Shropshire hotel 'delighted' to be in the running for tourism award

A Market Drayton hotel is celebrating after making the finals of a regional tourism award.

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Goldstone Hall Country House Hotel has secured a place on the shortlist for ‘Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year’ at the West Midlands Tourism Awards (WMTA) 2027, following fierce competition from high-quality small hotels across the region.

The shortlisting puts the independent, family-run country house hotel among the West Midlands’ leading hospitality businesses. Known for its warm welcome, spacious, comfortable bedrooms, seasonal food fresh from its kitchen garden and five acres of RHS Partner Gardens, Goldstone offers a relaxing country house stay in the heart of rural Shropshire.

The awards bring together 35 shortlisted businesses from across the West Midlands, including Telford, Coventry, Shrewsbury and Warwick. Winners across all 17 categories will be announced at a glittering ceremony early in the New Year, with more than 250 guests expected to attend.

Owner John Cushing said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted to progress to final judging alongside some outstanding smaller accommodation providers from across the region. We know judging in all aspects of our offer is under close scrutiny from a panel of hospitality experts who will scrutinise every aspect of our offer, including through mystery guest inspections. We welcome the challenge and the opportunity to show what makes a stay at Goldstone special.”

Now in their seventh year, the West Midlands Tourism Awards are organised and funded by the West Midlands Growth Company, which leads the region’s Destination Development Partnership.

Entries are independently assessed by members of the West Midlands Tourism and Hospitality Advisory Board and industry experts. Final judging includes a site visit and a report to determine the winners.

Winners in 17 categories will progress to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence next summer.

Andrew Lovett OBE, Chair of the West Midlands Tourism & Hospitality Advisory Board, said: “To be recognised among the very best tourism and hospitality businesses in the region is a significant achievement and a testament to the passion, innovation and commitment shown by teams across the West Midlands every day.

From world-class attractions and venues to outstanding accommodation, restaurants and visitor experiences, and independent family-run businesses, our finalists showcase the breadth and quality of the region's tourism offer. They play a vital role in attracting visitors, supporting local economies, and helping to tell the story of our places to audiences across the UK and beyond."