Cone scoops gold
The Red House Glass Cone has scooped a top award from Visit England for the second year in a row.
The Dudley Council-run venue was assessed by Visit England earlier this month and has been awarded the gold standard once again.
The venue scored 92%, up on last year’s score of 90%.
The inspector praised the cleanliness of the site, scoring it at 100%.
They also recognised the knowledge and friendliness of staff, quality of shop stock, transition to online bookings for events and the extensive menu and quality of food served in the Coffee House.
The inspector identified some minor improvements including additional directional signage to the site.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:
This is a fantastic result for the cone. It remains one of our most treasured assets and a top tourist attraction in our borough.
While the cone itself is closed ahead of the upcoming major restoration and improvement works, which are due to get underway in the coming months, the site still offers a free and quality visitor experience for guests, which the inspector has clearly recognised.
The site is going from strength to strength, which is a credit to the staff, and I look forward to the day when the site is fully reopened.
The tender for the restoration work closed in May and the council is now in the process of appointing a contractor. Work is expected to start in the coming months.