in this year’s Les Routiers Awards, which recognises the best establishments that the country has to offer. Other winners included Surrey’s Chez Vous for Venue of the Year and London’s Troubadour for Cafe of the Year.
On Les Routiers website it states: “Awards are based around performance, customer feedback, reviews and recommendations. Our [Inn of the Year] winner successfully combines a relaxed informal atmosphere with superlative food, genuine, warm hospitality, individuality and comfortable accommodation.”
As well as their latest achievement, The Alma Inn can also boast being winner of Taste Lancashire’s “Quality Assured” status. It has gold recommendations from AA and Visit Britain, and last year narrowly missed out on the title of “Country Retreat of the Year” - being pipped to the post by Grade 11 listed Georgian mansion Glangrwyney Court, in Crickhowell.
Lee Duerden, who owns the inn with Shaun O’Neill, said “I’m very proud of this. The staff at The Alma Inn, Laneshaw Bridge work very hard, and it’s great that their efforts are recognised by this well known, prestigious marque in the hospitality industry. Well done guys, I feel a celebration coming on.”
And general manager Ryan Taylor, who works alongside Michelle Kendall, added: “It’s a fantastic achievement to all those involved with the inn, and our customers play a huge part in that, as without them we simply wouldn’t be here to earn and receive these accolades.”