We've been working in Leeds again recently, which is a city we like. When we have to stay there, as we had to do this week, we like to stay at 42 The Calls. It was one of the first boutique hotels outside London and some say it's best days are behind it, but we still like it. It's in a converted grain warehouse on the River Aire and no one can deny it's character, or the quality of the service.
But despite our affection for it, we can't help but be disbelieving of this award they are proudly displaying:
No, you haven't read it incorrectly. It really is an award for the best sausage.....amongst hotels....in Leeds. Which means the competitive set was almost nobody. And they didn't even win. Just Highly Commended. Two years ago. Actually, they had another certificate on display for 2011. Highly Commended again.
A sign saying "We're not very good at cooking sausages" would have the same effect. Given that it is very easy to cook a sausage (even we can do it) their award doesn't really reassure about the quality of their cooking does it? Not a good piece of 'brand building'.
Still, we'll keep staying there, as we like it, and their awards amuse us.