The owners of a multi award-winning guest house in Southport say “it’s the icing on the cake” after they won the Liverpool City Region B&B and Guest House of the Year trophy – for the second year in a row!
Anthony and Larissa Duffey, who own Sunnyside Bed and Breakfast, on Bath Street in Southport town centre, were named as finalists in an incredible four categories in the prestigious awards ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral.
The Braemar Southport was also a finalist this year for the second time in a row while The Heidi Bed & Breakfast was shortlisted last year.
It’s a huge vote of confidence in the quality of the independent guest house and B&B sector in Southport, especially as it was 13 years since the last Southport venue won the category (The Ambassador Townhouse on Bath Street).
This year Anthony and Larissa were delighted to receive the “unbelievable” news that they were also named as finalists in three further categories: Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award; Resilience and Innovation Award; and Independent Tourism Business of the Year.
Picture by Gareth Jones
They said: “We are delighted to have won B&B of the year at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards again this year.
“The standard is always very high and this year was no exception.
“The organisers received a large number of applications, so to be shortlisted was a real honour and to win for a second year exceeds all our expectations.
“This is a very difficult award to win with several stages. We had a written application; judges visit and interview.
“This was the icing on the cake for us. It is a big credit to myself and Larissa.
“This business is our passion and it’s very important that guests enjoy every aspect of their stay and return.
“We are delighted our hard work has been recognised by the judges again this year.”
It was a jubilant night for Southport with nine businesses from the town names as finalists with three winners.
In addition to Sunnyside, the Southport Bijou Cinema on Post Office Avenue was named as the Hidden Gem of the Year winner while The Eden Warehouse on West Street won the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year category.
Louise Williams, Eden Warehouse
Anthony Duffey, Sunnyside Guest House
Andy harrison, Southport Bijou Cinema
Picture by Gareth Jones
Anthony and Larissa said: “It was great to see Southport well represented at this year’s awards which highlights the fantastic offer we have in the town.
“The small independent accommodation providers did very well this year. We had four quality B&Bs and self-catering establishments making their respective shortlists and two category winners.
“This really highlights the high standard we have amongst the small accommodation providers in Southport.
“We now go forward to the national Visit England Awards in June.”
The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards were organised by Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region.
- Sunnyside Bed and Breakfast is at 47 Bath Street, Southport town centre, PR9 0DP. Call 01704 536521 or visit: sunnysidesouthport.co.uk
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