Hotel Cateys 2021: Sustainable Hotel of the Year: Raithwaite Sandsend

Raithwaite Sandsend sits in a 100-acre estate just outside Whitby on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. The 72-bedroom hotel, which employs 112 people, used the Covid-19 lockdowns to relaunch with a dedication to sustainable business practices, which it now defines as its USP.

Ollie Hunter, who has won green accolades for his running of the Wheatsheaf in Chilton Foliat, was hired as the food, drink and sustainability director last year to spearhead the sustainability effort. He has created a plan to make Raithwaite a “30 Food” hotel – 50% of produce to be sourced within a 30-mile radius.

From organic produce to installing dual-flush toilets and pipework insulation, the hotel is making numerous efforts to help mitigate the climate crisis. Raithwaite has halved its food waste over the past year, and plans to become zero-waste by 2023. Nearly all suppliers are now organic, local or wild producers.

But it was the encouragement offered to guests to come along on the sustainability journey and the changing of mindsets by the use of positive language that really made Raithwaite’s entry stand out. For instance, the controversial decision to remove smoked salmon from the menus has been communicated to guests by promoting positive sustainable choices rather than focusing on any negativity. Instead of declaring “we no longer offer smoked salmon, because we believe in the welfare of the animals and what the animals eat”, the hotel says, “our local area has so many delicious products to offer, and one of the most famous is Fortune’s Kippers, smoked only a few miles away and delicious”.

All the rooms feature sustainability documents, and information is provided about the hotel’s decisions. Raithwaite also explains why there is an entirely organic wine list on the menu, as well as quoting supplier names for food and beverage where relevant.

For guests who really want to delve into the hotel’s ethos, tours of suppliers are being offered so they can experience and understand the products on sale at the hotel. The local experiences – which include lobster potting, fishing, wood turning, moor restoration and nature reserves – help to promote the area’s industries while truly connecting the guest to the hotel’s sustainability drive.

What the judges said

“I really admire the direction this hotel has taken and the sustainable journey it has embarked on. Lots of great initiatives with a very sustainability-driven business model.”

Jonathan Kaye

“I was impressed by the collective passion, creativity and commitment of the team towards embracing sustainable principles in all parts of the business. I commend the team on their food and drink initiatives and for the extensive efforts made to reduce energy, waste and water, especially on removing single-use items, as part of a zero-waste vision for 2023. I enjoyed learning about the hotel’s engagement, support and promotion of community projects while linking to the heritage and history of the area.”

Debra Patterson

The shortlist

Grantley Hall Ripon, North Yorkshire

Raithwaite Sandsend North Yorkshire

Past winners

2019 The Langham, London

2018 Jonathan Kaye, Cedar Manor Hotel

2017 The Oakley Court, Windsor

2016 Battlesteads, Wark on Tyne, Northumberland

2015 Hub by Premier Inn, London

2014 Red Carnation Hotels

2013 The Savoy, London

2012 Lancaster London

2011 Battlesteads, Wark on Tyne

2010 Langdale Hotel & Spa

2009 One Aldwych

2008 Bedruthan Steps Hotel

2007 Novotel London West