Three in a Bed

18 May 2011

Episode 8

It's tears and tantrums this week as three very different owners go head-to-head in the battle to be crowned best value. Competing for the title are: Westbrook, a Victorian farmhouse in Somerset with rooms costing £95 a night; Mill Stream House, an £80-a-night modern townhouse in Christchurch; and finally, The Metro, a purpose built B&B in Newquay where rooms go for up to £89 a night.

The group's first stop is to Westbrook, the most expensive B&B this week, owned by partners Keith and David. Upon arrival, Heather, owner of Mill Stream House, and her friend Margaret soon find plenty to criticise, writing a list of all of their complaints. An excursion to the Somerset Cider Brandy Company is a good icebreaker and the group are impressed by the hosts' hospitality, but a disappointing breakfast and lack of TV and wi-fi in the bedrooms put Keith and David's chances of winning in doubt.

With Heather's Mill Stream House up next to visit, her fellow B&B owners are expecting perfection. But Keith and David immediately find a problem with their ground-floor bedroom which is overlooked by passers by. And despite a dinner at the most expensive restaurant in Christchurch, things take a turn for the worst for the fastidious host when one guest throws a spanner in the works at breakfast, another's milk turns sour, and the TV in one of the rooms goes on the blink.

Last up to host, is Sam Cobley and his modern B&B, The Metro. As purely a commercial venture, Sam has forgone the traditional image of the B&B, which proves controversial to his visiting guests. Keith and David like their IKEA-styled room, but Heather feels her room lacks quality and luxury and isn't impressed by the continental buffet breakfast. With opinions divided, and none of the B&Bs so far having been without fault, will there be a worthy winner in this week's battle of the B&Bs?

Episode 2

In this episode the owners of Foxwood, a £40-a-night B&B catering for workers just outside Leeds, go head-to-head with the £75-a-night Welton Manor Farm in Somerset and five star White Vine House B&B and restaurant in East Sussex where rooms go for up to £175 a night.

The competition starts in Carlton, Leeds at the economy Foxwood bed and breakfast, where owners, down-to-earth Yorkshire man Steve and his Thai wife Thappanee, succeed in winning over the other hoteliers who, despite their efforts, find little to criticise.  But by the group's second visit to family-run Welton Manor Farm, stickler for detail, Javed from White Vine House struggles to hold back his opinions on the furnishings in the bedrooms and owner Charlotte worries her culinary skills won't match up to the guests' expectations at breakfast. With the pricey White Vine House the final guesthouse to be judged, host and perfectionist Javed hopes it will be a case of save the best till last. But after being overly critical of the previous two B&B's, he knows every detail will need to be faultless if he's to win the title and be crowned best value.

Episode 3

The owners of Heronby, a £75-a-night thatched property in the middle of the Norfolk Broads, go head-to-head with West-London based B&B and family home Holland Park where guests can pay up to £80 a night and the Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre B&B and animal farm in Somerset costing £60 a night.

The first visit is to the Heronby B&B, where the guests are wowed by the modern facilities that ex-DJ Lester and his young wife Katie offer at their establishment. However etiquette expert and owner of Holland Park, Jean soon makes her mark by freely criticising the bedroom furniture and table settings at breakfast. As queen of her castle, Jean relishes the chance to show off her four-star rated B&B and home, Holland Park. Yet while her etiquette lessons loosen the group up, her guests are less than impressed with the dusty rooms and overall lack of facilities, and Jean's stoic façade soon cracks when faced with the negative feedback. With tensions high from the previous visit, partners Rod and Cathy hope their animal-friendly B&B the Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre will restore group morale and win them the top prize. But their tired décor and dog-scented carpets are a turn off for the others, and once again, tears are shed as the feedback is given, the payments are counted and the winner is announced.

 

Episode 1

In this episode the owners of Stoberry House - a £110 a night B&B in Somerset - go head-to-head with £85-a-night Frome Dale in Dorset, and the retro Blue Pigeons at Worth in Kent where rooms go for up to £95 a night.

The first of this week's three visits is to Stoberry House, where meticulously house-proud host Frances is left reeling when clean-freak Debbie from Frome Dale claims to find a pubic hair in the shower. With relations between the two women frosty, Debbie is put on the spot when the group visit her abode next, and some spilt wine and picky breakfast orders almost prove too much for the fastidious hostess. Can the hosts of the final of the establishments to be visited, rock and roll enthusiasts Ray and Marilyn, bring a bit of cheer back to the group with their retro-themed B&B, the Blue Pigeons, and impress enough to win over these picky hoteliers?

 

Episode 9

This week sees the bijoux take on the ‘frou frou' and achingly trendy in a battle to find Britain's best boutique B&Bs. Going for the title are: the four-star Howarth House in Lytham St Anne's where rooms cost up to £85 a night; Snooze in Brighton, a retro B&B which charges £65-£165 a night per room; and finally the five-star, £120-a-night Enchanted Manor on the Isle of Wight.

The competition starts at Howarth House, run by friends Sue and Jenny where each room is decorated according to Sue's interpretation of ‘boutique' style. But style-conscious Paul and Tony from Snooze aren't fans of the individual interior design and soon make enemies of the host when they moan of an unimpressive tour of Lytham Hall and Sue's pushy service at breakfast.

