THE MERCHANT WINS PRESTIGIOUS AA SPIRIT AWARD: Belfast’s multi award-winning Merchant Hotel is celebrating once again, after being named the recipient of the first ever AA Spirit Award at the prestigious national AA Hospitality Awards. Held at the Grosvenor House in Mayfair, London on Monday 22nd September, the AA Awards recognise outstanding excellence in hospitality. The AA Spirit Award, sponsored by famous single malt Scotch whisky brand, The Balvanie, was introduced for the first time this year. The highly coveted title was awarded to The Merchant Hotel, which was deemed by the judges to be a “hospitality business that really champions spirits through its product offerings and service, promotes customer awareness and knowledge and is passionate about both pre-dinner and after dinner guest experiences.” Pictured L-R: AA Hospitality Awards host, Fiona Bruce; Gavin Carroll, general manager, The Merchant Hotel; Michael Patterson, manager, The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel; Michael Sullivan, deputy general manager, The Merchant Hotel; Kirsten Grant Meikle, prestige director of The Balvenie and Simon Numphud Head of AA Hotel Services.