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England’s pub of the year, hotel of the year, and small visitor attraction of the year could all be in the North East
Five North East businesses are battling it out to be named the best in their category at England’s national tourism awards. All five took the gold in their respective categories at the 2026 North East Tourism Awards.
Two are in Newcastle, with Blackfriars competing in the Taste of England category and the Catalyst up for business events of the year. The other three are in Northumberland, with the Tempus near Alnwick being named the small hotel of the year, and Ad Gefrin being named small visitor attraction of the year.
The final nominee is the Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest in Slaggyford, on the border with Cumbria; up for pub of the year. Ian Thomas, chief operation officer of Experience North East England, said he was over the moon that the region was so well represented nationally.
He said: “Championing excellence and quality is key to our ambitions to double the value of the sector and these businesses are at the centre of that story. Recognition at both our regional awards and nationally by VisitEngland sends a powerful message to visitors, that our region is ready to deliver authentic experiences, serve up delicious flavours and provide world-class places to stay and explore for guests around the world.”
The VisitEngland finals have celebrated the best in England’s tourism industry for more than 35 years. The 2026 ceremony will be held at Aerospace Bristol on June 3, under the wings of supersonic jet Concorde Alpha Foxtrot.
Andrew Stokes, VisitEngland director, said: “These awards honour the very best businesses and individuals in tourism, who are the driving force in an industry that delivers growth to local economies across England. I thank them for their dedicated service, congratulate them on achieving finalist status and wish them every success.”
North East finalists for the VisitEngland 2026 Awards for Excellence
The Catalyst, Newcastle – business events venue of the year
The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest, Northumberland – pub of the year
The Tempus, Alnwick – small hotel of the year
Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery, Wooler – small visitor attraction of the year
Blackfriars, Newcastle – Taste of England award
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