Thousands tuned in on Friday to see the Townhead Hotel voted the best in business on Channel 4’s popular Four in a Bed show.
It involves four B&B owners, who take turns to stay with one another – and pay what they consider fair for their stay.
The winner is the establishment named best value for money. Hotelier Stephen Montgomery and his partner Jan Livingston made their small screen debut last Monday when they visited Lake District B&B Room 36, followed by stays at the Red Lion Coaching Inn near Gainsborough and Aberfeldy’s Schiehallion Hotel.
On Thursday it was Lockerbie’s time in the limelight with Stephen treating his guests to a curling match at the ice rink and wining and dining them at the hotel’s own in-house restaurant.
Meanwhile, Jan was keen to showcase regional delicacies, including Moffat Toffee. On d-day all four B&B owners headed to the Somerton Hotel, Lockerbie, for the winner to be revealed.
And it was Lockerbie’s own that came out on top, as the only venue to receive an overpayment from guests. A delighted Stephen and Jan have been harbouring the secret of their win for months, after the airing of the show was put back from May to July.
And they say since the show aired the phone has been ringing off the hook with messages from wellwishers and they have been inundated with cards and praise from townsfolk.
Stephen said: “Jan and I were both really excited to have been chosen to take part in this programme, but we put it to the staff first of all, and they were really enthusiastic and were adamant we had to take part.
“It was a long two weeks of filming up and down the country before it was our turn, and stress levels were put to the test.
“It was an experience that we will never forget and we made some great friends along the way.”
He added: “To have actually won this was just amazing and as viewers saw on payment day my emotions got the better of me because of the journey we have taken the Townhead Hotel on over the past three years.
“None of this would have been possible without the help and support of our families, our staff who were absolutely fantastic, and close friends.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to Lockerbie Ice Rink for everything they did to help us and supporting our hosting day. I think this has yet again put Lockerbie on the map, and our hope is that it will attract more visitors to our lovely town. Forward Lockerbie.”
