A MICHELIN Star Lancashire restaurant has been announced as a finalist for VisitEngland’s Award for Excellence 2022.

A disability service on the Lancashire coast has also been nominated for an award.

Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms in Aughton is the only Lancashire eatery to have made the shortlist.

It has been nominated for the Taste of England Award, which recognises the very best restaurants and eateries in the country.

Mark Birchall, Chef Patron of Moor Hall, said they are “proud” to represent Lancashire at the awards.

He said:"We are delighted to have made it to the Visit England’s Awards of Excellence.

"We are so proud of our Lancastrian heritage and so to represent the county in the national awards is a huge honour.

“Provenance is key at Moor Hall and because of our location, being set amongst the Lancastrian countryside, not only the produce that we grow on site ourselves, but that of all our local suppliers, is of the highest quality.

“The journey from field to plate takes hours, rather than days. Our entire dining experience is inspired by the Lancastrian landscape and modern gastronomy.”

The award-winning restaurant holds two Michelin stars and five AA Rosettes.

It was also recently named as one SquareMeal’s Top 100 restaurants in the UK, placing seventh overall.

Much of the restaurant’s produce is grown on the five-acre estate or sourced locally and the hall has rooms placed within a historic 16th-century manor. 

Moor Hall will be going up against two other fantastic restaurant in the same category: Lu Ban Restaurant in Merseyside and Fischer’s Baslow Hall, Derbyshire.

Fleetwood disability service and support organisation, Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs, is also a finalist at the awards.

They are in the running for an Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award.

They make the beach more accessible for wheelchair users by hiring out specialist chairs which can navigate sandy surfaces.

Applications to the nationally recognised VisitEngland were put forward for judging from businesses across England including hotels, self-catering accommodation providers, B&Bs, glamping operators, visitor attractions, restaurants, pubs and museums.

The 45 finalists, announced following a rigorous judging process by handpicked tourism industry experts, will now go on to compete in 15 core categories at the national awards, with the Caravan and Motorhome Club announced as headline sponsor.

The awards’ categories range from the ‘Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award’ to the ‘Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year’ and from the ‘Pub of the Year’ to the ‘Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award’ and ‘New Tourism Business of the Year.’

VisitEngland Chief Executive Patricia Yates said:“These awards celebrate the businesses and individuals in tourism across England who have delivered excellence during the last year and it is fantastic to see such an outstanding list of finalists. 

“The impressive list reflects the sheer scale of innovation, quality and experiences across England’s tourism industry and I congratulate all the finalists and wish them the very best of luck.

“Millions of jobs and local economies depend on tourism and this year’s awards are also a timely opportunity to acknowledge the determination and dedication of tourism businesses as they rebuild, and continue to champion best practice and customer service excellence, providing visitors with a stand-out experience.”

In addition to the 15 core categories, which include two new awards this year – the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ and the ‘Resilience and Innovation Award,’ special awards are also being presented including an ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award,’ a ‘Travel Content Award’ and a ‘Tourism Superstar Award’.

All finalists are invited to attend the national awards ceremony being held on 8 June at the Library of Birmingham, where Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be announced.