Royal Borough winners in the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence 2025–2026

Last night in Brighton (9 December 2025), the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead shone at the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence. These awards celebrate the South East’s outstanding visitor experiences, from award‑winning local businesses and cosy pubs to exceptional guides, venues and information services. The Royal Borough’s winners reflect what visitors love about our area: warm hospitality, great pub food and drink in the Windsor and Maidenhead area, and experiences that bring local stories to life. 

About the awards

The Beautiful South Awards are organised by Tourism South East, recognising excellence across food and drink, accommodation, attractions, specific sectors and individuals.  The 2025 ceremony took place on 9 December 2025 at The Grand, Brighton.  Finalist shortlists were published in November ahead of the event.

Amanda Bryett of Windsor Tourist Guides

Windsor Tourist Guides | Gold: International Tourism Award

Windsor Tourist Guides are Blue Badge‑qualified professionals who turn Windsor’s royal heritage into vivid, easy‑to‑follow stories.  Their tours are meticulously planned, highly personable and tailored for international visitors, from first‑time travellers to specialist groups.  Guides hold Windsor Castle accreditation, meaning they can accompany visitors in to Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel, adding depth on everything from chapel architecture to royal ceremonial routes.  This is the kind of award‑winning local business that helps international audiences navigate Windsor with confidence, clarity and charm.

For group organisers and travel trade partners, the team offers morning or afternoon Castle tours, Changing of the Guard where schedules permit, as well as themed town walks that fit pre‑planned itineraries for conferences and incentive trips.  Their ability to offer multilingual guided tours (including German, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian) makes them a natural choice for international tourism operators seeking reliable partners in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. 

Loch & the Tyne, Old Windsor | Gold: Pub of the Year

Set on a quiet lane near Windsor Great Park, Loch & the Tyne combines cosy pub warmth with a “sustainable British luxury” ethos.  The kitchen gardens, seasonal menus and thoughtful sourcing have already earned national acclaim (including MICHELIN Bib Gourmand and The Caterer’s Cateys Pub & Bar Award in 2025). The result: great pub food and drink in the Windsor area that balances comfort and craft, from playful re‑works of pub classics to elegant Sunday roasts.  Inside, expect fireside comfort, polished service and a drinks list that champions English wines and low‑waste cocktails; outside, a terrace looks onto raised beds that supply herbs and veg for the kitchen.  

The Hind's Head, Bray

The Hind’s Head, Bray | Silver: Pub of the Year

In the heart of Bray, The Hind’s Head is a historic, timber‑beamed inn where refined technique meets the soul of a British pub. The kitchen reimagines favourites - think perfect triple‑cooked chips, tea‑smoked salmon or a nostalgic treacle tart - served with a level of polish that has earned accolades for both food and wine.  Recent recognition includes an AA Notable Wine List Award, reflecting the team’s dedication to pairings that enhance classic flavours. For visitors exploring great pub food and drink in Bray or mapping a cosy pub lunch on the Thames, this is a natural stop.

Beyond the menus, the pub’s spaces add to the experience: a fire‑lit bar, the evocative Vicar’s Room for private dining and a lounge sprinkled with historical curiosities.  It’s as suitable for relaxed Sunday roasts as it is for milestone dinners. 

Hurley House Hotel

Hurley House Hotel | Gold: Business Events Venue of the Year

Minutes from Maidenhead and Marlow, Hurley House Hotel is an award‑winning boutique venue with flexible event spaces and a reputation for attentive service, ideal for corporate away‑days, product launches and leadership retreats.  The Garden Pavilion (up to 160 seated / 250 reception) is a versatile, light‑filled setting, supported by stylish bedrooms, private dining and strong AV.  

Eton Information Centre

Eton Information Centre | Gold: Visitor Information Service of the Year

Just over Windsor Bridge, the Eton Information Centre is a friendly, well‑stocked hub for visitors.  The team can help you plan a day around Eton College’s museums and galleries, pick up the Eton Walkway brochure, book guided tours and find locally made souvenirs and award‑winning local businesses to try nearby. 

Plan your trip around our winners

Build a day's visit or short break that includes a guided tour of Windsor Castle with Windsor Tourist Guides, a walk over the bridge to explore Eton via Eton Information Centre, lunch at one of our award‑winning pubs such as Loch & the Tyne or The Hind's Head and a late‑afternoon drive to Hurley House Hotel for an event or an elegant dinner.