YORK'S only five-start hotel The Cedar Court Grand has been nominated for the inaugural AA Spirit Award in the AA Hospitality Awards.

The hotel, in Station Rise, which was recently sold by the Cedar Court Group to Splendid Hospitality Group, is competing for the title against Glasgow’s Blythswood Square and The Merchant Hotel, Belfast.

The AA Awards are acknowledged as being amongst the most prestigious national awards of their kind in the industry , drawing on knowledge and expertise of the AA inspectorate and other hotel professionals involved in the judging process. Winners are selected in recognition of excellence and success within their award category, having proved their dedication to raising industry standards and enhancing their guest experience.

New for 2014, the AA Spirit Award has been introduced to recognise the professional promotion, education and service of spirits in the hospitality industry.

Maria Florou, general manager of The Grand said: "Being shortlisted for the AA Spirit Award is fantastic recognition for the work of the bar team.

"They are all focused on providing our customers with the finest selection of drinks, offering advice on new flavour combinations or alternative selections, and ensuring that the guest experience is second-to-none.

"A lot of their hard-work is unseen so I am delighted that it is being acknowledged through this nomination."

The Cedar Court Grand is the only hotel from North Yorkshire to be represented in this year’s awards.

The award, sponsored by The Balvenie, will be presented at a ceremony held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on November 22.