Green Tourism Business Scheme - more awards

In a posting last month Futures Forum: Sidmouth Hotels we highlighted a local award-winning business. News & Events about Sidmouth Hotels in Sidmouth, Devon








Sustainability and green issues are now very much mainstream, with governments, businesses and individuals all involved.  Tourism, as one of the main economic drivers in the UK, has its part to play.  
That is where the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) comes in.
Green Tourism Business Scheme – Green Places To Stay & Visit


Here are a couple more who have won Green Tourism accolades (and other awards...) in and around Sidmouth:

Long chimney manage the effect our business has within the Environment in the best possible sustainable manner.

Long chimney is commited to continuous improvement

Long chimney is commited to raising the awareness of employees with regard to green issues and how they can help.

Long chimney monitors the progress and reviews enviromental performance on a regular basis.

Long chimney will adhere to the minimum requirement as set out in Environmental Law to comply with a duty of care for the disposal of waste products.

Long chimney provide a substantial visitor information pack with details of walks, wildlife parks, public transport, flora & fauna indigenous to our site including cycle routes and comprehensive info on countryside and coastal events. Erection of nesting boxes, record birds/wildlife sighted at Long chimney. We have bird species and insects that are uniquely attracted to our ponds.

Long chimney minimises waste by providing waste separation facilities on site so that Glass, Aluminium, Tin, Cardboard and Plastics can be recycled. We Compost Garden & Kitchen waste, please use the food waste caddy supplied in the kitchen and deposit in the Green Joanna.

Long chimney comprehensive guest pack includes information on Farmers Markets, Organic Food Suppliers, Local suppliers of eggs, cakes, cheese and recommends restaurants and pubs and things to do in the West Country. There are free information leaflets/transport timetables and O/S maps can be borrowed.

Long chimney uses local consumer suppliers and only uses local trades companies for maintenance of the cottages. We use Ecofriendly cleaning products.

Long chimney has installed timers on electrical fittings where applicable and all light bulbs are 80% Energy Saving, both cottages have 2 showers per cottage so that water may be conserved as an alternative to using the baths supplied in each cottage. Appliances are A & B rated, water saving device in cisterns, water butts for outside flower watering. During renovation the Builders used high density insulation within floor, roof and wall voids. Door seals and Pilkington Insulight double glazing, reducing solar heat gain yet improving energy efficiency, fitted throughout. Our sun beds and drinks tables are manufactured from recycled plastic and the wooden picnic tables kite marked FSC. We recommend Green Taxi companies.

Long chimney has established wildlife of all kinds, we are members of Devon Wildlife Trust the only organisation exclusively concerned with all aspects of wildlife conservation in Devon. Our hedge rows and ponds are a wildlife delight. We have information on local environmental projects, guided walks, nature reserves etc.

Long chimney's object is to minimise the harmful effects but to maximise the beneficial influences our own activities have on the environment.

We welcome all objective comments, support, participation, and suggestions from our clients staying with us as to improve our environmental policy and protect the environment to its maximum.

Long chimney is committed to the forgoing statement and is proud of achieving a GOLD award from GTBS June 2011.

Longchimney is a member of DEBI (Devon Environmental Business Initiative).

Green Tourism | 2 Beautiful Cottages in Sidmouth, Devon
Green Business - The GreenTourism Business Scheme



Best local places to eat
Green Business - The GreenTourism Business Scheme
The Salty Monk Restaurant & Boutique Bed & Breakfast

Both chefs by trade with an eye for meticulous detail they pride themselves on using the best of Devons larder with home grown or organic produce wherever possible.
The Salty Monk in Sidmouth, Devon | Bed and breakfasts in the UK

THE SALTY MONK BAGGED BRONZE IN PRESTIGIOUS ‘VISIT ENGLAND AWARDS 2013′

Bronze Award taken by South West business The Salty Monk Restaurant with Rooms in national Visit England awards

Over a quarter of this year’s national Visit England awards went to tourism businesses from England’s South West at  last week’s glittering ceremony in Manchester.  This made it  a record year for the region and reinforcing the South West’s status as ‘England’s pre-eminent tourism destination’.

Sidford in Devon has the some of the best guest accommodation in the country, according to Visit England.

“If you want to see some of the best that England has to offer then stay a night or two at the Salty Monk”.

This was the judgement of England’s Tourist Board when it announced the five finalists of its award for excellence. Despite being ‘pipped to the post’ for the ultimate accolade last Monday, the Salty Monk bagged Bronze which is not to be sniffed at!

For the team at the Salty Monk, being a finalist this year is particularly poignant. Obliterated by the floods of last November, they worked tirelessly to upkeep standards and stay open. This same determination took a derelict hulk 13 years ago and built lasting alliances with local producers, gaining 5 gold stars for the last ten years and AA rosettes for the last nine.

Chef -Owner Andy Witheridge said of being a finalist:

‘I’m thrilled. This kind of recognition is great recognition for the team, most of whom have been with us almost from the outset. But in these difficult times we have learned not to be complacent. Our relatively small size, only six rooms, allows us to create an ever improving and truly individual experience for our guests.’

This is no idle boast; determined not to stand still, the Salty Monk’s programme of continuous reinvestment has recently seen the addition of a spa and fitness room and the continual enhancement of six truly individual and luxurious rooms.

But the Salty Monk is a restaurant with rooms. Its silver award for green tourism is as a result of the quality of the food and its commitment to small local suppliers and Green Practices. Imaginative twists on traditional cooking has gained a loyal following for its restaurant and new Abbots Den Brasserie.

Andy continued:

‘We are truly privileged to be surrounded by some of the best and most talented producers in the country. And I don’t just mean food – Our local schools and colleges are turning out some fantastic new talent for the next generation of caterers.’

Andy can speak with conviction as much of his time these days is spent supporting local educational establishments such as Kings School, Sidmouth College and Exeter College. In November the kitchens and restaurant of the Salty Monk were turned over to local pupils preparing  and serving professional quality meals to local celebrities.

This is recognition with a great popular appeal. Today it will not only be the staff of the Salty Monk who will be celebrating, but pupils, produce suppliers and loyal customers throughout Devon and the West Country.

The Salty Monk Bagged Bronze in Prestigious ‘Visit England Awards 2013′ | The Chefs Forum
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