THE FINALISTS competing for a coveted national hospitality award have been named - with a historic Lake District Inn firmly in the running.

Samantha and Mark Robinson, managers of the Queen's Head Hotel in Troutbeck, have been listed in the final six in the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) Licensee of the Year award.

Selected from a field of over 300 entrants, the six finalists have been selected on the basis of their community impact, sustainability and diversification, exceptional mystery diner visits, financial and online audits, and face-to-face interviews in their pubs with judges, Sue Allen and Ashley McCarthy.

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Steven Alton, BII CEO said: "Our Licensee of the Year Award is the most prestigious and hard-fought award, showcasing the dedication and excellence in our sector. The final six are of an incredible standard.

"I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all involved and wish them the best of luck for the final stages of the competition."

All six finalists will be presented with a trophy at the BII Summer Event on June 20, where the winner of Licensee of the Year 2023 will be crowned.