Britain’s best B&B is in contention for a hat-trick of awards at this year’s Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.
Last year Sunnyside Guest House, on Bath Street in Southport town centre, was recognised by judges as national winners of B&B of the Year and Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Business of the Year.
This Thursday (5th March 2026) owners Anthony and Larissa Duffey will join Finalists invited to the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards at Liverpool Cathedral at an event hosted by Radio Merseyside presenter Kevin Duala.
The awards celebrate the people, places and experiences powering a visitor economy worth £6.25 billion.
Category winners are eligible to be considered for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, providing a route to wider recognition beyond the city region.
Sunnyside Guest House is a Finalist for the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award; Independent Tourism Business of the Year; and International Tourism Award.
They will be in good company with other local finalists at the awards during a record-breaking year for entries:
- The Bold Hotel on Lord Street is a Finalist for Small Accommodation Provider of the Year
- Southport Flower Show, Southport Food and Drink Festival and Salt and Tar Music Weekend in Bootle are all Finalists for Event or Festival of the Year
- The Bus Yard in Crosby is a Finalists for Independent Tourism Business of the Year
Anthony and Larissa Duffey said:
“We are absolutely delighted to share that Sunnyside Guest House Southport has been shortlisted as a finalist in three categories at the prestigious Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award
Independent Tourism Business of the Year
International Tourism Award
“This awards evening holds a special place in our hearts. Last year, this was where our journey truly began, going on to become national winners of B&B of the Year and Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Business of the Year.
“It was an unforgettable moment for us as a small, independent guest house and we’ve had such an incredible 12 months.
“This year feels different. We’re not coming with expectations of repeating that same success, instead, we’ve focused on growth and preparation for a special year ahead for Southport.
“Our International Tourism Award application reflects the exciting calendar of major events coming to the region this year, most notably The Open Championship, which will bring visitors from around the world to our doorstep.
“For the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award, we’ve made meaningful improvements to our accessibility. The application process itself has been invaluable in helping us review, refine and strengthen how we support all of our guests.
“While we’re not expecting to take home a trophy this time, we’ve already gained so much from the journey, from honest self reflection during the application process to insightful conversations with the judges. That learning will shape how we progress moving forward.
“Whatever happens on Thursday, we’re incredibly proud to stand alongside so many fantastic tourism businesses across the region.
“Wish us luck!”
The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards celebrate the people, places and experiences powering a visitor economy worth £6.25 billion, showcasing the quality, creativity and welcome that make Liverpool City Region one of the United Kingdom’s most compelling destinations.
With 20 categories spanning accommodation, attractions, food and drink, entertainment, events and innovation, this year’s shortlist underlines the scope of the region’s offer.
From small independent pioneers to large scale venues, from accessible and inclusive experiences to regenerative tourism, the breadth of categories reflects a visitor economy that is dynamic, diverse and ambitious across all six boroughs.
The awards utilise independent judging, including expert panels, interviews and mystery shopping, where relevant.
The practical feedback gained is designed to help businesses sharpen operations, raise service standards and invest in accessibility and sustainability to improve the visitor experience.
For visitors, award recognition provides confidence in quality, consistency and value, helping them choose experiences that deliver memorable stays and repeat visits.
Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director, Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, said:
“The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards have the power to generate a great sense of achievement for the people who deliver exceptional experiences for visitors every day and inspire confidence for visitors seeking to experience one of the UK’s most exciting destinations.
“There’s been a fantastic boost in applications this year, and it’s brilliant to see such strong engagement across so many categories.
“Liverpool City Region is wonderfully diverse, and these awards are part of a journey we’re dedicated to continuing, ensuring that the talent, creativity and inclusivity that define our region are fully represented and celebrated.”
Katie Bentley, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications, Liverpool BID Company, headline sponsor, said:
“Congratulations to those shortlisted, a fantastic recognition of the incredible work taking place across Liverpool City Region’s tourism and visitor economy. These businesses, individuals and events are vital to our city’s success, contributing over £6 billion each year and creating unforgettable experiences that make Liverpool City Region such a special destination. Tourism is not just about visitors, it is about the spirit, creativity and innovation that keep Liverpool thriving and ahead of the game in a competitive field.”
