We’re still pinching ourselves.
Last night, standing on stage at the Brighton Dome, we were announced as national gold winners not once, but twice at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. These awards are known as the Oscars of the tourism industry, so to hear “Sunnyside Guest House” called out for Best B&B in the Country and for Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism left us completely speechless (and a little emotional, if we’re honest!)
To say we’re proud is an understatement. As a small family run business tucked away in Southport, this kind of recognition means the world to us.
We’ve poured 18 years of love, hard work, and countless early mornings into Sunnyside. From Larissa’s homemade cupcakes and jam to Anthony’s honey and our deep commitment to using local produce, everything we do is guided by our values: genuine hospitality, sustainability, and showcasing the very best of Southport.
Winning Best B&B in England is an honour that reflects the care we take in every detail from the warmth of our welcome to the quality of our breakfasts and the comfort of our rooms. But winning the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award is something that means just as much, if not more. It’s a recognition of the choices we make every day: supporting local suppliers, reducing waste, protecting the environment, and creating a guest experience that doesn’t cost the earth.
And through it all, we’ve had one little person cheering us on in her own way our 15 month old daughter Margot, who has brought so much joy (and a few chaotic mornings!) to our lives and to Sunnyside. She’s very much part of the Sunnyside story, and we’re so happy to be building something that hopefully she can be proud of one day too.
We want to say a big thank you to everyone who’s supported us our guests, the Southport community, fellow local businesses, and of course the judges who believed in us. Your kind messages over the past 24 hours have meant more than we can say. We’ve truly felt like part of something special.
This double win doesn’t just celebrate what we’ve done. It motivates us for what comes next. Sunnyside will always be a work in progress because we believe hospitality is about always finding new ways to care, improve, and connect.
From our little corner of Southport, thank you for being part of our journey.
With love and gratitude from us both.