A Hampshire hotel has received an improved rating for its food.

The four star Holiday Inn Winchester is celebrating its recent AA 2 Rosette Award - it already held a single AA Rosette Award

General manager Siobhan Thomasson commented that the award was “perfectly timed” as it coincided with the launch of new a la carte menu developed by new head chef Chris Keel, who recently joined from the Chilworth Manor.

“It is wonderful to be recognised as a hotel that provides high quality food and service. We are all so delighted and we can’t stop smiling!” she said.

Of all the restaurants across the UK, only around ten per cent are of a standard which is worthy of one rosette and above.

The AA inspector who visited the Holiday Inn Winchester commented on her experience: “The highlight of this stay, with the quality and skill level demonstrated at dinner, comfortably exceeding expectations for the grading. Very good skill levels, quality ingredients and clean, clear flavours. The honeycomb parfait and lemon curd ice cream was particularly memorable. There was an appropriate choice offered at breakfast with hot and cold items of good quality. A friendly team who smile and are approachable and the reception staff made extra conversation. There was an upbeat atmosphere.”

“Business breakfasts, lunches and meetings are also very popular in our restaurant as business people find the location of our hotel so convenient for connecting with each other, with plenty of free car parking. The hotel has become a popular business hub and networking venue including casual meetings in our reception and bar areas where visitors can discuss business over a coffee or light lunch,” said the hotel’s sales manager Sarah Waddington.

The hotel already has a long list of awards including those for sustainability including the Carbon Smart, Green Tourism, PEA Award and Beautiful South Awards and has received the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame Award.