SHORTLIST BY CATEGORY
Small Accommodation Provider of the Year
Hotel Anfield
Sefton Park Hotel
The Bold Hotel Southport
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
16 Queens Avenue by Happy Days Group
Citadines City Centre Liverpool
Premier Suites Liverpool
Staybridge Suites Liverpool
Large Hotel of the Year
Hope Street Hotel
Malmaison Liverpool
Radisson RED Hotel
The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool Vignette Collection
The Municipal Hotel and Spa MGallery Liverpool
Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Business Events Venue
INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool
Liverpool City Halls, St George’s Hall
Museum of Liverpool
RCP Spaces at The Spine
Royal Liver Suite
Rum Warehouse at Titanic Hotel Liverpool
New Tourism Business Award
Blackstock Market
Maldron Hotel Liverpool
Splash Tours Liverpool
The Daffodil
The Halyard Liverpool and Holiday Inn Express Liverpool Central
The Pen Factory
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Eureka! Science + Discovery
Liverpool Biennial 2025
Liverpool Philharmonic
Strawberry Field
Sunnyside Guest House Southport
The Hive Youth Zone Wirral
Regenerative Tourism Award
Speke Hall, National Trust
Strawberry Field
The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, Vignette Collection
Independent Tourism Business of the Year
Dale Liverpool Tours
Hot Water Comedy Club
Shiverpool
Splash Tours Liverpool
Sunnyside Guest House Southport
The Bus Yard
International Tourism Award
Liverpool Cathedral
Sunnyside Guest House Southport
The Beatles Story
Taste of Liverpool City Region, Cafe of the Year
Alerta Coffee
Bean Coffee Roasters Liverpool ONE
Bold Street Coffee
Moose
The Bluecoat Cafe
The Watering Can
Taste of Liverpool City Region, Restaurant of the Year
Chamber 36
Delifonseca Dockside
Hawksmoor Liverpool
NORD
The London Carriage Works
Voyagers Restaurant and Bar
Pub of the Year
Arts Bar Hope Street
Dicey Reilly’s Irish Pub
The Benidorm Bar
The Bridewell
The Denbigh Castle
The Pen Factory
Experience of the Year
Fab 4 Taxi Tours
Liverpool Food Tours
Mersey Tunnel Tours
Reel Tours
Shiverpool
The Beatles’ Childhood Homes, National Trust
Event or Festival of the Year
Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet
Borealis at Royal Albert Dock
International Beatleweek Festival
Liverpool Biennial
Liverpool Book Festival
Liverpool Irish Festival
Salt and Tar Music Weekend
Southport Flower Show
Southport Food and Drink Festival
Writing on the Wall Festival
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Knowsley Safari
Liverpool Cathedral
Museum of Liverpool
Sefton Park Palm House
Speke Hall, National Trust
The Beatles Story
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
British Music Experience
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
Liverpool Watersports Centre
Strawberry Field
Sudley House
Upside Down House
Entertainment Venue of the Year
Arts Bar Hope Street
Boxpark Liverpool
Hot Water Comedy Club
Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse
Liverpool Philharmonic
Shakespeare North Playhouse
Tourism Young Person of the Year
Abigail Royle, The Municipal Hotel and Spa, MGallery Liverpool
Alfie Kennedy, The Halyard at Ropewalks and Holiday Inn Express
Lawrence Thompson, Crowne Plaza Liverpool
Luca Toner, Titanic Hotel
Ruby Gallagher, Titanic Hotel
Unsung Hero Award
Diksha Poudyal, The Municipal Hotel and Spa MGallery
Janet McMahon, Crowne Plaza Liverpool
Jillian Ireland, National Museums Liverpool
Peter Colyer, Independent Tour Guide
Peter Wood, The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool
Zain Almahmood, The London Carriage Works
Event details
The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards ceremony will take place at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday 5 March 2026.
Find out more
View the shortlist and category criteria and learn about the judging process at www.lcrtourismawards.co.uk
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