Locally known for its epic pies and 'Big Ugly Burger Challenge', The Farmer's Boy Inn at Longhope is now receiving further recognition for its accommodation, after an appearance on Channel 5's The Hotel Inspector.
The programme features renowned hotelier Alex Polizzi as she visits hotels, B&Bs and inns across the UK, on a quest to make the British accommodation sector the best it can possibly be.
Not one to be easily pleased, Alex wasn't sold on the pub's rustic and quirky interiors – particularly pointing out the pictures of pies above guest beds...
But pub owner Phil Kiernan was determined to impress and took on Alex's advice of 'cutting the craic' by removing the 'piedaway' sheds in the pub's garden and refreshing the 'AI-produced' menu.
Keen to show Phil how he could attract more customers, Alex took him over to another county hotspot, Symonds Yat, to take a look at the more stylish decor showcased in the guest rooms at Ye Old Ferrie Inn.
The transformations then began with replacing the outdoor sheds with parasols on the tables before Phil took on four of the available bedrooms, making changes that amounted to £240 – proving that the inn just needed a bit of tender love and care by installing simple artwork and soft furnishings that don't break the bank.
To celebrate the makeover and mark 25 years in business, The Farmer's Boy Inn hosted its valued regulars and local patrons at an open day, with the attendees tasked with viewing the rooms and, ultimately, giving their own seal of approval.
Toward the end of the programme, Alex said: 'This is a little gem of a business and it does Phil proud.
'The prospect of having new business relationships, courtesy of the open day, his worries should be a thing of the past.'
Phil took to Facebook and said of the experience: 'This pub has been my life for the past 25 years – full of highs and lows, laughter, hard graft and, of course, plenty of pies!
'But nights like that remind me exactly why I do it – because of the community, the friendships and all the incredible people who make this place what it is.'