Next stop is Snooze, the retro vintage guesthouse created by former DJ's and mates Paul and Tony. Still reeling from the boys' accusation that her rooms weren't unique, Sue and friend Jenny find lots to criticise in their room, while Enchanted Manor owners, Maggie and Rick, deem the facilities and lack of parking space a minus point. And despite a riotous game of beach volleyball, the next morning brings complaints of sleepless nights and the boys' payment fate is sealed, resulting in cries of foul play.

The final B&B to be visited is the five-star Enchanted Manor owned by Rick and Maggie Hilton. This romantic getaway boasts rooms with different fantasy themes, which the guests find a little over the top, but the spacious luxury suites are a unanimous hit. Dinner at the 16th Century Buddle Inn is followed by a ghost tour of the nearby cliffs and the following morning, Bucks Fizz certainly raises spirits over breakfast. Will the other owners be swept away with the charm of Enchanted Manor and grant it best value for money? All will be revealed when the payments are taken.

 

Episode 10

In tonight's cracking series finale it's the battle of the best poached egg - and B&B - as three house-proud hostesses attempt to prove that their establishments are best value. Taking up the challenge for the last time are: Downsview, a four-star B&B in Ashford costing up to £70 a night; the converted-church-turned-B&B, St Curig's in Capel Curig, North Wales where rooms are charged at £75 a night; and finally the deluxe Five-Star-Gold rated Lyth Hill House in Shropshire which charges a hefty £120 per stay for it's best rooms.

On the first visit of the competition, the guests travel to Downsview, run by Christine Levy and her family, and the claws are immediately out. Upon arrival, Clive and Gwendda from Lyth Hill House, conduct a thorough room inspection using a torch to locate dust and Alice from St Curig's complains of a lack of character. But while a trip to an African Safari park is enjoyed by all, Christine's policy of charging for cooked breakfasts proves divisive and potentially devastating.

When the hoteliers join Alice's congregation at St. Curig's for their second visit, Clive and Gwendda search for saint's bones in their room, while religious Christine and daughter Rachel are uneasy at staying in a former church. The guests' nerves are further tested when Alice takes them on a treetop adventure that leaves some shaking at the knees. At breakfast ‘egg-gate' continues with Alice managing to impress discerning poached-egg eater Gwendda, but there are cries of tactical play when one guest's feedback is deemed particularly harsh.

With speculation rife, the group moves to the Five-Star-Gold rated Lyth Hill House for the final visit where host Gwendda prepares herself for the tough criticisms from one guest in particular. And true to form, Christine isn't shy in airing her reservations - immediately finding fault in the bedding. The walking tour doesn't impress her either, and at breakfast her criticism of Gwendda's thick bacon baffles Alice. Tensions run high as the final feedback is given and the payments are counted, but with rumours of foul play simmering, will it be a case of ‘let the best man win', or will a less than worthy winner take the final prize? 

 

Episode 4

In this episode, the battling Bed and Breakfasts are: the five-star Winterbourne Country House, in the Isle of Wight where rooms go for up to £190 a night, the quaint two-bedroom £80-a-night Artist's House, in Fowey, South Cornwall, and finally the Raincliffe Hotel in Scarborough, where rooms go for up to £76 per stay.

On their first meeting at Winterbourne, the visiting guests are shocked by the price of the rooms that ex-partners Andrew and Andy provide and owners of the Raincliffe Hotel, Malcolm and Katherine, are particularly unconvinced by the quality of their £190 suite. The group's second visit is to the Artist's House B&B owned by textiles artist Vivien, and Malcolm soon makes an enemy of host Vivien with his clear distaste in her furnishings and general risqué humour. After being highly critical of the other hotels, lorry driver and aspiring comedian Malcolm and his wife Katherine have a lot to prove if their establishment the Raincliffe Hotel will be voted best value. But with one guest in particular out for vengeance, it's anyone's guess who will have the last laugh in this week's competition.

Episode 5

Tonight, the owners of Joseph's Amazing Camels, a £75-a-night B&B and camel-racing business just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, go head-to-head with the four-star Old Royal Oak pub and guesthouse in Knaresborough, Yorkshire where rooms cost up to £70 a night, and finally Balnabrechan Lodge, a four-star log cabin B&B situated north of Arbroath in Scotland which charges up to £75 per night.

The competition begins at Joseph's Amazing Camels run by Joe and Rebecca Fosset. Both sets of guests like the rooms but Cath, owner of the Old Royal Oak, cannot fathom why there are no TVs in the rooms and is equally as unimpressed with the camel riding activity that is set up for them. Next, is feisty Cath and husband Loren's turn to host at the Old Royal Oak where their pride in their B&B and town are put to the test. But while the guests fall in love with the history and beauty of Knaresborough, their feelings are not so positive for the B&B itself, with the lack of personality in the rooms and pub-setting major criticisms for all the visitors. With it all to play for final host Jules hopes to strike the right balance with the attention to detail shown at her Balnabrechan Lodge in the depths of Scotland. So with a feminine touch and some traditional Scottish fare up her sleeve, can Jules do enough to win the title as best value for money?

