Grand and stately, yet warm and welcoming, Crathorne Hall Hotel has added another prestigious accolade to its name - 2 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.
Hand Picked Hotels, the UK’s leading privately owned collection of country house hotels and coastal resorts, is proud to announce that Crathorne Hall Hotel has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for The Leven Restaurant, recognising its outstanding modern British fine dining.
Nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors with breathtaking views over the Leven Valley, Crathorne Hall Hotel is the ultimate destination for those seeking exceptional gastronomy paired with the region’s stunning countryside. Built in 1906, the hotel is celebrated as one of North Yorkshire’s premier culinary experiences.
The Leven Restaurant, originally the private dining room of the stately home, retains its period charm with high ceilings and original sash windows, offering an elegant and inviting atmosphere. The menu focuses on modern British cuisine, showcasing the finest seasonal produce with strong local influences. Guests can expect dishes featuring wood pigeon from the Yorkshire Dales, pork from Bishop Auckland, Yorkshire ham, and Harrogate cheeses. Menus change regularly to highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Hand Picked Hotels is the UK’s most awarded independent hotel group by the AA, boasting 18 hotels with AA Rosette status ranging from one to four rosettes. The AA Hospitality Awards, covering 15 categories, are among the industry’s most prestigious, celebrating the UK’s top hotels, restaurants, and pubs, along with the talented people behind them.
Judges praised the team’s commitment to provenance, the thoughtfully curated menu, and impeccable service. Special recognition was also given to the wine selection, which features exceptional vintages from Hand Picked Hotels' family-owned Tuscan vineyard, Villa Saletta, alongside rare fine wines from owners Julia and Guy Hands’ personal collection.
Vidyadhar Patole, General Manager at Crathorne Hall has commented: “We are incredibly proud to receive this prestigious recognition from the AA. Earning 2 Rosettes is a true testament to the dedication, creativity, and passion of our culinary and front-of-house teams. At The Leven Restaurant, we strive to create an experience that celebrates the very best of Yorkshire’s rich culinary heritage, and we’re delighted that this commitment to excellence has been acknowledged at a national level."
Julia Hands, Chairman of Hand Picked Hotels commented: "This is fantastic recognition of the team’s achievement and the exceptional menu at The Leven Restaurant. As a hotel group, we are particularly passionate about our gastronomic experiences. This prestigious award from the AA reflects the team’s talent, passion, and commitment to excellence."
This esteemed accolade further cements Crathorne Hall’s reputation as a culinary destination of choice in North Yorkshire. With its dedication to quality, authenticity, and an outstanding guest experience, The Leven Restaurant continues to set the benchmark for modern British fine dining – inviting guests to indulge in a memorable and truly local gastronomic journey.
About Hand Picked Hotels
Hand Picked Hotels is a distinctive collection of 21 privately owned luxury country houses and coastal retreats, each carefully selected for its unique character. Architecturally striking and quintessentially British, every hotel boasts a stunning location – from the rolling hills of Scotland to the shores of the Channel Islands.
Dedicated to creating unique and enchanting stays, personalised service lies at the heart of the Hand Picked experience. Delivered by warm and caring colleagues, each hotel offers a sanctuary where guests can unwind, relax, and be pampered. Every detail is thoughtfully managed to ensure magical moments that inspire guests to return time and again.
A passion for locally sourced food is evident throughout the collection. Award-winning chefs craft delectable modern British cuisine, complemented by fine wines – including selections from Villa Saletta, Hand Picked’s family-owned vineyard in Tuscany.
Founded in 2001 by Chairman and Owner Julia Hands MBE, Hand Picked Hotels operates with core values of family, individuality, community, and care – ensuring an authentic and personalised experience for every guest and colleague.
