We’re delighted to announce No.21 York as the winner of Bed & Breakfast of the Year at the My Local Awards 2026 Yorkshire.

This award celebrates the businesses that create memorable stays, deliver exceptional service and leave a lasting impression on their guests, and No.21 York does exactly that. Set within a beautiful Victorian terrace in York, this much-loved B&B offers something that never goes out of style: a warm welcome, a comfortable night’s sleep and an amazing breakfast made with locally sourced produce from independent suppliers.

At the heart of No.21 York is a deeply personal approach. This is not simply somewhere to stay. It is a place where guests are looked after properly, where local partnerships matter and where every detail reflects real care and pride. That commitment has helped make No.21 York one of the city’s standout places to stay, and a very worthy winner of this year’s award.

A dream turned into a much-loved York B&B

The story of No.21 York began after years working in corporate hotels. With that experience behind them, the owners always knew they wanted to create something of their own — a B&B that felt more personal, more independent and more connected to the local area.

That vision became reality in March 2014, when after an extensive refurbishment, they opened the doors to No.21 York. Taking on the property was a major challenge in itself. It was a tired and unloved building that needed time, investment and a huge amount of passion to bring it back to life. But that is exactly what they did.

What stands out about No.21 York is that it was never just about creating rooms for guests. It was about building an experience. Their love for hospitality, combined with the charm of the Victorian property and a strong belief in doing things properly, has shaped the B&B into somewhere that guests genuinely remember. That personal touch runs through everything they do, from the quality of the rooms to the breakfasts they serve each morning.

What makes No.21 York stand out

In a historic destination like York, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to stay. What sets No.21 York apart is its clear and consistent ethos. Wherever possible, they source their produce and services from within a 20-mile radius of York, supporting local independent producers and businesses.

That commitment is not just a nice extra. It is central to who they are. Fresh, local produce and carefully chosen furnishings have become their unique selling point, giving guests a stay that feels rooted in the city and the surrounding area. Rather than taking a generic approach, No.21 York has created something with character and authenticity.

Guests can feel that difference. A great bed and an amazing breakfast are at the core of the experience, but so is the knowledge that the products, ingredients and services behind that stay come from local people and independent businesses. It adds a sense of place to every visit and reinforces the B&B’s strong connection to its community.

From near the bottom to the very top

One of the most impressive achievements in the No.21 York story is the transformation of the business itself. When they took over the property, it was ranked second from bottom. Through hard work, high standards and a real passion for hospitality, they turned it around completely.

Today, No.21 York has been ranked the number one B&B in York for the past three years, which is a remarkable milestone. That kind of success does not happen by chance. It is the result of consistency, attention to detail and a genuine focus on guest experience.

To take a struggling property and turn it into the top-ranked B&B in such a popular city is a huge achievement. To then maintain that position for three years says even more. It shows that No.21 York has not only created something special, but continues to deliver at that level again and again for every new and returning guest.

Guests who return again and again

Perhaps the clearest sign of a truly exceptional B&B is not just positive reviews, but repeat visits. For No.21 York, one of their proudest moments is having a large proportion of guests return time and again.

That loyalty speaks volumes. Guests do not just enjoy staying here — many come to see No.21 York as their “home” in York. That is such a powerful reflection of the atmosphere the owners have created. It means people feel comfortable, welcomed and known. It means a visit is more than a booking; it becomes part of their relationship with the city.

The owners describe many of those returning guests as becoming part of their family, and that says everything about the spirit of the place. Hospitality at its best is personal, and No.21 York has clearly mastered that. One particularly touching example of this bond came when they were asked to be witnesses at the wedding of one of their regular guests. That is a beautiful reminder that the strongest businesses do not just serve customers — they build lasting relationships.

Supporting the local community

Community is clearly woven into everything No.21 York does. Their belief in supporting local and independent business partners is a major part of their success, and it is a value they have stayed true to from the start.

During the pandemic, that commitment became even more meaningful. They set up a grocery delivery service for the local community, providing fresh produce while also helping their small independent suppliers through a difficult time. That is a fantastic example of a business stepping up when it mattered most, using its network and values to support both residents and local producers.

It shows that No.21 York is not only focused on the guest experience within its own walls. It also understands its wider role in the local economy and community. That willingness to support others, especially during challenging times, adds even more depth to what they have built.

What this award means

When asked about winning Bed & Breakfast of the Year, the team at No.21 York said they were overjoyed to receive the recognition from their guests. That response feels especially fitting, because awards like this mean the most when they are shaped by the people who have experienced the business firsthand.

For them, this win is a real boost and a meaningful sign of support from the guests who voted for them. It reflects the effort, care and dedication they bring to No.21 York every day. It also underlines the loyalty they have built over the years and the affection guests clearly have for the B&B.

They are proud and delighted to have that continued support, and rightly so. This award is not just recognition of beautiful rooms or excellent breakfasts, although those are certainly part of it. It is recognition of an experience that people value and want to celebrate.

A special thank you also goes to the owner’s wife, whose ongoing support and shared love for what they do has clearly played a huge part in the success of No.21 York.

Congratulations to No.21 York

At My Local Awards 2026 Yorkshire, we are proud to celebrate businesses that combine quality, care and a real connection to their community. No.21 York is a brilliant example of all three.

From transforming a neglected property into the number one B&B in York, to creating a stay that feels deeply personal and proudly local, they have built something truly special. Their commitment to independent suppliers, returning guests and the wider community makes this award richly deserved.

Congratulations to No.21 York, a standout winner of Bed & Breakfast of the Year 2026.

And finally, a message from the team: “A HUGE thank you to all our guests and their continued support.”