A BASINGSTOKE hotel and pub have been recognised as the best tourism businesses in the Southeast.
The Oakley Hall Hotel and The Purefoy Arms were among 64 businesses at the 2022/23 Beautiful South Awards, which recognised the best tourism businesses in the South over the last year.
More than 270 guests gathered at The Grand Brighton to hail the achievements of all the businesses of which 25 received a Gold Award, 22 a Silver Award and 17 a Bronze Award.
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The Oakley Hall Hotel was entered for three categories and won Gold Awards all three for hotel of the year, wedding venue of the year and restaurant of the year for its restaurant, The Glasshouse.
The Purefoy Arms was also nominated in the category of pub of the year and succeeded in achieving a Bronze Award.
Jennifer Clifford, sales and marketing manager at Oakley Hall Hotel, said: “We had high hopes that we would do well this year, but were thrilled to learn that we came first in all three categories we entered! It’s a wonderful achievement for our fantastic team.
“After what has been a difficult few years for the hospitality industry, we could not be prouder of the effort and passion our team continues to demonstrate every day, and to have this formally recognised at the Beautiful South Awards is truly a testament to all their hard work.”
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Jennifer added that she believes the business's success is down to the commitment of staff who always improve services by using customer feedback to ensure every guests experience is a fantastic one from the moment they arrive at The Oakley Hall Hotel.
Gordon Stott, head chef and business director/owner at The Purefoy Arms, said: “We knew that we had been nominated and were very pleased to receive an award and be considered as one of the best in the south. It feels wonderful to have won this award, we are hoping to do even better next year.
“We are very passionate about what we do, so we deliver delicious food and friendly service.”
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