Owners of The Heidi B&B in Southport reveal secrets of their success after Tourism Awards honour

The owners of an acclaimed bed and breakfast venue in Southport have revealed the secrets of their success after they were shortlisted for a prestigious regional tourism award. 

The Heidi B&B, on Bold Street, is among three Southport venues nominated in the Guest House of the Year category at the 2022 Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards, alongside nearby venues Sunnyside B&B and The Braemar Southport. 

The Heidi B&B owners Michelle and Al Michie are currently carrying out refurbishment work at their business to make it even better for guests who come to visit during 2022.

After ‘riding the storm’ when the Covid pandemic and the first lockdowns hit the country in March 2021, they enjoyed the return of guests during the UK staycation boom in 2021. With huge investment taking place in Southport at the moment with some exciting new attractions on the way – along with their Tourism Awards nomination – they are looking forward to very busy 2022

Michelle said: “Being shortlisted in the B&B and Guest House of the Year category at the 2022 Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards is the best Christmas present we could ask for!

“It was amazing when we heard the news. 

“Thank you to all our lovely guests who have made this possible!

“Congratulations to the Sunnyside B&B and The Braemar Southport guest houses!

“Congratulations also to the finalist The Windmill – Southport for pub of the year!

“There were lots of entries for the awards this year. 

“We love it when our businesses come together and support one another.” 

It is a great reward after years of hard work. 

The Heidi B&B owners Michelle and Al Michie. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

Michelle said: “We have been going for six years. Technically it’s five years because we lost a year when the Covid pandemic first happened! 

“It was a tough year last year. But we managed to ride the storm.” 

This year has been very different. The Heidi B&B is among Southport hotels, guest houses and B&Bs which have been making the most of the UK staycation boom, as visitors shun the unpredictability of international travel during the pandemic to discover what this country has to offer. 

Michelle said: “It has been very busy this year. We have had a lot of last minute bookings, which is a new trend.

“We changed to take account of people’s changing habits. We moved from a 30 day cancellation policy to a five day cancellation policy. 

“Despite the staycation boom, we kept our prices at Heidi B&B the same this year as last year. 

“We want our guests to keep coming back to stay with us. 

“Even when the Covid pandemic eases and more people do start going abroad again, we want people to think ‘we enjoyed a great weekend in Southport, we can’t wait to go back’.” 

Southport is enjoying some huge investment at the moment – and The Heidi B&B is perfectly placed to benefit. 

It is just a few yards away from the site of the proposed new Lakeside Events Centre, a £75million scheme which is at the forefront of the Southport Town Deal regeneration plans. 

Also part of that development will be a brand new light and sound show on the Marine Lake. 

Lots of good things are happening in Southport at the moment. 

Michelle said: “The new Events Centre will be amazing when it goes ahead! 

“We will be really happy when the first bricks for that start getting laid. 

“We came over from Stockport six years ago. We think Southport has so much going for it. 

“We have a great seafront, great shops, great events and attractions, so much for people to come and enjoy. 

“We also offer guests free access to Victoria Leisure, which is just around the corner from us. They have great facilities there, and are really friendly.” 

The Heidi B&B is situated in the heart of town. This friendly, warm and welcoming Bed and Breakfast accommodation has ensuite available, with free WiFi, and private off street parking with prices starting from £40.

The Heidi is situated in a large detached Victorian building, with eight tastefully decorated spacious bedrooms located over two floors. 

People can relax in a visitors’ lounge, with a private car park at the rear.

Within all rooms are flat screen TVs with freeview, hairdryers, tea and coffee making facilities with cots and highchairs available for children.

Michelle and Al take great pride in providing a hearty full English breakfast, and for those that like a lighter option they offer fresh fruits, cereals and fruit juices. 

Michelle revealed the secrets of success for The Heidi B&B. 

She said: “We are like a home from home for people! 

“Nothing is too much trouble for us. 

“We don’t like to see a quiet dining room in the morning. We like it to be chatty, with our guests enjoying themselves! 

“Al makes a really great breakfast too!” 

The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards ceremony takes place at Liverpool Cathedral on 10th  March 2022.This has been a great year for Southport, with the other two places on the B&B and Guest House of the Year shortlist taken up by Sunnyside Bed and Breakfast and The Heidi Bed & Breakfast. 

The Atkinson in Southport has been shortlisted as Large Visitor Attraction of the Year while The Windmill pub is competing for the Pub Of The Year title. 

The annual awards are delivered by Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region Growth Company and this year in association with Liverpool BID Company.

The Heidi B&B is at 43 Bold Street, Southport town centre. Call: 07801 800331 or visit: theheidi.co.uk

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