 

Episode 6

This week the claws are out as the battle of who does luxury best commences. Competing for the coveted title are: the five-star rated Pendragon Country House in Cornwall where rooms cost up to £130 per night; the luxury £135-a-night Hamble Retreat in Southampton; and finally Grey Cottage, a 160-year-old stone cottage in the Cotswolds where rooms are charged at up to £75 per stay.

First up to be judged is the Pendragon Country House in Cornwall, owned by husband and wife team, Nigel and Sharon Reed. With a gold star rating to its name, the other guests have high hopes of this B&B. But upon arrival, fellow hoteliers Nick and Jackie of the Hamble Retreat find the luxury and quality that they're used to lacking. And after a disappointing attempt at breakfast, Nigel and Sharon's chances of winning seem poor. With an equal star rating to Pendragon, second hosts Nick and Jackie hope to show that the Hamble Retreat is worth every penny. Initially, the house and abundant facilities wow the guests, and they all enjoy the trip to the National Motor Museum. But, after a heated debate about the star rating system at dinner, and a lack of selection at breakfast, Nick and Jackie are left red-faced by the not so glowing feedback they receive. As the tensions mount amongst the group, it's left to veteran B&B owner and former "Friendliest Landlady of the Year" Rosie, to impress at her establishment Grey Cottage. Nigel and Sharon are smitten with the old-world charm of Rosie's B&B, but still reeling from her showdown, Jackie is not so keen and despite being given the best room, finds little to merit. With emotions high and egos even higher, will there be a worthy winner in this battle of the B&Bs? 

Episode 7

Emotions run high in this episode as, three very different establishments battle it out for the title of best value B&B. fighting it out this time are: Wriggles Brook, a traditional gypsy caravan B&B in Herefordshire where rooms - or wagons - go for up to £80 per night, the £75-a-night four-star Swallowfield B&B in Coventry, and finally Leyland Country house in the New Forest, a boutique four-star B&B which charges up to £110 per night.

As mangers of Wriggles Brook for only four weeks, young couple Ollie and Millie have a lot to prove, and there are mixed reactions from the guests to the gypsy caravans and shock at the shared compost loo.  Former chef Ollie impresses with his two-course breakfast and their quad biking activity is enjoyed by most too. But will this be enough to counter the basic facilities available at Wriggles Brook?

Next up is the Swallowfield, a traditional B&B where host Suzanne prides herself on cleanliness. With high expectations, the other guests are not shy in putting Suzanne's hygiene to the test, and she's taken aback when Ollie and Millie claim they found a cobweb and dust in their room. Still reeling from this criticism, Suzanne is put to the test again when Millie asks for a vegetarian breakfast, and dreads the outcome at the final evaluation.

Finally comes the turn of Leyland Country House owned by single-mum Liese who markets her place as luxury - but will the others agree? Suzanne and Tony are initially very impressed with their room, but Ollie and Millie are underwhelmed by the standard of theirs. And while the group enjoys the luxury spa trip and are amazed by Liese's reasons for opening Leyland, they still have issues with her prices, which is hard feedback for Liese. After an emotional few days, will there finally be tears of joy as the payments are counted and the winner is announced?

 

Three in a Bed, Thursdays from 31 Mar, 8pm, Channel 4

Three in a Bed is back, as each week three house-proud proprietors vie to be crowned the best Bed & Breakfast by the toughest critics possible - fellow B&B owners.

They'll stay at each other's establishments for one night, critiquing everything from the bedrooms and cleanliness to the local attractions and all-important breakfast. However, it is not until the very last day that they all find out what the other owners have been prepared to pay and which establishment has come out on top.

Episode 8

It's tears and tantrums this week as three very different owners go head-to-head in the battle to be crowned best value. Competing for the title are: Westbrook, a Victorian farmhouse in Somerset with rooms costing £95 a night; Mill Stream House, an £80-a-night modern townhouse in Christchurch; and finally, The Metro, a purpose built B&B in Newquay where rooms go for up to £89 a night.

The group's first stop is to Westbrook, the most expensive B&B this week, owned by partners Keith and David. Upon arrival, Heather, owner of Mill Stream House, and her friend Margaret soon find plenty to criticise, writing a list of all of their complaints. An excursion to the Somerset Cider Brandy Company is a good icebreaker and the group are impressed by the hosts' hospitality, but a disappointing breakfast and lack of TV and wi-fi in the bedrooms put Keith and David's chances of winning in doubt.

With Heather's Mill Stream House up next to visit, her fellow B&B owners are expecting perfection. But Keith and David immediately find a problem with their ground-floor bedroom which is overlooked by passers by. And despite a dinner at the most expensive restaurant in Christchurch, things take a turn for the worst for the fastidious host when one guest throws a spanner in the works at breakfast, another's milk turns sour, and the TV in one of the rooms goes on the blink.

Last up to host, is Sam Cobley and his modern B&B, The Metro. As purely a commercial venture, Sam has forgone the traditional image of the B&B, which proves controversial to his visiting guests. Keith and David like their IKEA-styled room, but Heather feels her room lacks quality and luxury and isn't impressed by the continental buffet breakfast. With opinions divided, and none of the B&Bs so far having been without fault, will there be a worthy winner in this week's battle of the B&Bs?

