Four in a Bed to shine spotlight on The Stamford in Southport after visit to luxury glamping site

Andrew Brown
4 Min Read
Carl Insley and best friend Sharon O’Love at Driftwood Luxury Lodges, a glamping site in the picturesque village of Dale Abbey in Derbyshire, starred in Four in a Bed on Channel 4

Four in a Bed contestants loved the touch of luxury at Driftwood Luxury Lodges in tonight’s episode on Channel 4 – but not everyone was keen on the breakfast served up.

Fans of the hit TV series now have an appetite for more with the award-winning The Stamford in Southport set to take centre stage on Wednesday (24 March).

The Stamford is a modern-style self check-in guest house in the heart of Southport which was awarded runner-up in last year’s B&B / Guest House Of The Year category at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards and is popular with golf fans from all over the world.

But will their modern approach leave a positive impression on all their guests on Wednesday?

The Stamford owner Ricky Blaney said on tonight’s show: “Unlike some businesses, we don’t have to be there to make it run.

“Ours is all automated and everything about how to get there and what to do when you get there is delivered to your phone.”

Mum and daughter Annelies and Claudia from the Fauconberg Arms in Coxwold, North Yorkshire, whose guest house will feature in Thursday night’s show, didn’t sound too sure of what to expect.

Annelies, the most critical of the contestants so far, said: “The whole B&B ethos is that you are there to offer a service. If you don’t have that, what do you actually get? Where is the personal touch?”

Visitors to The Stamford, on Bath Street, love the convenience of being able to book, get directions and check-in to their rooms how and when they like through an automated system.

Modern facilities including phone charging points and USB ports next to people’s beds also meet with what guests want.

Guests aren’t offered breakfast at The Stamford itself but with its perfect location right at the heart of Southport town centre, the venue is surrounded by some superb local venues which offer great choice for the first meal of the day.

In tonight’s show, Carl Insley and best friend Sharon O’Love gave a great impression as they hosted contestants at Driftwood Luxury Lodges, a glamping site in the picturesque village of Dale Abbey in Derbyshire.

The stylish home-made furniture, made by Carl, was definitely a hit.

Carl revealed that he had spent 25 years working as a visual merchandiser for a well-known national firm before leaving to run his cattery, complete with crystal chandeliers. He then launched his lodges, right next to a lake in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, just seven weeks before the programme was filmed.

He told the show: “I just wanted to make it luxurious – a luxurious experience.”

The Stamford owner Sarah Blaney was impressed, saying: “It’s totally stunning. Everything looks expensive. It’s been a lovely place to switch off.”

Husband Ricky quipped about his glamping pod: “It’s nicely done for a shed isn’t it!”

The couple scored Driftwood Luxury Lodges 10/10 for hosting; 10/10 for Cleanliness; but marked 6/10 for the Continental breakfast served in a hamper, finding the bagel too chewy.

They both vowed they would return and stay there again, as did the other contestants.

Don’t miss Wednesday night’s episode which will see The Stamford in Southport next under the spotlight!

 

  • Four in a Bed, featuring The Stamford guest house in Southport, will be screened on Channel 4 over five evenings from 22 March 2021, from 5pm.

● For more details about The Stamford, on Bath Street in Southport town centre, please email: stamford@sleepenjoy.co.uk or call: 01704627061 or visit: thestamfordsouthport.com

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