THE Bear's Paw in Warmingham is celebrating after joining the ranks of the country's finest hotels and eateries.
The country house hotel and restaurant has been rewarded with a four-diamond rating in the Automobile Association's Hotel Guide.
The good news came after a visit by an anonymous inspector.
Operations manager Sarah Meyer said they had no idea the man, who was travelling alone, was an inspector until he paid for his meal and overnight stay.
She said: 'It was a real shock when he introduced himself.
'We have been here for three years and never had a visit so noone was expecting it. The rating is an improvement on what we had before so we are delighted.'
The Bear's Paw, which is in School Lane, has 12 luxury bedrooms and its restaurant has recently been refurbished.
Miss Meyer added: 'The four diamond rating is a fantastic achievement which sets us apart from our competitors and is in no small part thanks to the dedication and commitment of all staff.'
