A HOTEL and restaurant in north Cumbria was named the winner of a prestigious hospitality award earlier this month.

Farlam Hall near Brampton won the Readers’ Award at the Conde Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2025 for the UK, Europe and The Mediterranean.

Conde Nast Johansens is a mass reviewer of hospitality and tourism nationwide, and described the hotel as ‘steeped in history’.

“This utterly peaceful pocket of Cumbrian countryside is minutes from Brampton, in between the villages of Milton and Hallbankgate, just three miles south of Hadrian’s Wall and there is character and style at every turn – not just in the sophisticated rooms and suites but in the award-winning food and local artwork that adorns the walls,” the description reads.

Hrishikesh Desai started at Farlam Hall in February 2023 and is a partner with MD responsibilities.

Describing the win, he said: “It wasn’t expected.

“We were in the finals of other category that went to other businesses, but when they started announcing this special award that more than 40,000 people voted for, and that the winner was Farlam Hall, I couldn’t contain my appreciation and happiness.

“I was all over the room jumping with joy.

Hrishikesh Desai accepting the awardHrishikesh Desai accepting the award (Image: Farlam Hall)

“I felt like we won an Oscar... the moment was beautiful and I’m really chuffed.”

On what secured the win, Mr Desai said progressions has been continuous since his appointment, and named his partner Karen, finance director, as working ‘tirelessly to make Farlam Hall great’.

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He said all staff followed the vision that led to 2024 being a year of accolades - 12 to be precise.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure," he said.

“We’ve improved the businesses without spending a single penny on bricks and mortar, just utilising what we’ve got here.

“I want to thank Conde Nast for believing in us and bringing us into their consortium, and I want to thank our guests for their custom, and the entire staff for brining this beautiful place together.”