Rave reviews from satisfied customers have seen a Lake District B&B recognised as one of the very best in the world.
And there was even more good news for the husband and wife team who run Portland House, when their six-room establishment on Leonard Street in Keswick was also pronounced the 15th best in the UK.
Colin and Sarah Sproule opened Portland House in August 2019, having moved to Keswick from Swindon. Thanks to COVID, however, the couple have only managed to get the business properly in gear this year.
Reviews on TripAdvisor have been almost universally positive, however – among the top one per cent in the world, according to the online ratings site.
“We’re over the moon, and incredibly flattered, because the accolade is the result of what our guests think of us,” said Colin. “Sarah and I don’t have a secret, as such, all we do is try to be ourselves and ensure that everyone who stays here has a great time.”
Their guests come from all over the world, including parties from the USA, Canada and New Zealand.
“When COVID hit we thought it was just our luck, but now that it’s behind us we’re booked solid and things are really taking off,” Colin said. “Getting good reviews on TripAdvisor makes a huge difference in the hospitality industry these days.
“One of our American guests wanted to leave a £25 tip – but we just asked him to leave a positive review instead.”
