A HEREFORDSHIRE business has been honoured after a mystery guest was impressed with the service he received.
Old Downton Lodge, based in Downton-on-the-Rock, has been awarded five star guest accommodation classification with gold award status and awards for breakfast and dinner after impressing an AA inspector.
"We are absolutely delighted with the award and it appears that we are one of only nine guest houses in the country to gain five gold stars with awards for dinner and breakfast," said Anita d’Arcy, one of the business partners along with Fergus d’Arcy and Willem and Pippa Vlok.
"We had no idea that the guest staying was the AA inspector. So, the next morning, after finishing his full English breakfast it came as a great surprise when he introduced himself."
The inspectors report said: "This was a particularly enjoyable visit to a very well managed and well maintained establishment. Hospitality was a key strength.
"Cuisine was memorable, the proprietors have a clear pride in using excellent produce, much of which is clearly local and of commendable provenance, similarly, cookery is both thoughtful and skilled.”