Episode 2

In this episode the owners of Foxwood, a £40-a-night B&B catering for workers just outside Leeds, go head-to-head with the £75-a-night Welton Manor Farm in Somerset and five star White Vine House B&B and restaurant in East Sussex where rooms go for up to £175 a night.

The competition starts in Carlton, Leeds at the economy Foxwood bed and breakfast, where owners, down-to-earth Yorkshire man Steve and his Thai wife Thappanee, succeed in winning over the other hoteliers who, despite their efforts, find little to criticise.  But by the group's second visit to family-run Welton Manor Farm, stickler for detail, Javed from White Vine House struggles to hold back his opinions on the furnishings in the bedrooms and owner Charlotte worries her culinary skills won't match up to the guests' expectations at breakfast. With the pricey White Vine House the final guesthouse to be judged, host and perfectionist Javed hopes it will be a case of save the best till last. But after being overly critical of the previous two B&B's, he knows every detail will need to be faultless if he's to win the title and be crowned best value.

Episode 3

The owners of Heronby, a £75-a-night thatched property in the middle of the Norfolk Broads, go head-to-head with West-London based B&B and family home Holland Park where guests can pay up to £80 a night and the Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre B&B and animal farm in Somerset costing £60 a night.

The first visit is to the Heronby B&B, where the guests are wowed by the modern facilities that ex-DJ Lester and his young wife Katie offer at their establishment. However etiquette expert and owner of Holland Park, Jean soon makes her mark by freely criticising the bedroom furniture and table settings at breakfast. As queen of her castle, Jean relishes the chance to show off her four-star rated B&B and home, Holland Park. Yet while her etiquette lessons loosen the group up, her guests are less than impressed with the dusty rooms and overall lack of facilities, and Jean's stoic façade soon cracks when faced with the negative feedback. With tensions high from the previous visit, partners Rod and Cathy hope their animal-friendly B&B the Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre will restore group morale and win them the top prize. But their tired décor and dog-scented carpets are a turn off for the others, and once again, tears are shed as the feedback is given, the payments are counted and the winner is announced.

 

Episode 1

In this episode the owners of Stoberry House - a £110 a night B&B in Somerset - go head-to-head with £85-a-night Frome Dale in Dorset, and the retro Blue Pigeons at Worth in Kent where rooms go for up to £95 a night.

The first of this week's three visits is to Stoberry House, where meticulously house-proud host Frances is left reeling when clean-freak Debbie from Frome Dale claims to find a pubic hair in the shower. With relations between the two women frosty, Debbie is put on the spot when the group visit her abode next, and some spilt wine and picky breakfast orders almost prove too much for the fastidious hostess. Can the hosts of the final of the establishments to be visited, rock and roll enthusiasts Ray and Marilyn, bring a bit of cheer back to the group with their retro-themed B&B, the Blue Pigeons, and impress enough to win over these picky hoteliers?

 

Episode 9

This week sees the bijoux take on the ‘frou frou' and achingly trendy in a battle to find Britain's best boutique B&Bs. Going for the title are: the four-star Howarth House in Lytham St Anne's where rooms cost up to £85 a night; Snooze in Brighton, a retro B&B which charges £65-£165 a night per room; and finally the five-star, £120-a-night Enchanted Manor on the Isle of Wight.

The competition starts at Howarth House, run by friends Sue and Jenny where each room is decorated according to Sue's interpretation of ‘boutique' style. But style-conscious Paul and Tony from Snooze aren't fans of the individual interior design and soon make enemies of the host when they moan of an unimpressive tour of Lytham Hall and Sue's pushy service at breakfast.

Next stop is Snooze, the retro vintage guesthouse created by former DJ's and mates Paul and Tony. Still reeling from the boys' accusation that her rooms weren't unique, Sue and friend Jenny find lots to criticise in their room, while Enchanted Manor owners, Maggie and Rick, deem the facilities and lack of parking space a minus point. And despite a riotous game of beach volleyball, the next morning brings complaints of sleepless nights and the boys' payment fate is sealed, resulting in cries of foul play.

The final B&B to be visited is the five-star Enchanted Manor owned by Rick and Maggie Hilton. This romantic getaway boasts rooms with different fantasy themes, which the guests find a little over the top, but the spacious luxury suites are a unanimous hit. Dinner at the 16th Century Buddle Inn is followed by a ghost tour of the nearby cliffs and the following morning, Bucks Fizz certainly raises spirits over breakfast. Will the other owners be swept away with the charm of Enchanted Manor and grant it best value for money? All will be revealed when the payments are taken.

 

Episode 10

In tonight's cracking series finale it's the battle of the best poached egg - and B&B - as three house-proud hostesses attempt to prove that their establishments are best value. Taking up the challenge for the last time are: Downsview, a four-star B&B in Ashford costing up to £70 a night; the converted-church-turned-B&B, St Curig's in Capel Curig, North Wales where rooms are charged at £75 a night; and finally the deluxe Five-Star-Gold rated Lyth Hill House in Shropshire which charges a hefty £120 per stay for it's best rooms.

On the first visit of the competition, the guests travel to Downsview, run by Christine Levy and her family, and the claws are immediately out. Upon arrival, Clive and Gwendda from Lyth Hill House, conduct a thorough room inspection using a torch to locate dust and Alice from St Curig's complains of a lack of character. But while a trip to an African Safari park is enjoyed by all, Christine's policy of charging for cooked breakfasts proves divisive and potentially devastating.

