An East Lancashire tearoom that showed resilience and determination when it adapted to the Covid pandemic has won a TripAdvisor travellers' choice award for best restaurant.
Dolly’s Tearoom and Restaurant in Darwen won the award after the establishment raked in multiple five star diner reviews on the TripAdvisor website, despite a challenging 12 months.
Run by Darrener, Suzanne Halliwell, Dolly's has been recognised as a 2021 travellers’ choice award winner for best restaurant worldwide, an award which celebrates businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to diners.
Mrs Halliwell said: “I don’t have to tell everyone how tough the last year has been, but despite this we have come out with some of the best reviews around the globe, and that really is great for Darwen and our fantastic team.
"We all pride ourselves on fantastic food, excellent customer service and wonderful atmosphere and as a truly independent local restaurant this is a fantastic testament to my fabulous team and the many local suppliers who support us in delivering our vision."
Dolly’s Tearoom and Restaurant changed ownership in February last year, two months before the pandemic began, but despite this Mrs Halliwell and her staff continued to serve Darwen with takeaways based on its core offer of afternoon tea, lunch, evening dining, Sunday roasts and tapas.
In May the restaurant re-opened to diners for socially distanced dining, dining in family groups and social bubbles, and small celebrations with permitted groups.
The team is committed to supporting its local community, both by sourcing local produce and producing more than 2,000 meals a year for the Darwen Foodshare project.
Chief Commercial Officer at TripAdvisor, Kanika Soni said: “Congratulations to all the winners of the 2021 Travellers’ Choice Awards.
"I know the past year has been extremely challenging for tourism businesses.
"What has impressed me is how businesses adapted to these challenges, implementing new cleanliness measures, adding social distancing guidelines, and utilising technology to prioritise guest safety.
"The Travellers’ Choice Awards highlight the places that are consistently excellent - delivering quality experiences time and time again even while navigating changing customer expectations and new ways of working.
"Based on a full year of reviews from customers, this award speaks to the great service and experience you provided guests in the midst of a pandemic.”
To read the reviews visit: tripadvisor.co.uk
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