Hotel lands top honour months after reopening (From Gazette & Herald)

Hotel lands top honour months after reopening

A PICKERING hotel has scooped a top award only months after opening its doors.

Called simply 17 Burgate after its address in the historic market town, the town house hotel has won the prestigious Visit Britain Five Diamond Gold Award for its facilities, dcor and service.

Originally the Burgate House Hotel, the imposing property which dates back to the 17th century, was taken over a year ago by Pat and William Oxley.

They moved to Pickering for a new challenge after running a hotel which they converted from a Victorian mill-owner's home at Bingley West Yorkshire. After weeks of round-the-clock working, the couple opened the luxury hotel in May after carrying out a major renovation scheme. 17 Burgate is a member of the Deliciously Yorkshire Breakfast Scheme, a concept which ensures that breakfasts are from top quality local produce.

"We are really delighted to receive a five diamond award," said Pat. "We had hopes of possibly four diamonds so this is a great accolade for us."

While extensive work has already been carried out, more is planned in the landscaping of the grounds at the rear of the hotel.

The couple have had a bumper start in their new venture said William, in spite of having only been open some five months. "Word seems to have spread very quickly," he added.

Open year-round, it is already filling up for Christmas. The five rooms have been decorated and restored to their original splendour with bright contemporary furnishings, wall coverings, fabrics and bed linen.

Updated: 14:25 Wednesday, October 12, 2005