When the hoteliers join Alice's congregation at St. Curig's for their second visit, Clive and Gwendda search for saint's bones in their room, while religious Christine and daughter Rachel are uneasy at staying in a former church. The guests' nerves are further tested when Alice takes them on a treetop adventure that leaves some shaking at the knees. At breakfast ‘egg-gate' continues with Alice managing to impress discerning poached-egg eater Gwendda, but there are cries of tactical play when one guest's feedback is deemed particularly harsh.

With speculation rife, the group moves to the Five-Star-Gold rated Lyth Hill House for the final visit where host Gwendda prepares herself for the tough criticisms from one guest in particular. And true to form, Christine isn't shy in airing her reservations - immediately finding fault in the bedding. The walking tour doesn't impress her either, and at breakfast her criticism of Gwendda's thick bacon baffles Alice. Tensions run high as the final feedback is given and the payments are counted, but with rumours of foul play simmering, will it be a case of ‘let the best man win', or will a less than worthy winner take the final prize? 

 

Episode 4

In this episode, the battling Bed and Breakfasts are: the five-star Winterbourne Country House, in the Isle of Wight where rooms go for up to £190 a night, the quaint two-bedroom £80-a-night Artist's House, in Fowey, South Cornwall, and finally the Raincliffe Hotel in Scarborough, where rooms go for up to £76 per stay.

On their first meeting at Winterbourne, the visiting guests are shocked by the price of the rooms that ex-partners Andrew and Andy provide and owners of the Raincliffe Hotel, Malcolm and Katherine, are particularly unconvinced by the quality of their £190 suite. The group's second visit is to the Artist's House B&B owned by textiles artist Vivien, and Malcolm soon makes an enemy of host Vivien with his clear distaste in her furnishings and general risqué humour. After being highly critical of the other hotels, lorry driver and aspiring comedian Malcolm and his wife Katherine have a lot to prove if their establishment the Raincliffe Hotel will be voted best value. But with one guest in particular out for vengeance, it's anyone's guess who will have the last laugh in this week's competition.

Episode 5

Tonight, the owners of Joseph's Amazing Camels, a £75-a-night B&B and camel-racing business just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, go head-to-head with the four-star Old Royal Oak pub and guesthouse in Knaresborough, Yorkshire where rooms cost up to £70 a night, and finally Balnabrechan Lodge, a four-star log cabin B&B situated north of Arbroath in Scotland which charges up to £75 per night.

The competition begins at Joseph's Amazing Camels run by Joe and Rebecca Fosset. Both sets of guests like the rooms but Cath, owner of the Old Royal Oak, cannot fathom why there are no TVs in the rooms and is equally as unimpressed with the camel riding activity that is set up for them. Next, is feisty Cath and husband Loren's turn to host at the Old Royal Oak where their pride in their B&B and town are put to the test. But while the guests fall in love with the history and beauty of Knaresborough, their feelings are not so positive for the B&B itself, with the lack of personality in the rooms and pub-setting major criticisms for all the visitors. With it all to play for final host Jules hopes to strike the right balance with the attention to detail shown at her Balnabrechan Lodge in the depths of Scotland. So with a feminine touch and some traditional Scottish fare up her sleeve, can Jules do enough to win the title as best value for money?

 

Episode 6

This week the claws are out as the battle of who does luxury best commences. Competing for the coveted title are: the five-star rated Pendragon Country House in Cornwall where rooms cost up to £130 per night; the luxury £135-a-night Hamble Retreat in Southampton; and finally Grey Cottage, a 160-year-old stone cottage in the Cotswolds where rooms are charged at up to £75 per stay.

First up to be judged is the Pendragon Country House in Cornwall, owned by husband and wife team, Nigel and Sharon Reed. With a gold star rating to its name, the other guests have high hopes of this B&B. But upon arrival, fellow hoteliers Nick and Jackie of the Hamble Retreat find the luxury and quality that they're used to lacking. And after a disappointing attempt at breakfast, Nigel and Sharon's chances of winning seem poor. With an equal star rating to Pendragon, second hosts Nick and Jackie hope to show that the Hamble Retreat is worth every penny. Initially, the house and abundant facilities wow the guests, and they all enjoy the trip to the National Motor Museum. But, after a heated debate about the star rating system at dinner, and a lack of selection at breakfast, Nick and Jackie are left red-faced by the not so glowing feedback they receive. As the tensions mount amongst the group, it's left to veteran B&B owner and former "Friendliest Landlady of the Year" Rosie, to impress at her establishment Grey Cottage. Nigel and Sharon are smitten with the old-world charm of Rosie's B&B, but still reeling from her showdown, Jackie is not so keen and despite being given the best room, finds little to merit. With emotions high and egos even higher, will there be a worthy winner in this battle of the B&Bs? 

Episode 7

Emotions run high in this episode as, three very different establishments battle it out for the title of best value B&B. fighting it out this time are: Wriggles Brook, a traditional gypsy caravan B&B in Herefordshire where rooms - or wagons - go for up to £80 per night, the £75-a-night four-star Swallowfield B&B in Coventry, and finally Leyland Country house in the New Forest, a boutique four-star B&B which charges up to £110 per night.

