‘Celebrating exceptional venues, organisations & people that welcome everyone’
Nominations for 2023/24 Are now closed. However, entries to the Design Competition are open until spring 2024.
The Winners Announced for 2023/24
The Catey's Accessibility Award 2023: Presentation by Fiona jarvis from BBAA to AbleStay, Guest Accommodation for People With Complex Needs
The winners of the prestigious BLUE BADGE ACCESS AWARDS 2023 were announced at an exciting ceremony at London’s Great Scotland Yard Hotel. The Blue Badge Access Awards raised the profile of accessibility in hospitality and beyond and recognised those venues that are getting it right.
The eleven Awards from loos, to hotels, spa’s and bars were presented to venues and individuals that have truly excelled in providing exceptional accessibility, style, and design …and also to those who haven’t! The winners and highly commended can be seen on this link and in summary they were,
Above & Beyond Award (sponsored by The Institute of Hospitality)
Won By: Charles & Jo van Berckel, Ablestay
Best Accessible Bathroom/Toilet (sponsored by Bespoke Hotels)
Won By: AbleStay
Best Luxury Hotel Award (sponsored by Hewi)
Won By: The Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel, London WC1
Best Boutique Hotel (sponsored by BluKite)
Won By: Wraxall Yard
Best Venue in an Historic Building Award (sponsored by Historic England)
Won By: Blenheim Palace
The Blue Badge Style Access Champion
Won By: Anna Neary at Legoland
New! Best Spa Award (sponsored by Guarantee Laundries)
Won By: Chewton Glen
Best Restaurant Award (sponsored by Conran & Partners)
Won By: Gaucho - Cardiff.
Best International Venue (sponsored by Ahead Awards)
Won By: Amilla Resort Maldives
Best Bar (sponsored by ANON Drinks)
Won By: The Audley Public House
Special Award for Outstanding Achievement in Accessibility
Won By: Charlie Lyons, Sesame Access Systems
Robin Sheppard, Co-founder of the BBAA Awards, and President of Bespoke Hotels said:
“We’re thrilled with the response to our 2023 Awards. After eight years of trying to persuade the hospitality industry to put “access” higher up their collective agenda I am delighted to say that tonight’s award ceremony is testament to the progress that has been made. We have witnessed a much wider acceptance of the need to do better. We had an embarrassment of riches in terms of nominations and some very worthy entries. Congratulations to all our winners and runners up this evening.”
Fiona Jarvis, Co-Founder of the BBAA awards and Chief Judge said:
“This was a very emotional and positive evening as all the nominees and winners were there with the common goal of making places hospitable for all. None were complacent and all wanted to know how they could do better. BUT…. The list to choose from for our Ludicrous Loo & Ridiculous Ramp awards was unbelievable and show that there is more to be done. It’s hard to remain positive when you hear of such disregard for 19% of the population. Bad access and practices at venues must be called to account and we name the following.........read more on this link.
The Blue Badge Access Awards 2023/24, set the Gold Standard for Access in the wider hospitality sector, is on the hunt for the very best in accessibility for the disabled guest, and aims to reward hotels, restaurants, leisure and tourism venues and people that are getting ‘accessibility with style’ right.
The Awards were first launched at the House of Lords in 2016 to recognise, celebrate and reward accessibility across hotels, restaurants and other public venues worldwide.
The judges focus on style, thoughtful design, innovation and liberty that delivers exceptional accessibility. The aim is to encourage hospitality industry bosses, architects and designers worldwide to consider ways in which they can address the current and future needs of disabled guests.