The group that runs Ledbury’s Feathers Hotel has won a national award.

The Coaching Inn Group was named AA Group of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards 2023.

Judges said of the group, which bought The Feathers in 2018: “The Coaching Inn Group is an independent operator with a passion for bringing historic coaching inns back to their former glory, with a few modern-day twists.

“Since their launch in 1996, they've brought life back into many iconic buildings providing some of the UK’s most famous market towns with a rejuvenated and welcoming place for locals and visitors to enjoy.

“Currently featuring 32 properties, a mixture of hotels and inns, the group was founded by Kevin Charity with its first property, the White Hart Boston.

“Over the years Kevin has developed a significant portfolio, and the company continues to expand, with just under 1,000 bedrooms in its stock.”

Hosted by TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, the 2023 AA Hospitality Awards was held at Grosvenor House in London on Monday, September 25.

The New Inn at St Owen’s Cross, near Ross, was named Best Restaurant with Rooms for England and Malvern’s Cottage in the Wood - specifically its 1919 Restaurant - was awarded three AA rosettes.

After taking over The Feathers, the Coaching Inn Group invested £300,000 in refurbishing the hotel and have increased the number of bedrooms from 20 to 24.

The older of the two buildings making up the hotel dates back to the 1560s and was originally a private house before becoming an inn, originally called The Plume of Feathers, in around 1700.

Earlier this year, two members of staff at The Feathers scooped prizes at the Coaching Inn Group’s own annual awards ceremony.

Suzie Isaacs and Phil Mcnally were named Head Chef of the Year and Deputy Manager of the Year respectively.

Ledbury-born Suzie has been head chef at the hotel for 11 years while Phil, from Malvern, has worked at the hotel since 2016.