Derbyshire shines at AA Hospitality Awards 2025 scooping Hotel of the Year & first-ever AA Rising Star Award
Both places are located in Baslow and just a few minutes away from each other.
It was a big night for Derbyshire, a county which continues to shine on a national level.
The best and brightest in British hospitality came together on Monday, September 22, for the coveted AA Hospitality Awards 2025.
This flagship event is widely recognised as the gold standard of excellence within the industry.
Welcoming more than 960 guests, the event shone a spotlight on the country’s most exceptional hotels, restaurants, spas, inns, and B&Bs as well as the inspiring people behind them.
Accolades were presented across 18 categories, including AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year, AA Sustainable Award, AA Spa Hotel of the Year and new for 2025, the AA Rising Star Award.
Taking home one of the evening’s most prestigious accolades, Gareth Ward of Ynyshir was named Chef of the Year 2025.
The Rising Star Award, newly introduced this year, recognises individuals in hospitality who demonstrate exceptional promise and potential in their field.
Nataliia Maiseionok, Sommelier at Fischer's Baslow Hall and winner of the AA Rising Star Award, relocated from Ukraine in 2022, arriving in the UK with limited English but extensive hospitality experience.
She began her career as a waitress at Fischer’s Baslow Hall, working her way up to sommelier through self-funded education.
Speaking about the win, Ms Maisieonok said: “Winning this award means that I’ve been on the right path.
“The effort, dedication and commitment I’ve invested in gaining knowledge in a field I’m truly passionate about has not been in vain.
“I feel genuinely at home in this profession, and while there is still so much more to learn, this only adds to the joy.
“For a true explorer, discovery is the greatest reward. I see this not as the final destination, but as a powerful step forward.”
The Cavendish, Baslow was crowned one of the AA Hotels of Year, sharing the accolade with 1 Hotel Mayfair (London), St Brides Spa Hotel (Pembrokeshire), 100 Princes Street (Edinburgh) and The Old Inn (Bangor).
Richard Palmer, Managing Director at Estate Escapes said: “At The Cavendish, we’ve always aimed to provide a genuine countryside experience - combining local food, Derbyshire craftsmanship, comfortable rooms and the natural beauty of the area around us.
“Being recognised as AA Hotel of the Year is a proud moment for us and a reflection of the hard work and care our team puts in every day to make this a welcoming place for our guests.”
Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, praised the UK’s hospitality sector for its resilience and innovative spirit in 2025.
He said: "This celebration highlights the passion, creativity and resilience that define UK hospitality.
“The teams have turned challenges into opportunities, inspiring us with their innovation and dedication.
“Congratulations to all winners, nominees and new Rosette holders.
“our achievements deserve recognition today and set a shining example for the future of our industry.”
The full list of this year’s AA Hospitality Award winners can also be found here on AARatedTrips.com