2019 Award Winners GUESTHOUSE OF THE YEAR 2019

Blackwell House, Scarva, Co Armagh

Competing with cut price hotels has been no joke for the owners of guesthouses and B&Bs in recent years, but the best have USPs that allow them to thrive regardless of any such challenges - notably hands-on hospitality and home cooked food.

Complimentary cream tea for guests arriving between 3 and 4pm is just one of the nice little extras offered by Stephen and Joyce Brownlees at their splendid guesthouse near Banbridge. Open since 2014, it’s set in lovely rolling drumlin country on the Armagh-Down border, and makes a great base for exploring a wide area - including Belfast and Dublin which are both easily accessible for day visits. Local and homemade food is central to life at Blackwell - there’s even a griddle bread baking class offered - and, as well as a delicious breakfast including freshly-laid eggs from their own hens, an excellent dinner is available too, showcasing seasonal local foods and enjoyed communally around a fine big table.