Local B&Bs get their first star ratings

At a gathering of local bed and breakfast businesses their first star ratings under a new quality scheme were given to Bay Cottage and Lisnoe Farmhouse. Bay Cottage owned by Elizabeth McBride at Aldergrove, Crumlin was given a three star rating as was Lisnoe Old Farmhouse, owned by Doreen Taylor of Lisburn. Over 20 B&Bs have amassed a total of 76 stars under the NITB’s new grading scheme. The first group of B&Bs to graduate under the scheme, the majority of the accommodations achieved a four-star rating, with two scoring a five-star, three a three-star and one a two-star rating. The one to five-star rating system as employed by the AA and other national tourist boards in Scotland, England and Wales is used in the scheme, which assesses the cleanliness, hospitality and friendliness, bedrooms, bathrooms and breakfast of the tourist accommodations. Some assessments also involved a ‘mystery shopper’ visit.