I stayed at the UK's best B&B on the English Riviera – here's whether it is really worth the hype
Adverts and posters then named Torquay specifically as an 'international resort' and 'the Queen of the English Riviera'.
9
The 25 Boutique B&B was named the best in the UK by the AA's 2025 B&B Awards
Credit: Cyann Fielding
9
I stayed in the Shoalstone Suite, which featured a lounge area, bedroom and ensuite
Credit: Cyann Fielding
9
And in the ensuite there was even a TV in the shower
Credit: Cyann Fielding
Today, these nicknames have stuck - with Torquay having a lot to boast about, including sprawling sandy beaches, a picturesque marina and vibrant palm trees.
And now the town has even more to boast about with the UK's best B&B according to the AA's 2025 B&B Awards.
The 25 Boutique B&B is located just moments away from Torre Abbey Sands - 10 minutes' walk to be precise.
With such a location, it is hardly surprising the venue earned the award.
And having stayed this past weekend, I discovered exactly why so many people love The 25.
Inside the B&B, I was immediately greeted by funky interiors with every colour under the sun.
The welcoming entrance is enhanced by one of the B&B's hosts, who was there to greet me.
Andy, alongside Julian, runs the boutique B&B, which has a choice of different bedrooms and suites to choose from - all named after local beaches.
I was headed for the Shoalstone Suite, located on the ground floor and next to a decadently decorated lounge with an honesty bar.
The suite itself was split into a lounge area and a bedroom, complete with an ensuite.
The best B&B in the UK has been revealed
In the lounge, there was a plush sofa, TV, dressing table, bistro table, kettle and Nespresso coffee machine.
The suite had a navy theme throughout, and in keeping with the rest of the B&B, featured quirky elements like a swans head protruding from the wall (not real, of course).
Both the TVs in the lounge and the bedroom are kitted out with all you need, such as mainstream channels, Netflix and Prime Video.
However, the best thing about the lounge area was definitely the two expansive windows stretching to the ceiling allowing daylight to flood into the room.
But the room - and the rest of the suite - also had great attention to detail.
An Alexa meant you could control the lighting with ease and ask travel related queries like what the weather was like in the bay.
Hosts Julian and Andy also add a personal touch with a small treat offering, which for my stay was mint tiffin and a small jar of sweets.
As for the bedroom, this was a delight too, albeit with the slightly 2007 interiors with silver furnishings, velvet headboard and glitter feature wall.
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The B&B also has a communal lounge with an honesty bar
Credit: Cyann Fielding
9
The B&B is located just a 10-minute walk from Torre Abbey Sands in Torquay
Credit: Cyann Fielding
The large bed was by far the comfiest I have ever stayed in.
And for longer stays, there is ample storage such as a wardrobe and chest of drawers.
Inside the wardrobe I also found another treat - the softest of dressing gowns.
As far as en suites go, the Shoalstone Suite's was pretty impressive.
A walk-in rainfall shower was complete with a TV screen - yes, you heard correctly.
I even had a moment with Jimmy Carr in the shower (by tuning into 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown).
Mood lighting helps you to change up the settings depending on your mood and the Elemis bathroom goodies added luxury to the whole bathroom experience.
After an amazing night's sleep, I headed downstairs to where breakfast was served.
9
For breakfast, there is a continental offering with yoghurts and cereals
Credit: Cyann Fielding
9
And the night before you can order a cooked breakfast - I opted for the eggs royale
Credit: Cyann Fielding
Guests preorder what they want the night before, making the service swift.
But as you wait, you can grab items from the continental bar.
I opted for some fresh orange juice and a homemade green smoothie shot while other items available include fresh yoghurt, cereals and berries.
My breakfast choice was eggs royale, with a decent amount of salmon and golden oozy eggs - which were a real winner.
I could see why the AA awards said the "breakfast remains a tour de force".
The B&B makes a great base for exploring south Devon's beaches and Torquay's neighbouring towns - including Paignton, Brixham, Babbacombe and Newton Abbot.
And just down the road there is also the best fish and chip shop in the UK - Pier Point.
9
Sunny Torquay is just moments away with a grand marina and the UK's best fish and chips shop
Credit: Cyann Fielding
In the evening, I had strolled to the chippy to test it out for myself.
While on the pricier side, the portions were generous, the batter was golden, and the chips were deliciously fluffy.
Elsewhere in Torquay, you can explore a grand harbour with extravagant boats, a Ferris wheel with great views and a theatre that often hosts top productions.
As for whether the B&B deserves the award - it is hard to say.
It was a great stay with amazing hosts and thoughtful touches - but I find it hard to believe there isn't a B&B out there that tops its slightly dated decor and car-park views.
