The Penny Bun, Askwith, wins AA Inn of the Year award

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An inn hailed as a “destination experience in its own right” has been named one of the country’s best.

The Penny Bun, located in Askwith between Ilkley and Otley, was awarded Inn of the Year at the AA 2026 Hospitality Awards, which celebrate excellence across the UK’s hospitality industry.

The AA praised The Penny Bun’s setting, service and locally sourced food, calling it a “destination experience in its own right”.

The Penny Bun was named AA Inn of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards 2026 (Image: AA Hospitality Awards)

The AA said: "The Penny Bun Inn is part of the Denton Reserve set on the edge of the Yorkshire countryside and provides an inviting base for exploring the surrounding landscape, while delivering a destination experience in its own right.

"The rooms are stylish yet unfussy, designed to provide a relaxing retreat with an emphasis on comfort and understated elegance.

"Service is warm, knowledgeable and effortlessly delivered, creating a genuine sense of hospitality that resonates with guests and locals alike.

"The kitchen focuses on locally sourced ingredients, crafting dishes that feel both refined and deeply rooted in the region."

The inn has five AA Silver Stars and one AA Rosette.

The AA Hospitality Awards recognise excellence among hotels, restaurants, B&Bs and chefs.

Simon Numphud, managing director of AA Hotel and Hospitality Services, said: "Every year, the AA Hospitality Awards shines a light on hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, inns and chefs going above and beyond to deliver memorable experiences for guests and diners.

"This year’s winners showcase the breadth and quality of hospitality across the UK, giving consumers a host of trusted recommendations and inspiration for their next meal or stay.

"Behind every award is a commitment to quality and service, which helps set British hospitality apart and underpin its world-renowned reputation.

"Congratulations to all this year’s finalists and winners – we look forward to seeing their guests enjoy what they have to offer."

All of 2026’s restaurant award winners and new Rosette holders feature in the 2027 AA Restaurant Guide, which showcases the UK’s finest cuisine.

Other AA Hospitality Awards include Hotel of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and B&B of the Year.

Additional honours include AA Rosettes for restaurants and AA Red Stars for hotels that consistently deliver high standards of quality, hospitality and service.

The awards guide diners and travellers to outstanding places to eat and stay across the UK.

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