We take our responsibilities to guests, to food producers and to the environment very seriously, but are always on the lookout to see where we can do more.

Putting guests first... Our services aim to reflect the guidelines drawn up by Visit Britain in its Code of Conduct for bed and breakfast businesses

• We aim to describe accurately – through our website, leaflets, adverts and correspondence – the facilities and services provided.
• We aim to deal promptly with all enquiries, requests and bookings.
• We aim to make clear to visitors exactly what is included in prices quoted for accommodation and explain any charges for additional services or facilities.
• We will provide information on request to help potential guests determine the suitability of the premises for people of different ages and degrees of mobility or people with special needs.
• We will allow guests to view the accommodation prior to booking, if requested.
• We give a clear statement of the policy on cancellations to guests at the time of confirmation of booking.
• We will advise guests, at any time prior to their stay, if there are any necessary changes in what has been booked.
• We welcome all guests courteously and without discrimination in relation to gender, sexual orientation, disability, race or religion.
• We aim to maintain high standards of guest care, cleanliness and service.
• We will do our best to assist guests with special needs and will try to make provision for them wherever possible.
• We will adhere to prices quoted at the time of booking for accommodation and other services.
• We give visitors written details of all payments due and, if required, will give a receipt.
• We will try to ensure that any complaints received are investigated promptly and courteously and that the outcome is communicated to the guest.
• We have public liability insurance and aim to comply with all applicable planning, safety and other statutory requirements.

Making our food healthy… We are naturally committed to the good health of our customers

• All cakes and pastries are made with vegetable fat.
• Low-fat spread is available as an alternative to butter.
• Our milk is semi-skimmed.
• We use an absolute minimum of salt in our cooking, if at all.
• We do our best to source as much organic food as is feasible.
• We offer tempting vegetarian cooked breakfasts and continental options as alternatives to a Full English.

Supporting local producers… Whenever we can, we provide locally sourced food

• Beef is supplied by Heber Farm in Buckden or Bolton Park Farm on the Duke of Devonshire’s estate at Bolton Abbey in Wharfedale.
• Ham, sausages and bacon come from Anna’s Happy Trotters in East Yorkshire.
• Free-range eggs come from Church Farm at Hubberholme or a family small-holding at Skipton.
• Henderson’s Yorkshire Relish comes from Sheffield.
• Yorkshire cheeses are made by nearby producers, including Wensleydale Creamery at Hawes, Shepherd’s Purse at Thirsk, Swaledale Cheese Company at Richmond and Ribblesdale Cheese Company at Hawes.
• Organic milk usually comes from Acorn Dairy at Darlington with some of the milk from Wensleydale.
• Jams and marmalade are made by Bracken Hill Fine Foods near York or are home-made here at West Winds.
• Honey is made by Marcus Cordingley near Malton.
• Damsons come from the Lythe Valley near Kendal, blackcurrants from Grassington or our garden, gooseberries from Grassington, rhubarb from the Yorkshire Triangle or our garden – as available.
• Fentiman’s drinks come from Hexham.
• Glendale Ginger is made at Reeth.
• Granola is supplied by Yockenthwaite Farm in Langstrothdale.
• Welcome chocolates are made by Whitaker’s of Skipton.
• Pontefract Cakes are made by Wilkinson’s of Pontefract.

Paying Third World farmers a fair price… Whenever we can, we use Fairtrade products

• Currently some of our teas and coffees, our hot chocolate and some of our baking ingredients are Fairtrade.

Looking after our shared environment for tomorrow… We are committed to doing all we can to respect, protect and enhance the environment both locally and elsewhere

• Our electricity is provided by Good Energy, sourced 100 per cent from a basket of renewable sources, including solar, wind and hydro.
• Our loft spaces are well insulated.
• We reduce energy consumption as much as possible through careful use.
• We use low-energy light bulbs and do not have a dishwasher, tumble-drier or external ‘patio’ heaters.
• We buy as much as possible from home, using existing delivery networks.
• We source recycled materials whenever feasible, including toilet paper!
• We aim to source food produced as locally as possible. We grow some ourselves.
• We do our best to use organic food whenever feasible.
• We do not provide bottled water. Our tap-water tastes fine.
• We recycle as much as possible of our waste, including paper, card, cans, glass, batteries and plastics.
• We compost food waste for use in the garden.
• We collect waste bathwater and rainwater for use in the garden.
• Our toilets have water-saving devices installed.
• We aim not to use damaging chemicals in the house or in the garden. We aim to source soaps and cleaning products that have minimal impact on the environment.
• Our garden includes ‘wild areas’ and we have nest boxes for swallows, house martins, great tits, sparrows, blue tits and robins.
• We promote public transport, walking and cycling. We can give bus times and advise on interesting walking routes. If you come to West Winds for bed and breakfast using public transport, you could opt for a Green Reward Special Break and have a tree planted in the Dales in your name.
• We keep our own car use to a minimum; we have pledged not to fly; and we ourselves enjoy fantastic holidays within the UK, supporting Britain’s own tourist industry.
• As a business we support Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, Soil Association, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Yorkshire Dales Society.

Identifying with Yorkshire Dales National Park (YDNP), Dales Way, Alfred Wainwright’s Pennine Journey, Lady Anne Clifford Way, Yorkshire Dales Inn Way, Welcome to Yorkshire Taste of Yorkshire Award, Organic Places to Stay, Deliciously Yorkshire Local Food Movement, Fairtrade, Soil Association, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT), Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT), Yorkshire Ridings Society, Yorkshire Dialect Society, Yorkshire Dales Society (YDS)

West Winds Yorkshire Tearooms, Up the lane beside the Buck Inn, Buckden, Upper Wharfedale, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 5JA
Telephone 01756 760883. E-mail lynn@westwindsinyorkshire.co.uk

Text and West Winds logo copyright West Winds Yorkshire Tearooms 2005-2012. Pictures copyright West Winds Yorkshire Tearooms unless supplied by a guest photographer. All rights reserved. Most pictures taken nearby but wild flower, wildlife and farming pictures not necessarily taken at Buckden

Special thanks to Sarah Pearson, Charlotte Beaumont, Sophie Pope, Annabel Pope, Jane Pope, Rachael Pearson, Pat Burgin, Richard Reeday, Christine Reeday, Nathan Moseley, Maxine and Peter Bancroft, all the photographers who have so kindly contributed pictures, and especially Graham Howe at Solarfish