AN iconic Wirral hotel dubbed ‘the house that moved’ has been awarded the enviable status of Three Rosettes by the AA for its dining room and cellar restaurants.

The honour for five-star luxury Hillbark Hotel & Spa distinguishes them, according to the AA, as being ‘on another level from the rest’.

Restaurants with three rosettes are described as 'outstanding' and achieve standards that demand national recognition well beyond their local area.

Wirral Globe: Recent picture of Hillbark's cellar restaurantRecent picture of Hillbark's cellar restaurant (Image: Contessa Hotels)

The Three Rosette accolade follows another recent honour for staff at the Frankby-based hotel.

Following an unannounced visit by the AA Tourism Authority in late October, Hillbark retained its five-star status, which has now continued for more than ten years.

This is a globally recognised classification representing the very highest standards of hospitality.

Amanda Jane Arends, Hillbark’s general manager, said: "We are delighted that Chef Kevin Lynn’s exceptional and consistent culinary excellence has achieved this award.

"Working sustainably with a no-waste ethos, Kevin uses the very best seasonal produce from local suppliers.

"His superb twelve course Tasting Menu is popular with local, national and even international diners.

"As an independent hotel group, we are so proud of this remarkable achievement, not only for Hillbark Hotel & Spa, but also for the boost our rating gives to the tourism offering for the Wirral and the wider region."

Wirral Globe: Recent picture of Hillbark's Riviera dining roomRecent picture of Hillbark's Riviera dining room (Image: Contessa Hotels)Hillbark was originally built five miles away in 1891 in Bidston and known as Bidston Court. It was moved, in its entirety, to its present location between 1929 and 1930 by Sir Ernest and Rachel Royden.

Its architecture has inspired similar buildings and celebrities are believed to have stayed there over the years.

Among the home's features is an 11-foot high carved oak chimneypiece in the Great Hall, that once belonged to the family of Thomas More.

Born in London in 1478, More went on to become the second most influential man in England. He became a key figure in King Henry VIII’s court and was celebrated throughout the following centuries for his views and commitment to peace through his statesmanship.

Knighted in 1521, More served Henry VIII as Lord High Chancellor of England from October 1529 to May 1532 but was executed on July 8, 1535 for refusing to accept the King’s divorce from Catherine of Aragon.

Originally in More Hall in North Mymms, Hertfordshire, the chimneypiece is dated 1527, and has had five homes, survived one demolition, been salvaged from a fire, and was stored in stables for 39 years before being moved 200 miles north to Frankby.

It was believed for many years that the imposing chimneypiece was part of the original Bidston Court and was moved with the rest of the building in 1929, but its provenance and origin were never known until now.