The B&B is adults-only and a room can be found for £287.30 for two adults for two nights (minimum stay).
Here's more about the UK's best fish and chip shop, which is conveniently located close to the B&B.
Plus, just a short drive away is one of the south west's prettiest market towns, that tourists always overlook.
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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I stayed at the UK's best B&B on the English Riviera – here's whether it is really worth the hype
BACK in the 60s and 70s, Torbay - made up of the three seaside towns Paignton, Brixham and Torquay - was dubbed what 'the south of France is to the West of England'. Adverts and posters then named Torquay specifically as an 'international resort' and 'the Queen of the English Riviera'. 9 The 25 Boutique B&B was named the best in the UK by the AA's 2025 B&B Awards Credit: Cyann Fielding 9 I stayed in the Shoalstone Suite, which featured a lounge area, bedroom and ensuite Credit: Cyann Fielding 9 And in the ensuite there was even a TV in the shower Credit: Cyann Fielding Today, these nicknames have stuck - with Torquay having a lot to boast about, including sprawling sandy beaches, a picturesque marina and vibrant palm trees. And now the town has even more to boast about with the UK's best B&B according to the AA's 2025 B&B Awards. The 25 Boutique B&B is located just moments away from Torre Abbey Sands - 10 minutes' walk to be precise. With such a location, it is hardly surprising the venue earned the award. And having stayed this past weekend, I discovered exactly why so many people love The 25. Inside the B&B, I was immediately greeted by funky interiors with every colour under the sun. The welcoming entrance is enhanced by one of the B&B's hosts, who was there to greet me. Andy, alongside Julian, runs the boutique B&B, which has a choice of different bedrooms and suites to choose from - all named after local beaches. I was headed for the Shoalstone Suite, located on the ground floor and next to a decadently decorated lounge with an honesty bar. The suite itself was split into a lounge area and a bedroom, complete with an ensuite. The best B&B in the UK has been revealed In the lounge, there was a plush sofa, TV, dressing table, bistro table, kettle and Nespresso coffee machine. The suite had a navy theme throughout, and in keeping with the rest of the B&B, featured quirky elements like a swans head protruding from the wall (not real, of course). Both the TVs in the lounge and the bedroom are kitted out with all you need, such as mainstream channels, Netflix and Prime Video. However, the best thing about the lounge area was definitely the two expansive windows stretching to the ceiling allowing daylight to flood into the room. But the room - and the rest of the suite - also had great attention to detail. An Alexa meant you could control the lighting with ease and ask travel related queries like what the weather was like in the bay. Hosts Julian and Andy also add a personal touch with a small treat offering, which for my stay was mint tiffin and a small jar of sweets. As for the bedroom, this was a delight too, albeit with the slightly 2007 interiors with silver furnishings, velvet headboard and glitter feature wall. 9 The B&B also has a communal lounge with an honesty bar Credit: Cyann Fielding 9 The B&B is located just a 10-minute walk from Torre Abbey Sands in Torquay Credit: Cyann Fielding The large bed was by far the comfiest I have ever stayed in. And for longer stays, there is ample storage such as a wardrobe and chest of drawers. Inside the wardrobe I also found another treat - the softest of dressing gowns. As far as en suites go, the Shoalstone Suite's was pretty impressive. A walk-in rainfall shower was complete with a TV screen - yes, you heard correctly. I even had a moment with Jimmy Carr in the shower (by tuning into 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown). Mood lighting helps you to change up the settings depending on your mood and the Elemis bathroom goodies added luxury to the whole bathroom experience. After an amazing night's sleep, I headed downstairs to where breakfast was served. 9 For breakfast, there is a continental offering with yoghurts and cereals Credit: Cyann Fielding 9 And the night before you can order a cooked breakfast - I opted for the eggs royale Credit: Cyann Fielding Guests preorder what they want the night before, making the service swift. But as you wait, you can grab items from the continental bar. I opted for some fresh orange juice and a homemade green smoothie shot while other items available include fresh yoghurt, cereals and berries. My breakfast choice was eggs royale, with a decent amount of salmon and golden oozy eggs - which were a real winner. I could see why the AA awards said the "breakfast remains a tour de force". The B&B makes a great base for exploring south Devon's beaches and Torquay's neighbouring towns - including Paignton, Brixham, Babbacombe and Newton Abbot. And just down the road there is also the best fish and chip shop in the UK - Pier Point. 9 Sunny Torquay is just moments away with a grand marina and the UK's best fish and chips shop Credit: Cyann Fielding In the evening, I had strolled to the chippy to test it out for myself. While on the pricier side, the portions were generous, the batter was golden, and the chips were deliciously fluffy. Elsewhere in Torquay, you can explore a grand harbour with extravagant boats, a Ferris wheel with great views and a theatre that often hosts top productions. As for whether the B&B deserves the award - it is hard to say. It was a great stay with amazing hosts and thoughtful touches - but I find it hard to believe there isn't a B&B out there that tops its slightly dated decor and car-park views. The B&B is adults-only and a room can be found for £287.30 for two adults for two nights (minimum stay). Here's more about the UK's best fish and chip shop, which is conveniently located close to the B&B. Plus, just a short drive away is one of the south west's prettiest market towns, that tourists always overlook.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