As mangers of Wriggles Brook for only four weeks, young couple Ollie and Millie have a lot to prove, and there are mixed reactions from the guests to the gypsy caravans and shock at the shared compost loo.  Former chef Ollie impresses with his two-course breakfast and their quad biking activity is enjoyed by most too. But will this be enough to counter the basic facilities available at Wriggles Brook?

Next up is the Swallowfield, a traditional B&B where host Suzanne prides herself on cleanliness. With high expectations, the other guests are not shy in putting Suzanne's hygiene to the test, and she's taken aback when Ollie and Millie claim they found a cobweb and dust in their room. Still reeling from this criticism, Suzanne is put to the test again when Millie asks for a vegetarian breakfast, and dreads the outcome at the final evaluation.

Finally comes the turn of Leyland Country House owned by single-mum Liese who markets her place as luxury - but will the others agree? Suzanne and Tony are initially very impressed with their room, but Ollie and Millie are underwhelmed by the standard of theirs. And while the group enjoys the luxury spa trip and are amazed by Liese's reasons for opening Leyland, they still have issues with her prices, which is hard feedback for Liese. After an emotional few days, will there finally be tears of joy as the payments are counted and the winner is announced?

 

Three in a Bed, Thursdays from 31 Mar, 8pm, Channel 4

Three in a Bed is back, as each week three house-proud proprietors vie to be crowned the best Bed & Breakfast by the toughest critics possible - fellow B&B owners.

They'll stay at each other's establishments for one night, critiquing everything from the bedrooms and cleanliness to the local attractions and all-important breakfast. However, it is not until the very last day that they all find out what the other owners have been prepared to pay and which establishment has come out on top.

Episode 8

It's tears and tantrums this week as three very different owners go head-to-head in the battle to be crowned best value. Competing for the title are: Westbrook, a Victorian farmhouse in Somerset with rooms costing £95 a night; Mill Stream House, an £80-a-night modern townhouse in Christchurch; and finally, The Metro, a purpose built B&B in Newquay where rooms go for up to £89 a night.

The group's first stop is to Westbrook, the most expensive B&B this week, owned by partners Keith and David. Upon arrival, Heather, owner of Mill Stream House, and her friend Margaret soon find plenty to criticise, writing a list of all of their complaints. An excursion to the Somerset Cider Brandy Company is a good icebreaker and the group are impressed by the hosts' hospitality, but a disappointing breakfast and lack of TV and wi-fi in the bedrooms put Keith and David's chances of winning in doubt.

With Heather's Mill Stream House up next to visit, her fellow B&B owners are expecting perfection. But Keith and David immediately find a problem with their ground-floor bedroom which is overlooked by passers by. And despite a dinner at the most expensive restaurant in Christchurch, things take a turn for the worst for the fastidious host when one guest throws a spanner in the works at breakfast, another's milk turns sour, and the TV in one of the rooms goes on the blink.

Last up to host, is Sam Cobley and his modern B&B, The Metro. As purely a commercial venture, Sam has forgone the traditional image of the B&B, which proves controversial to his visiting guests. Keith and David like their IKEA-styled room, but Heather feels her room lacks quality and luxury and isn't impressed by the continental buffet breakfast. With opinions divided, and none of the B&Bs so far having been without fault, will there be a worthy winner in this week's battle of the B&Bs?

Episode 2

In this episode the owners of Foxwood, a £40-a-night B&B catering for workers just outside Leeds, go head-to-head with the £75-a-night Welton Manor Farm in Somerset and five star White Vine House B&B and restaurant in East Sussex where rooms go for up to £175 a night.

The competition starts in Carlton, Leeds at the economy Foxwood bed and breakfast, where owners, down-to-earth Yorkshire man Steve and his Thai wife Thappanee, succeed in winning over the other hoteliers who, despite their efforts, find little to criticise.  But by the group's second visit to family-run Welton Manor Farm, stickler for detail, Javed from White Vine House struggles to hold back his opinions on the furnishings in the bedrooms and owner Charlotte worries her culinary skills won't match up to the guests' expectations at breakfast. With the pricey White Vine House the final guesthouse to be judged, host and perfectionist Javed hopes it will be a case of save the best till last. But after being overly critical of the previous two B&B's, he knows every detail will need to be faultless if he's to win the title and be crowned best value.

Episode 3

The owners of Heronby, a £75-a-night thatched property in the middle of the Norfolk Broads, go head-to-head with West-London based B&B and family home Holland Park where guests can pay up to £80 a night and the Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre B&B and animal farm in Somerset costing £60 a night.

The first visit is to the Heronby B&B, where the guests are wowed by the modern facilities that ex-DJ Lester and his young wife Katie offer at their establishment. However etiquette expert and owner of Holland Park, Jean soon makes her mark by freely criticising the bedroom furniture and table settings at breakfast. As queen of her castle, Jean relishes the chance to show off her four-star rated B&B and home, Holland Park. Yet while her etiquette lessons loosen the group up, her guests are less than impressed with the dusty rooms and overall lack of facilities, and Jean's stoic façade soon cracks when faced with the negative feedback. With tensions high from the previous visit, partners Rod and Cathy hope their animal-friendly B&B the Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre will restore group morale and win them the top prize. But their tired décor and dog-scented carpets are a turn off for the others, and once again, tears are shed as the feedback is given, the payments are counted and the winner is announced.

