Oh boy, do we have some exciting news to announce! For the second year running – excusing a short hiatus, thanks to Covid – The Old Granary has once again been shortlisted in the Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards 2022. 

This year there were 15 categories to apply to, and we are so proud to have been named as a finalist in the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year category, sponsored by East Lindsey District Council. 

Our first experience of these awards was in 2020, the last time they ran, and we were thrilled to be nominated in two categories – the New Tourism Business Award and Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year. We went on to win the New Tourism Business Award, and so to be once again shortlisted in the Self-Catering category feels a little bit like fate.  

We have some incredible fellow finalists to rub shoulders with at October’s evening awards celebration, with the likes of Grange Farm Park, Home Farm Park, Lincoln Holiday Retreat and The Grange – East Barkwith, also shortlisted in the self-catering category. 

For now, we wait with bated breath, on the edge of our seats in fact, for news of when our Mystery Shopper will be appearing. The second of three stages of judging, (yes, this is a very thorough process undertaken by an independent board of judges and mystery shoppers, all trained to work to the high standards set out by VisitEngland, but more on that in a minute) our mystery shopper will be pre-booked for a day-visit. Once they have been to do their thing, it’s a long wait to find out who the judges have confirmed to be the winners come October 21^st. 

So, back to VisitEngland.

The super exciting thing about the Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards is that 12 out of the 15 winners for this year’s ceremony will automatically be put through to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023, giving us – and all of the businesses who have been shortlisted this year – the chance to represent our glorious county, and our own hard-work, on the national stage!  

The Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year category specifically acknowledges accommodation providers who go above beyond, providers that deliver a truly memorable experience for their guests, demonstrating excellence across the board in every aspect of their business. 

For us, The Old Granary self-catering accommodation was created with that guest experience in mind and continues to hold our guest’s feedback and personal preference in the highest regard. If you like things a particular way when you stay with us, you can be certain that we’ll remember – even if that means the kettle being in exactly the right spot. Being shortlisted in a category that champions values we already hold in such high regard, really does show that all the effort, hard-work and attention to detail we put in day-in day-out is paying off. 

To be able to revel in the success of being a finalist, side-by-side four other wonderful local businesses, alongside an enterprise which values not only our treasured county but the tourism and visitor economy businesses working within it so highly, is already a win in our eyes. Of course, it’s something we couldn’t achieve single-handedly, it takes more than twin-power, it takes a village. It takes suppliers, friends and family, and our incredible guests. We couldn’t have pushed the business to where it is today without each and every one of you so thank you to you all. 

So, what are the Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards?

Championing the very best of the county’s tourism industry, the Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards celebrate quality, innovation and the very best practice across all sectors of the visitor economy.

From accommodation in its many guises to pubs and restaurants renowned for their incredible support of Lincolnshire produce, the attractions both large and small that showcase Lincolnshire’s heritage, history, creativity, and the adventure that can be found here – these awards are an opportunity for everything we love about exploring the land of yellowbellies to be honoured. 

In the words of Stonebow Media – who run the awards in conjunction with Destination Lincolnshire – “The last two and a half years have been difficult for the whole tourism sector so to see the number of entries this year from such a large number of businesses and read their stories, seeing how they overcame and adapted, has been inspiring. Stonebow Media are proud to be hosting these awards to celebrate all our finalists successes. The awards showcase the fantastic landscape Lincolnshire has to offer locals and visitors alike.”

For us, Destination Lincolnshire Chief Executive, Charlotte Goy, hit the nail on the head, saying: “Finally seeing who has been selected by the independent board of judges really hits home just how phenomenal our visitor offering is and how connected it is to the national picture. This year’s judges really had their work cut out for them too, with double the number of entries compared to 2020. How much passion, dedication and resilience lies in our visitor economy businesses – working on the frontline of post-pandemic recovery and absolutely smashing it, despite the tough times that continue to present themselves – is second to none.” 

We couldn’t agree more. Huge congratulations to every single business shortlisted for this year’s final – we’ll see you at the ceremony, suited and booted of course… and no, we don’t mean welly boots!