FIFTH-generation farmers from Bridlington are celebrating after received a five-star rating for their latest business venture.

John and Angela Foster, owners of the award-winning Field House Farm Holiday Cottages at Sewerby, gambled in the economic downturn to extend their holiday accommodation business by investing £320,000 in a brewery conversion in York – the York Hop Store.

Now Visit England has given it a five-star Gold rating – the tourism body’s highest accolade.

Based in an award-winning converted brewery that stands in Ogleforth, behind the Minster, the York Hop Store is a luxurious two-bedroomed, two-bathroom apartment. It has been developed by John and Angela and features hand-made furniture and artwork by Yorkshire artists. Angela said: “The Hop Store is one of only a handful of luxury holiday apartments in the centre of York and we are really pleased to get such a good rating.

“We’ve got five-star ratings for the holiday cottages at Field House Farm, but this is the first time that we’ve ventured into a city centre property, so we weren’t sure what to expect. Already we have taken a number of bookings and customers have expressed their delight.”

The York Hop Store sleeps four and costs £560 for a four-night midweek break in June.