 

Episode 1

In this episode the owners of Stoberry House - a £110 a night B&B in Somerset - go head-to-head with £85-a-night Frome Dale in Dorset, and the retro Blue Pigeons at Worth in Kent where rooms go for up to £95 a night.

The first of this week's three visits is to Stoberry House, where meticulously house-proud host Frances is left reeling when clean-freak Debbie from Frome Dale claims to find a pubic hair in the shower. With relations between the two women frosty, Debbie is put on the spot when the group visit her abode next, and some spilt wine and picky breakfast orders almost prove too much for the fastidious hostess. Can the hosts of the final of the establishments to be visited, rock and roll enthusiasts Ray and Marilyn, bring a bit of cheer back to the group with their retro-themed B&B, the Blue Pigeons, and impress enough to win over these picky hoteliers?

 

Episode 9

This week sees the bijoux take on the ‘frou frou' and achingly trendy in a battle to find Britain's best boutique B&Bs. Going for the title are: the four-star Howarth House in Lytham St Anne's where rooms cost up to £85 a night; Snooze in Brighton, a retro B&B which charges £65-£165 a night per room; and finally the five-star, £120-a-night Enchanted Manor on the Isle of Wight.

The competition starts at Howarth House, run by friends Sue and Jenny where each room is decorated according to Sue's interpretation of ‘boutique' style. But style-conscious Paul and Tony from Snooze aren't fans of the individual interior design and soon make enemies of the host when they moan of an unimpressive tour of Lytham Hall and Sue's pushy service at breakfast.

Next stop is Snooze, the retro vintage guesthouse created by former DJ's and mates Paul and Tony. Still reeling from the boys' accusation that her rooms weren't unique, Sue and friend Jenny find lots to criticise in their room, while Enchanted Manor owners, Maggie and Rick, deem the facilities and lack of parking space a minus point. And despite a riotous game of beach volleyball, the next morning brings complaints of sleepless nights and the boys' payment fate is sealed, resulting in cries of foul play.

The final B&B to be visited is the five-star Enchanted Manor owned by Rick and Maggie Hilton. This romantic getaway boasts rooms with different fantasy themes, which the guests find a little over the top, but the spacious luxury suites are a unanimous hit. Dinner at the 16th Century Buddle Inn is followed by a ghost tour of the nearby cliffs and the following morning, Bucks Fizz certainly raises spirits over breakfast. Will the other owners be swept away with the charm of Enchanted Manor and grant it best value for money? All will be revealed when the payments are taken.

 

Episode 10

In tonight's cracking series finale it's the battle of the best poached egg - and B&B - as three house-proud hostesses attempt to prove that their establishments are best value. Taking up the challenge for the last time are: Downsview, a four-star B&B in Ashford costing up to £70 a night; the converted-church-turned-B&B, St Curig's in Capel Curig, North Wales where rooms are charged at £75 a night; and finally the deluxe Five-Star-Gold rated Lyth Hill House in Shropshire which charges a hefty £120 per stay for it's best rooms.

On the first visit of the competition, the guests travel to Downsview, run by Christine Levy and her family, and the claws are immediately out. Upon arrival, Clive and Gwendda from Lyth Hill House, conduct a thorough room inspection using a torch to locate dust and Alice from St Curig's complains of a lack of character. But while a trip to an African Safari park is enjoyed by all, Christine's policy of charging for cooked breakfasts proves divisive and potentially devastating.

When the hoteliers join Alice's congregation at St. Curig's for their second visit, Clive and Gwendda search for saint's bones in their room, while religious Christine and daughter Rachel are uneasy at staying in a former church. The guests' nerves are further tested when Alice takes them on a treetop adventure that leaves some shaking at the knees. At breakfast ‘egg-gate' continues with Alice managing to impress discerning poached-egg eater Gwendda, but there are cries of tactical play when one guest's feedback is deemed particularly harsh.

With speculation rife, the group moves to the Five-Star-Gold rated Lyth Hill House for the final visit where host Gwendda prepares herself for the tough criticisms from one guest in particular. And true to form, Christine isn't shy in airing her reservations - immediately finding fault in the bedding. The walking tour doesn't impress her either, and at breakfast her criticism of Gwendda's thick bacon baffles Alice. Tensions run high as the final feedback is given and the payments are counted, but with rumours of foul play simmering, will it be a case of ‘let the best man win', or will a less than worthy winner take the final prize? 

 

Episode 4

In this episode, the battling Bed and Breakfasts are: the five-star Winterbourne Country House, in the Isle of Wight where rooms go for up to £190 a night, the quaint two-bedroom £80-a-night Artist's House, in Fowey, South Cornwall, and finally the Raincliffe Hotel in Scarborough, where rooms go for up to £76 per stay.

