Family-run South West chain wins hotel group of the year award

A South West wide hotel chain which began life in North Devon has been named Small Hotel Group of the Year 2025-26 in the AA Hospitality Awards.

Brend Collection, which has hotels across Devon and Cornwall including five in North Devon, was revealed as the winner at a lavish awards ceremony yesterday (Monday, September 22) at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London.

The Brend family business began in Barnstaple in 1955 and today it runs five hotels locally – the Barnstaple Hotel, the Imperial, the Royal & Fortescue, The Park Hotel and Saunton Sands.

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The prestigious AA Hospitality Awards celebrate excellence across 15 categories, showcasing the best of British hospitality and the industry's dedication to innovation, quality and sustainability.

The Brend group rebranded in 2023, which included a new look, new name and a move towards more sustainable practices, such as removing single-use plastic products from guest rooms and introducing its own Source Spa luxury product range, among other initiatives.

Recent investment has included a £2million revamp of The Barnstaple Hotel following storm damage, which was taken as an opportunity to transform its events, health and leisure spaces.

The group also added a £1.5m Source Spa - the second in the collection, at The Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth, with the other already established at Saunton.

John Brend, chairman of The Brend Collection, said the AA award held deep meaning for him and for everyone across the collection.

He added: “Having devoted a lifetime to this business, I take great pride in seeing our family’s values and vision recognised once again.

“What gives me even greater satisfaction is knowing that the next generation is carrying forward that same commitment and fulfilling their own ambitions, alongside the loyal and talented staff who have always been at the heart of our success.”

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Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media said: “We are delighted to recognise the Brend Collection this year.

“A great family run business that puts people at its heart, both guests and its team equally. They have impressed with their ongoing commitment to evolving their offering through significant investment across their hotels.”