Introduction
THE SECRET OF running a successful Bed & Breakfast is down
to three things: charm, location and a fantastic breakfast
My aim with this book is to give you all the information you
need to run a B&B to the highest level. The book is full of
information, advice, tips and, of course, cooking instructions
for the perfect breakfast.
The B&B market is often an 'Aga market' and my expertise
in Aga cooking has led to my receiving many requests from B&B
owners about catering for their guests. There is a natural crossover
from my Aga cookbook readers, and escaping to the country is booming
in the 30-40-year age group. It is amazing that for the price
of a couple of West End cinema tickets and a bag of popcorn, you
can get accommodation of real quality up and down the country.
When my family first moved to the UK from the US, my parents
wanted to get out of the rat race and live a better, less pressured
life. So they embarked on what was to become an even busier, more
hectic life, but one full of fun, friendships and cash! Our first
B&B had six letting rooms and I used to help cook and serve
breakfast when home from school. What set us apart from any other
B&B was my parents' enthusiasm and good old-fashioned 'can
do' spirit -I guess we were pioneers in our own way. My father
is the perfect host and my mother has the business brains.
Any B&B owner will tell you that the overwhelming requirements
for running a really good B&B are a love of people and a clean
house. It seems that very successful B&B owners can have the
tiniest rooms with very basic WC facilities and can still be full
all year round due entirely to the fact that they are such charming
hosts!
The reason people choose to stay at a B&B is that they like
the personal touches and the less formal atmosphere they find
there. The hosts and houses tend to be full of interesting characteristics
and they offer great value for money. Usually the relaxed, informal
and friendly way in which they are run suits host and guest alike.
Quite often beautiful country B&Bs will have added bonuses
such as fantastic gardens, or serve foods like home-made jam and
eggs from the family chickens. In cities some B&Bs add a real
sense of home to a guest's stay that a hotel just can't compete
with, especially if they find themselves working away from home
Monday to Friday.
I want to equip you with everything you need to know about running
a B&B at the top end of the market. You can adjust my guidelines
to suit your property or way of life, but I do hope you will have
fun and find it a happy and fun way to make money from your spare
rooms!
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