South Causey Inn commended for tourism efforts

A rural pub has been highly commended for it’s contribution to tourism in the North East of England.

The South Causey Inn, on Beamish Burn Road in Stanley, County Durham, is no stranger to awards, having been named Family Pub of the Year at the Great British Pub Awards in 2013.

And now the tavern – which has its own petting zoo, featuring donkeys, alpacas, chickens, sheep and Goats – has been recognised again, this time by VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence.

“The tourism industry is playing a key part in our economic growth strategy and VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence celebrates all the very best visitor experiences on offer and the hugely talented people working within the sector,” Minister for Tourism Helen Grant said.

The South Causey Inn was built in 1990 alongside South Causey Farm, a British Horse Society riding school. Growing from the orginal two storey farmhouse it today has 29 bedrooms, function rooms, a wedding venue, restaurant and four bars.

Last year it won the North East Tourism Awards Tourism Pub of the Year, as well as a Taste Durham Award.

And now it has been highly commended by the judges in the VisitEngland awards, with top spot in the Tourism Pub of the Year category going to the The Feathered Nest Country Inn in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

“The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence celebrates the very best in the tourism industry,” VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said.

“It is the highest accolade in English Tourism and recognises the true champions of our industry, and the top quality visitor experiences we are fortunate to have on offer in England.

“The competition is of an increasingly high standard and so I offer my sincere congratulations to all our winners on this tremendous achievement.”