Galgorm receives top AA hotel award

TV presenter Fiona Bruce, who hosted the awards, with Paul Smyth, MD at Galgorm Resort & Spa; Beth Greenan, Head of Sales & Marketing; and Colin Johnston, General Manager of Galgorm; and Simon Numphud, AA Hotel Services.

Awarded to hotels that are recognised as being outstanding examples in their particular market this accolade is recognition for all the hard work the team have put in over the years.

The accolade was awarded at the AA Hospitality Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, where a veritable Who’s Who of the hospitality world were in attendance.

The AA Hospitality Awards are considered to be the industry’s own ‘Oscars’ and is one of the unique times when the hospitality industry come together to recognise the achievements of the nations’ best hoteliers, restaurateurs and publicans.

Guests at the event, hosted by Fiona Bruce, were treated to a gastronomic menu created the 2014 AA Chef’s Chef, Nathan Outlaw.

Since being established as a hotel in 1991, Galgorm Resort and Spa has undergone significant restoration and improvement.

And last month saw the unveiling of its latest project, an £11 million extension providing 48 deluxe rooms and suites and a unique indoor and outdoor Thermal Spa Village.

Investment has not only been made in the fabric of the property, but also into staff training and development.

Focused training programmes have been implemented to ensure that the service meets the standard of the fantastic facilities.

The Galgorm team have double reason to celebrate after resort’s River Room restaurant was awarded three AA Rosettes.

Of all the restaurants across the UK, approximately 10% are of a standard which is worthy of one Rosette and above. The River Room is one of four in Northern Ireland to have three AA Rosettes.

Paul Smyth, Managing Director of Galgorm, said: “We are absolutely honoured and delighted to be recognised by the AA in these most prestigious awards.

“This is a fantastic endorsement of all the hard work that goes into making Galgorm Resort and Spa one of the most reputable establishments in the UK and Ireland.

“I would like to thank the whole Galgorm team, without their dedication and daily commitment to our vision to delight every guest every time we would not be able to deliver the outstanding experience we are renowned for.”

Meanwhile, all the winners will appear in the latest edition of the 2016 AA Hotel, Restaurant and Pub Guides which were launched at the event.