The Headland nominated for Independent Hotel of The Year award

Five-star hotel The Headland has been shortlisted for The Independent Hotel of The Year award. The Cornwall-based hotel is one of the final eight hotels competing to be crowned Independent Hotel of The Year. The Independent Hotel of the Year award acknowledges hotels that “embody independent spirit, excellence, and innovation in creating exceptional guest experiences whilst pushing the boundaries expected of an independent hotel”. The award criteria also stated that “the winner is an outstanding hotel that is committed to the development of their team, the success of their establishment, and the betterment of the industry as a whole”. The industry-leading awards will take place at Olympia London in October with the voting now open to the public. It is understood that over 100 hotels have applied for the award, the applicants were then whittled down to a short list for a panel of industry expert judges to consider, before the final eight were for the final According to The Headland, it has championed the ability of the hospitality industry to be an inclusive employer, with over twelve people with additional needs participating in extended work experiences. There has also been an investment in the development of young people through partnerships with local schools and colleges and the ongoing ‘paid summer placement for young people’ series which sees ten 14–15-year-olds completing a summer learning about all the differing roles at the hotel. Along with its commitment to the next generation, the hotel has also pledged to continue supporting local communities and charities. Each week, the hotel provides DISC Newquay with its weekly delivery of fruit and has distributed over £30,000 in grants via the Cornwall Community Foundation. The hotel also supports Newquay Food Bank when they are in need of particular food or items to support their efforts. The team said it is also ambitious with its redevelopment plans and recent investment has seen the construction of The Aqua Club in 2020. Earlier this year, the hotel also launched its new Restaurant RenMor after a major refurbishment took place in the spring, offering guests and locals Cornish food. Veryan Palmer, hotel director, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been included in such a strong shortlist with some utterly brilliant hotels. We would love to win this award, I think it would serve as the ultimate reward for our unique approach to the hospitality industry and the service that our wonderful team gives our guests.”