23 April 2010 It was second time lucky for Suffolk inn, The Bildeston Crown, Gold winners of the Taste of England category in VisitEngland�s The Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010; last year the team took Silver in the hotel category. But this year, at the black tie event held, as is now tradition on St George�s Day, management couple Chris and Hayley Lee and owners James Buckle and his mother Gill, were delighted to be presented with the VisitEngland Gold award.

The Bildeston Crown was one of 46 national finalists selected from over 100 regional winners submitted by regional tourist boards. The Bildeston Crown was the only representative for Suffolk and was put forward as a result of winning the East of England heats. All finalists were rigorously assessed by independent assessors and a team of judges to make it through to the national final. This year�s awards ceremony was held in the Corn Exchange at The Brighton Dome on 23 April.

Owner, farmer and businessman, James Buckle is thrilled with the Brighton success: �When my mother and I purchased and renovated The Bildeston Crown, now over six years ago, we had the opportunity to develop our own outlet from which to sell our very own produce � �field to plate� if you like. Although we will never be 100% self sufficient, I still get a huge amount of pleasure from seeing meat from our own red poll herd on the menu, Manor Farm rapeseed oil in the kitchen or even, vegetables from my mother�s garden.�

James continues: �It seems appropriate that last year we were all about being a �hotel� and providing excellence in terms of accommodation and service. This year it is all about our great tasting food. The fact that we have been finalists for both categories in such quick succession is a credit to the hard work of Hayley and Chris Lee and their achievement in making both sides of the business such a notable success.�

Chef Chris Lee also recognises that having a boss that is a farmer has many benefits: � Having won Silver in 2009 for �hotel�, we thought long and hard about whether we should enter again but as food is the very heart of what The Bildeston Crown stands for, we could not resist going for the �Taste of England� award. After all how many hotels or restaurants can truly say that have their very own farm just down the road, providing the very best lamb and fantastic Suffolk red poll beef? Now that is truly using local food and a celebration of what is the Taste of England!�

Chris continues: �I love my job and it is fantastic that what we are doing at The Bildeston Crown, in terms of the food we are producing and the continued investment in the hotel itself, is being recognised. Suffolk food is the best and so The Bildeston Crown is extremely proud to bring the Taste of England Award to the county�

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For further information contact Teresa Harman teresa@th-marketing.co.uk or call 07770 425068

EDITORS NOTES

VisitEngland is the strategic leadership body representing the public and private sector stakeholders of English Tourism. It works in partnership with VisitBritain, the Regional Development Agencies and local authorities, and the private sector, creating a national tourism strategy, optimising marketing investment, and developing the visitor experience across England. 2010 is the 21st anniversary of the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence . Promoting the best places to visit and stay in England from large hotels to small B&Bs, attractions large and small, all the winners showcased the very highest standards of customer service and product. The awards have become known as the Tourism BAFTAs www.enjoyengland.com

The Bildeston Crown, Suffolk hotel, restaurant and bar, managed by Chris and Hayley Lee, is owned by local Suffolk businessman and farmer James Buckle and his mother. Located in the heart of Suffolk�s picturesque countryside, close to the wool towns of Hadleigh and Lavenham and perfectly placed for visiting the Dedham Vale and Constable Country, Gainsborough�s birthplace Sudbury and historic Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich, The Bildeston Crown is an original 15th century coaching inn, which was imaginatively renovated and refurbished in 2003. The hotel facilities include: � Bedrooms � twelve double/twin ensuite rooms and one single room � Restaurant � seating up to 80 which can be extended to 120 if the entire venue is booked for an event � Private Dining/Meeting Rooms � seating up to 18; one of which has a wedding license and its own private courtyard � Bar � two bar areas � Outside courtyard for dining and drinking in fine weather � 24 hour room service www.thebildestoncrown.com