One of the UK's oldest inns with stunning beer garden and ‘dungeon' named the best pub in England
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For the second year running at the Galway Races, I found myself staying in a B&NB. That's to say, a place that does bed and no breakfast. Okay, last year's did have breakfast as an optional extra, but served in a different house nearby, so I didn't bother. This year, my gruffly cheerful – or cheerfully gruff – host responded to the query as to whether one was included or available with a laughing 'Not at all!'. It was as if I'd asked if his house had a late bar, or a chauffeured limousine service. In fairness, he was charging a mere €89 for the night, a bargain by Galway race week standards. My host in 2024 had been male too. Not only is the traditional B&B going the way of the dodo, so it seems is the traditional Bean an Tí. The last of those I saw in the wild was in north Donegal a couple of years ago while en route to Tory Island. Covid seems to have killed many of them off (not literally, I hope – just in precipitating early retirements). You'd miss their motherly presence and personal touch all the same. After taking payment up front, this year's host told me to let myself out in the morning and just leave the key. READ MORE Mind you, we chatted long enough for him to tell me that even breakfast-free accommodation is not without challenges. 'My biggest problem with the races is keeping clean sheets,' he said. I looked at him blankly, imagining various horror scenarios. 'The fake tan,' he explained. 'It's impossible to get out.' *** On the bus from Eyre Square to Ballybrit on Monday, the traffic was – as always in Galway – sclerotic. Our driver was no less frustrated than the rest of us as we oozed towards the racecourse at the speed of a leak in a molasses factory. Peering ahead over the steering wheel, he periodically shared the latest bad news: 'Nothing moving on the green light – there must be trouble somewhere.' Ominously, three fire brigades passed us at one point, lights flashing. The driver stared after them into the distance to see which direction they took. 'Did they turn or go straight on?' he asked a front-seat passenger. 'They went right, I think,' the passenger said. We had to go right too, so this was not good. 'Ah Jaysus, we're f**ked,' confirmed the driver. *** I always think the name Ballybrit sounds like it was invented for a TV sitcom, like Ballykissangel except that this series would set be in an Irish village full of posh English retirees. In fact, according to Logainm, the name is 500 years old, the earliest dated reference (to a 'Balebritt') being 1525. But speaking of coincidental anniversaries, while sitting on the bus I noticed via Twitter/X that Monday was the 266th birthday of one Hudson Lowe (1769 – 1844), who was born not only in Galway but on the Eyre Square we had just left. In other circumstances, Lowe might have left no impression on history. His fellow Anglo-Irishman the Duke of Wellington would later say of him: 'He was a man wanting in education and judgment. He was a stupid man. He knew nothing at all of the world, and like all men who know nothing of the world, he was suspicious and jealous.' So why was Wellington even talking about him? Because Lowe had been governor of Saint Helena in the years Napoleon (who was born two weeks after him) was prisoner there. And he imposed such a brutal regime that another Irishman, Napoleon's physician and friend Barry O'Meara, called him an 'executioner'. Although only acting on orders, he was later blamed for the embarrassment caused to Britain over the mistreatment of their celebrity prisoner. Wellington thought he had been 'a very bad choice' for the job. *** I could get through an entire Galway Festival, especially when working, without ever having a bet. On the other hand, like many occasional punters, I have a weakness for coincidental names. So scanning the racecard for Monday night, my eye was drawn to Theabsolutegov'nor, running in the last. If its jockey had been a Lowe or a Napoleon, I would definitely have backed it. Instead, rationality got the better of me and I didn't (wisely, it's still running). But passing through the betting ring before the Iggy Daly Easyfix Handicap Hurdle, I noticed there was a horse called 'Jerrari' entered in it. And it so happened that I have a French friend of that unusual surname. In my defence, this is as logical a reason as any to bet on a 20-horse handicap, with its countless permutations of form and weight, which you'd need to be a supercomputer to get a handle on. Jerrari was 12-1 at the time – far from favourite but not a no-hoper. So in my only bet of the meeting, I stuck a tenner each-way on him with the Tote. And sure enough, he romped to victory, earning me the price of two nights' bed without breakfast, or nearly.
