The Star Inn at Harome: Yorkshire restaurant wins AA Restaurant of the Year 2026
As the AA celebrates 70 years of its AA Rosette award, The Star Inn at Harome was crowned Restaurant of the Year 2026.
The AA has announced the winners of its 2026 Hospitality Awards that include restaurants, hotels, B&Bs and inns, highlighting some of the UK’s best places to eat and stay.
The AA Rosette award has been distributed for 70 years, which recognises restaurants serving food of an exceptional quality.
This year’s awards showcase the range and diversity of hospitality across the country, with the AA Hotel of the Year, AA Restaurant of the Year and AA B&B of the Year among the headline awards.
The awards also see a host of restaurants awarded new AA Rosettes and hotels recognised with AA Red Stars, the AA’s annual accolade for hotels and restaurants that demonstrate high standards of quality, hospitality and service, giving diners and travellers a fresh list of places to explore.
The AA Restaurant of the Year was given to The Star Inn at Harome, a Michelin-starred thatched 14th century inn-with-rooms in Helmsley.
Harome was formerly known as ‘Harum’ or ‘Harem’ and located on the edge of the North York Moors near the historical buildings of Rievaulx Abbey and Byland Abbey.
In the 1930s the pub was refurbished by local craftsman, Robert ‘Mousey’ Thompson from nearby Kilburn.
Andrew Pern bought the pub in 1996 and has maintained a Michelin star for 20 years since 2002.
Managing director of AA Hotel and Hospitality Services, Simon Numphud, said: ““Every year, the AA Hospitality Awards shines a light on hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, Inns and Chefs going above and beyond to deliver memorable experiences for guests and diners.
“This year’s winners showcase the breadth and quality of hospitality across the UK, giving consumers a host of trusted recommendations and inspiration for their next meal or stay.
“Behind every award is a commitment to quality and service, which is what helps sets British hospitality apart, underpinning its world-renowned reputation.
“Congratulations to all this year’s finalists and winners – we look forward to seeing their guests enjoy what they have to offer.”