Katie Boyden and her partner spent their seventh anniversary in a Torquay B&B (Picture: Katie Boyden/Metro)
In the latest instalment of Metro Travel Hot Takes, our reporter Katie Boyden writes about her experience at ‘England’s best B&B’ and how it’s changed how she travels.
My partner and I love a staycation, and in the last couple of years we’ve spent our anniversaries in York, Edinburgh, and Brighton.
But eyebrows were certainly raised when I started telling people we were spending our seventh anniversary in Torquay.
Located on the so-called ‘English Riviera’, the Devon town is best known for its beaches and seal-watching boat tours.
There was no chance in hell I’d brave the waters for a dip in late September, so I must admit I was worried that we’d be left with nothing to do during our weekend getaway.
Thankfully, it turned out that there’s more to this Devon town than meets the eye — and our accommodation alone made it worth the trip.
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The 25 in Torquay is bold, brash and brilliant (Picture: Katie Boyden)
We stayed at The 25, a boutique B&B just off the main road into town that was recently crowned England’s best at the AA’s annual tourism awards.
Joanna Lumley is a fan – a framed ‘thank you’ note from the Ab Fab star hangs on the wall – and the maximalist decor and luxurious finish make it clear to see why.
We were impressed by the huge and extremely comfortable bed, the attentive and friendly service, and crucially, the breakfast (a veritable smorgasbord of homemade yogurts, pastries, fruit pots, fruit shots, and perfectly poached eggs).
The breakfast, including the ‘smoothie shot of the day’ and homemade yogurt, was delightful (Picture: Katie Boyden)
But even more impressive was the fact that husband-and-wife owners, Jason and Marsela, had only taken over the B&B a few days before our arrival, the much-loved former proprietors having retired.
Not only are Jason and Marsela new to running the show, they’re also new to Torquay. They recently relocated, along with their three children, from Surrey.
They’re already head over heels for the town that spawned the world’s rudest hotelier, Basil Fawlty, a character based on a Torquay guesthouse owner.
The WiFi password even contains a nod to the classic TV show — but thankfully The 25’s new owners are nothing like the infamous Mr F.
‘We know a lot of B&Bs close down over the winter period, but I think there’s an opportunity here to stay open longer, there’s so much to do here,’ Jason said.
‘This is the best B&B in the country. If it’s closed during this period, does that mean I shouldn’t go to Torquay?’
Despite ominous grey skies throughout our trip, we were lucky the temperature stayed warm and there wasn’t a drop of rain to be seen.
On our first night, after a hellish six-hour drive, we freshened up and managed to squeeze in at Twenty1, a highly-rated tapas and cocktail bar overlooking the harbour.
The lychee margarita was delicious, as was the mushroom and truffle flatbread, and there was beer brewed in neighbouring Cornwall on tap, which went down a treat.
The next day, following a slap-up Full English at The 25, we made the half-hour pilgrimage to Kents Caverns, a deep dive (literally) into our ancient ancestors.
A shower dreams are made of (Picture: Katie Boyden)
I’d return to the Caverns in a heartbeat, if only to get hold of some more Quicke’s Cave-aged Clothbound Cheddar, which spends at least six weeks maturing in the subterranean ambient temperature.
Next on the agenda was a walk around the seafront, checking out some of the grand rock formations and squinting at the waves to try and spot seals.
Sustenance was needed after our seaside walk. We hopped into The Yacht for a bowl of truffle parmesan fries and a drink until our dinner reservation at Bistrot Pierre.
Once we returned to The 25 – a 10-minute walk from the seafront cutting through the grounds of the historic Torre Abbey – we received the sort of attention to detail and personal touch that set it apart from the anonymous and sometimes grotty Airbnbs we’ve used in the past.
Over breakfast, I mentioned to Jason and Marsela that we were in Torquay to celebrate our anniversary. I hadn’t said anything when we booked, as I didn’t want to make a fuss.
I highly recommend a seafront walk, whatever the weather, to blow away the cobwebs (Picture: Katie Boyden)
But when we returned to our room (the luxurious Torre suite), a bottle of pink prosecco and a card addressed to ‘such a lovely couple’ was waiting for us.
I’d also mentioned in passing that I was dreading the return drive after such a lengthy trip from Kent to Torquay on Friday.
In response, Jason and Marsela made up a goody bag of bottled water, crisps and snacks to make the journey more bearable (and save a bit of money at the services).
Honestly, we were both touched. Maybe this is standard practice at B&Bs, but after years of budget accommodation, we were both delighted by the genuine care that went into hosting us.
Jason and Marsela left us a lovely card and a bottle of fizz (Picture: Katie Boyden)
On that lengthy drive back, as my partner fed me crisps from the passenger seat, we made a vow for our anniversary trips to come: no more Airbnbs.
Yes, a B&B will likely cost more, and budget hotel chains or Airbnbs are fine for flying visits.
But next time we go away to celebrate, we’ll be making sure our accommodation is just as special.
Katie and Robert stayed in the Torre suite at The 25 on Avenue Road, Torquay, for £225 per night including breakfast. Prices range from £125 to £275 per night, depending on room and level of demand
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