Thank You
We couldn’t do it without you. As we near our annual closure and holiday, we would like to offer a huge thank you to all to our guests. Yes, we had help from the sun, (the weather, not the newspaper), but we’ve had an enjoyable and successful 2025.
Over The Last Ten Years
We are heading to our 10th anniversary of arriving in Torquay – on 10th March 2016. That feels like a very long time ago indeed. Since we started we have worked hard to make The Somerville the kind of place that we’d want to visit! And, say it ourselves, we do make progress.
As we write, we are one of the final three in the Visit Devon Best B&B in the County awards. The final decision will be announced on the 27th November. We’ll keep you informed if we end up with the gold award for No1 spot.
And still on the topic of awards, we have again won the Best of the Best award on the Tripadvisor website – which means we are No 1 in the Bay. A big thank you to everyone who reviewed us this year.
Things Can Always Get Better
Of course, things can always be improved. To that end, recently we have replaced the two sofa beds in the Somerville and Torwood Suites – simply, they were past their best in our eyes. We’ve found the new ones really rather comfortable – and here’s a photo of Helen modelling the one in the Somerville Suite.
Why sofa beds? Well, (as we’re sometimes asked about), it means you can easily bring a grandchild or young person with you. Yes, we do accommodate families, just not babies under the age of two.
Book A Laugh
For all of the Fawlty Towers fans amongst you, we have the stage production coming to Torquay in April, for five nights at The Princess Theatre. We suspect it will sell out quickly so do get your tickets on the theatre’s website and pre-book your accommodation with us. No, we’re not starring in the show but Peter (!) will do his best to entertain you during breakfast.
We also have Alfie Boe performing at the Princess on Saturday May 16
th. Looking at the booking portal, tickets are selling very quickly …
Something Different
And talking about looking – and booking – ahead: during the summer we managed to get a table at the River Exe Café. It’s been on TV as it is rather original, not least for being on a boat/barge in the middle of the River Exe. It’s a pretty exceptional experience having to catch a little boat to get to the restaurant. As you might imagine, the fish on the menu is incredible. While not a cheap we thought it was truly amazing. However, getting a reservation is not straightforward. They are only open April-October due to weather conditions (being on the river), but they are opening their diary in November for 2026. We suspect it’s going to be a case of book soon if you want to avoid disappointment.
Looking Ahead
Just to mention that we are open until 16th November, then off for six weeks, then open on 27th December for the holiday week and New Year.
Thank you again for a good 2025 – and here’s to next year.
Peter and Helen
