A hotel and spa has been named the best in the country as its restaurant was praised for its “culinary excellence”.

South Lodge in Horsham picked up the spa of the year accolade at the AA Hospitality Awards 2023.

The hotel’s restaurant The Pass was also awarded four AA Rosettes at the ceremony.

Reopened in 2022, The Pass is an intimate 28-cover restaurant at South Lodge, led by head chef Ben Wilkinson. The Pass received its first Michelin star this year and is just one of six to have been awarded four AA Rosettes for its selection and treatment of high quality ingredients and flavour combinations.

Ben said: “We are very grateful to the AA for recognising The Pass as a four-Rosette restaurant.

MOST READ:

“The whole team has been working hard to raise the standard since we opened last year and this is exactly the sort of recognition they deserve for their efforts. I am very grateful for their commitment and want them to know that the hard work is really appreciated by me and the Exclusive team and more importantly by our guests.”

The 44,000sqft spa at South Lodge offers guests a state-of-the-art gym and spin studio, indoor pool, outdoor hydrotherapy and wild swimming pool alongside an extensive menu of treatments.

The AA remains one of the most respected and comprehensive guides in the UK and TV presenter and broadcaster Claudia Winkleman hosted the awards in a glittering ceremony on Monday.