THE historic Swan Hotel in Lavenham has been named at as one of the UK’s top 20 leisure hotels in the Cond� Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards for 2009.

Ranked in 16th place, with a score of 81.77 out of a maximum 100, the Swan shares a place in the listing with such notable hotels as Le Manoir aux Quat’Saison in Oxfordshire, Cliveden in Berkshire and Brown’s in London.

The numbers represent an index of satisfaction compiled from readers’ questionnaires rating various criteria such as service and value for money.

Michael Burn, general manager at the Swan, said: “We are thrilled to be included in this prestigious league table which reflects back on our welcoming and hardworking team. It could not have been achieved without them.”The Swan combines timber-framed medieval character with contemporary British cuisine, created by head chef Nick Wilson and his team, with the hotel holding two AA rosettes for its food.