The Lawns Hotel owners, Sue and Daniel Rees, are expanding the hotel. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY

A Holt hotel has been rated top in the country by the AA.

The Lawns Wine Bar and Hotel in Station Road has been awarded an AA Gold Star, ranking it in the top 10pc in the Restaurant with Rooms category.

The AA have been recommending and acknowledging hotels for more than a century and previously awarded The Lawns a four star rating in 2009.

Owners and husband-and-wife team Daniel Rees and Sue Catt have recently added an £80,000 extension to the premises, increasing the number of bedrooms by two.

But Mrs Catt was quick to praise her staff - some of whom have been with her several years - for the continuing strength of the hotel.

“We are absolutely thrilled by this award,” she said.

“We always look after our guests well and our food is simply brilliant, thanks to our chef, Leon Brookes.

“He has worked for us for four years and is passionate about the food he produces.

“I would think the award is very much deserved, especially for our 10 hard working members of staff.”

This award adds to the one AA rosette-rating awarded to the hotel’s restaurant, known for using local ingredients and fresh produce.

The Lawns is also host to the annual Holt Festival Club, which this year will feature poets Andrew Motion, John Clarke and Wendy Cope, Bootworks Theatre and a couple of jazz evenings.