On their first meeting at Winterbourne, the visiting guests are shocked by the price of the rooms that ex-partners Andrew and Andy provide and owners of the Raincliffe Hotel, Malcolm and Katherine, are particularly unconvinced by the quality of their £190 suite. The group's second visit is to the Artist's House B&B owned by textiles artist Vivien, and Malcolm soon makes an enemy of host Vivien with his clear distaste in her furnishings and general risqué humour. After being highly critical of the other hotels, lorry driver and aspiring comedian Malcolm and his wife Katherine have a lot to prove if their establishment the Raincliffe Hotel will be voted best value. But with one guest in particular out for vengeance, it's anyone's guess who will have the last laugh in this week's competition.

Episode 5

Tonight, the owners of Joseph's Amazing Camels, a £75-a-night B&B and camel-racing business just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, go head-to-head with the four-star Old Royal Oak pub and guesthouse in Knaresborough, Yorkshire where rooms cost up to £70 a night, and finally Balnabrechan Lodge, a four-star log cabin B&B situated north of Arbroath in Scotland which charges up to £75 per night.

The competition begins at Joseph's Amazing Camels run by Joe and Rebecca Fosset. Both sets of guests like the rooms but Cath, owner of the Old Royal Oak, cannot fathom why there are no TVs in the rooms and is equally as unimpressed with the camel riding activity that is set up for them. Next, is feisty Cath and husband Loren's turn to host at the Old Royal Oak where their pride in their B&B and town are put to the test. But while the guests fall in love with the history and beauty of Knaresborough, their feelings are not so positive for the B&B itself, with the lack of personality in the rooms and pub-setting major criticisms for all the visitors. With it all to play for final host Jules hopes to strike the right balance with the attention to detail shown at her Balnabrechan Lodge in the depths of Scotland. So with a feminine touch and some traditional Scottish fare up her sleeve, can Jules do enough to win the title as best value for money?

 

Episode 6

This week the claws are out as the battle of who does luxury best commences. Competing for the coveted title are: the five-star rated Pendragon Country House in Cornwall where rooms cost up to £130 per night; the luxury £135-a-night Hamble Retreat in Southampton; and finally Grey Cottage, a 160-year-old stone cottage in the Cotswolds where rooms are charged at up to £75 per stay.

First up to be judged is the Pendragon Country House in Cornwall, owned by husband and wife team, Nigel and Sharon Reed. With a gold star rating to its name, the other guests have high hopes of this B&B. But upon arrival, fellow hoteliers Nick and Jackie of the Hamble Retreat find the luxury and quality that they're used to lacking. And after a disappointing attempt at breakfast, Nigel and Sharon's chances of winning seem poor. With an equal star rating to Pendragon, second hosts Nick and Jackie hope to show that the Hamble Retreat is worth every penny. Initially, the house and abundant facilities wow the guests, and they all enjoy the trip to the National Motor Museum. But, after a heated debate about the star rating system at dinner, and a lack of selection at breakfast, Nick and Jackie are left red-faced by the not so glowing feedback they receive. As the tensions mount amongst the group, it's left to veteran B&B owner and former "Friendliest Landlady of the Year" Rosie, to impress at her establishment Grey Cottage. Nigel and Sharon are smitten with the old-world charm of Rosie's B&B, but still reeling from her showdown, Jackie is not so keen and despite being given the best room, finds little to merit. With emotions high and egos even higher, will there be a worthy winner in this battle of the B&Bs? 

Episode 7

Emotions run high in this episode as, three very different establishments battle it out for the title of best value B&B. fighting it out this time are: Wriggles Brook, a traditional gypsy caravan B&B in Herefordshire where rooms - or wagons - go for up to £80 per night, the £75-a-night four-star Swallowfield B&B in Coventry, and finally Leyland Country house in the New Forest, a boutique four-star B&B which charges up to £110 per night.

As mangers of Wriggles Brook for only four weeks, young couple Ollie and Millie have a lot to prove, and there are mixed reactions from the guests to the gypsy caravans and shock at the shared compost loo.  Former chef Ollie impresses with his two-course breakfast and their quad biking activity is enjoyed by most too. But will this be enough to counter the basic facilities available at Wriggles Brook?

Next up is the Swallowfield, a traditional B&B where host Suzanne prides herself on cleanliness. With high expectations, the other guests are not shy in putting Suzanne's hygiene to the test, and she's taken aback when Ollie and Millie claim they found a cobweb and dust in their room. Still reeling from this criticism, Suzanne is put to the test again when Millie asks for a vegetarian breakfast, and dreads the outcome at the final evaluation.

Finally comes the turn of Leyland Country House owned by single-mum Liese who markets her place as luxury - but will the others agree? Suzanne and Tony are initially very impressed with their room, but Ollie and Millie are underwhelmed by the standard of theirs. And while the group enjoys the luxury spa trip and are amazed by Liese's reasons for opening Leyland, they still have issues with her prices, which is hard feedback for Liese. After an emotional few days, will there finally be tears of joy as the payments are counted and the winner is announced?

 

Three in a Bed, Thursdays from 31 Mar, 8pm, Channel 4

Three in a Bed is back, as each week three house-proud proprietors vie to be crowned the best Bed & Breakfast by the toughest critics possible - fellow B&B owners.

They'll stay at each other's establishments for one night, critiquing everything from the bedrooms and cleanliness to the local attractions and all-important breakfast. However, it is not until the very last day that they all find out what the other owners have been prepared to pay and which establishment has come out on top.