No Ordinary Hospitality is thrilled to announce the dual success of two of its iconic venues, Coombe Abbey Hotel and St Mary’s Guildhall, both securing coveted finalist spots at the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2024.
Coombe Abbey Hotel: Finalist for Best Large Hotel
Coombe Abbey Hotel, a jewel within the No Ordinary Hospitality group, is honoured to be named a finalist in the Large Hotel category. This recognition comes on the heels of substantial investments and innovative additions to enrich the guest experience.
Recent enhancements include the launch of a new artisan market and a 1950s themed dessert parlour and party room launched in The Avenue at Coombe, and a history-inspired play area – Hermit’s Hollow – added within the 500-acre grounds.
Operators also restarted one of the only punt services in the region this summer to enable visitors to explore the historic grounds, and launched a staycation package to allow more people to access all the hotel has to offer across a two-day stay.
Coombe Abbey is also working with an ever-growing network of local suppliers across its catering facilities, including its café and Garden Room restaurant.
The West Midlands Tourism Awards celebrate the best venues and organisations in the region’s tourism industry, with No Ordinary Hospitality venue St Mary’s Guildhall picking up the Gold Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award earlier this year.
Ron Terry, Group Operations Director at No Ordinary Hospitality, is hoping to build on previous success for the hotel after it picked up the prize for Large Hotel in 2020. He said: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted for the best Large Hotel in the West Midlands with so many positive changes at the hotel in the last year.
“We’ll face some serious competition to win the top prize considering the strength of the hospitality industry in the West Midlands, but the nomination is a reflection of the incredible commitment of staff throughout the hotel as we continue to build on our popularity with visitors to the region.”
St Mary’s Guildhall: Finalist for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism
A historic Coventry venue has been nominated for a top access and inclusion accolade for its work improving accessibility to heritage.
St Mary’s Guildhall, operated by No Ordinary Hospitality, has been named as a finalist in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category at the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2024.
The nomination follows the 14th century venue’s £6m restoration programme which levelled the courtyard floor, installed new lifts and a hearing loop throughout the building and improved access throughout.
The nomination for the Guildhall, also recognises its work improving visitors’ access to the building’s history through their community and education programmes. The venue picked up the gold prize in the same category at least year’s awards.
As part of the National Lottery funded community engagement programme, the historic attraction offers a range of talks exhibitions and workshops designed to keep the Guildhall at the heart of the community. Through this programme the Guildhall hosts a monthly Queer writing group and has delivered co-curated exhibitions for South Asian Heritage and the forthcoming Saluting Our Sisters’ event celebrating Black History month.
The historic venue also offers family focused and sensory friendly experiences for visitors including quiet days, relaxed seasonal events, accessible guided tours and 360-degree photo tours for inaccessible areas.
The West Midlands Tourism Awards celebrate the best venues and organisations in the region’s tourism industry, with fellow No Ordinary Hospitality venue Coombe Abbey Hotel also nominated in the Large Hotel category at the prestigious award ceremony.
Niamh Carlton, Community Engagement Manager at St Mary’s Guildhall said “We are thrilled to be nominated again in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category at the West Midlands Tourism Awards and are excited to showcase the Guildhall alongside some fantastic organisations from across the region.
“Accessibility and inclusion are the cornerstones of our venue and we are delighted to be recognised for our work making the history of St Mary’s Guildhall accessible to people of all backgrounds.”
Councillor Jim O’Boyle cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change said, “This award nomination is richly deserved and really shows what a transformation there has been at St Mary’s Guildhall, one of the finest in the country and a real Coventry gem.”
“We wanted to open it up for everyone to enjoy – for local people to be proud of and for visitors of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and that really is what has happened and more. The improvements have really added to the accessibility and gone to show what is possible when we combine the best of the old and the best of the new.”
The recent major package of restoration and refurbishment at St Mary’s Guildhall has been made possible through the Cultural Capital Investment Fund resourced by Coventry City Council, Arts Council England, and the Government’s Getting Britain Building Fund through Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and with the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
No Ordinary Hospitality celebrates this dual recognition, showcasing the diversity and excellence within its portfolio. The winners will be unveiled at the West Midlands Tourism Awards ceremony, where the group hopes to secure top honours in these prestigious categories.
