“A COUNTRY house in the heart of the city” is in the running for two titles at The Press Business Awards.

Grays Court Hotel, a privately owned and run boutique hotel in the shadow of York Minster and bounded by the city walls, has entered the Retail, Tourism and Leisure and Small Business of the Year categories.

The Grade I Listed Building has 11 luxury bedrooms “which have been individually designed using antique furniture, mixed with contemporary design to ensure a beautiful, eclectic and relaxed environment.

“Accompanying this we have a first-rate reputation as a venue for weddings, dining, conferences and events,” the hotel says.

Grays Court has won numerous awards and made a series of key appointments to drive the business forward. Rigorous criteria are used in employing staff, including demonstrable customer service skills, knowledge and passion for food and drink, the ability to deliver exception customer service and first-rate communication skills. Also the hotel is negotiating with a nationally recognised charity about holding events to increase awareness and raise funds.