The husband and wife team behind a thriving Selby business are celebrating after winning two prestigious tourism awards.
Last month, Kevin and Faye Coles from Monk Fryston were presented with a coveted VisitEngland ROSE award for their four-star Bed and Breakfast accommodation, The Barn and earlier this week, they won the best B&B and Guest House category in the annual White Rose awards that are organised by tourism agency, Welcome to Yorkshire.
The ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) awards showcase England’s variety of high-quality accommodation where owners and employees go the extra mile to make their customers’ visits extra special. They are selected following a nomination by a VisitEngland assessor and are only awarded to 100 hospitality venues nationwide. Mr and Mrs Coles were presented with their award at Luton Hoo Hotel last month.
Mr and Mrs Coles, who own The Barn and the adjacent Post Office and Village Stores, are delighted with the double win. “Developing The Barn and The Village Stores has been a labour of love, but we’re delighted with the results and these wins reflect the passion, commitment and attention to detail that has gone into the project – we couldn’t be more pleased, said Kevin.
“Unlike the White Rose Awards, where you submit your nomination, the ROSE awards are based on your assessor’s observations plus customer reviews. The final judging panel also looks for facilities or services that set the business apart and makes the customer’s stay special and we’re extremely proud that The Barn satisfied all of the criteria.”
The Coles were presented with the White Rose Award for best B&B and Guest House at a glittering award ceremony at the Leeds First Direct Arena this week. Part of the final judging included a visit by a mystery shopper, who concluded: “A traditional B&B offering an exceptionally comfy bed and the most delicious breakfast. Guests are warmly welcomed and are on hand for good, local advice and even a ride to the station!”
The Barn’s ‘most delicious breakfast’ was a runner up in this year’s Deliciouslyorkshire Taste Awards and The Barn and the Post Office and Village Stores won Best New Business at the same awards in 2018. The Deliciouslyorkshire Taste Awards are regarded as the largest and most respected Food and Drink awards programme in the region.
Having breathed life back into the Village Stores that they purchased it in 2010, the Coles turned their attention to the adjacent Barn, that dates to medieval times, in 2016. The couple commissioned local tradesmen to help them renovate and modernise the Barn and an outbuilding to create four Bed and Breakfast rooms.
Their hard work has been rewarded with bookings from all over the world, consistent five-star reviews and now, two prestigious tourism awards.