By Linzi Watson

Last updated at 11:23, Saturday, 11 December 2010

The Crown Hotel in Wetheral has been awarded a prestigious AA Rosette for fine food.

The hotel now becomes the first in the Carlisle area to hold the top accolade in the last 10 years.

An inspector visited the hotel this week staying over and eating in the Conservatory Restaurant, which is headed up by chef Paul Taylor. He was said to impressed by the hotel’s fine cuisine and excellent service.

And on Wednesday, the inspector called a meeting with staff when he presented the rosette.

The last Carlisle restaurant to be awarded the rosette was Magentas in 2000, also run by Paul Taylor.

The award-winning chef’s team produce cuisine for all areas in The Crown Hotel including the popular Walton’s Bar and all wedding and function events.

Mr Taylor said that staff had been perfecting their food and service for months in anticipation of the inspector’s visit, which they knew was imminent but were not given a date.

He said: “He came to see us on Tuesday and had afternoon tea.

“He then ordered his meal in the restaurant and asked staff about food and ingredients. The inspector then stayed over and on Wednesday had breakfast in the morning.

“But we had no idea he was here until he presented himself to reception on Wednesday and asked to see the manager.”

Mr Taylor added: “The Crown Hotel was previously awarded an AA Rosette but this was taken away about 10 years ago. To win one back is like winning two, the criteria is very strict.

“Achieving this award reflects the skill, presentation, local sourcing, understanding of seasonal produce and the commitment we put in on a daily basis.”

The criteria for an AA Rosette is an excellent restaurant that stands out in the local area; food prepared with care, understanding and skill using good quality ingredients.

The Crown Hotel’s general manager, Paul Hicks, said it was a great achievement.

“It is an endorsement of the level of service and food that we have been striving for,” he said. “I congratulate Paul and his brigade and indeed all my team at the hotel in gaining this prestigious accolade”.

First published at 09:43, Saturday, 11 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk