BRITAIN´S best B&B is in contention for a hat-trick of awards at this year’s Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards. 

Last year Sunnyside Guest House, on Bath Street in Southport town centre, was recognised by judges as national winners of B&B of the Year and Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Business of the Year. 

This Thursday (5 March 2026) owners Anthony and Larissa Duffey will join Finalists invited to the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards at Liverpool Cathedral at an event hosted by Radio Merseyside presenter Kevin Duala. 

The awards celebrate the people, places and experiences powering a visitor economy worth £6.25 billion. 

Category winners are eligible to be considered for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, providing a route to wider recognition beyond the City Region.

Sunnyside Guest House is a Finalist for the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award; Independent Tourism Business of the Year; and International Tourism Award. 

They will be in good company with other local finalists at the awards during a record-breaking year for entries:- 

• The Bold Hotel on Lord Street is  a Finalist for Small Accommodation Provider of the Year
• Southport Flower Show,  Southport Food and Drink Festival and Salt and Tar Music Weekend in Bootle are all Finalists for Event or Festival of the Year 
• The Bus Yard in Crosby is a Finalists for Independent Tourism Business of the Year

Anthony and Larissa Duffey said:- “We are absolutely delighted to share that Sunnyside Guest House Southport has been shortlisted as a finalist in 3 categories at the prestigious Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards:- Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award, Independent Tourism Business of the Year, International Tourism Award. This awards evening holds a special place in our hearts. Last year, this was where our journey truly began, going on to become national winners of B&B of the Year and Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Business of the Year. It was an unforgettable moment for us as a small, independent guest house and we’ve had such an incredible 12 months."

They continued:- “This year feels different. We’re not coming with expectations of repeating that same success, instead, we’ve focused on growth and preparation for a special year ahead for Southport. Our International Tourism Award application reflects the exciting calendar of major events coming to the region this year, most notably The Open Championship, which will bring visitors from around the world to our doorstep. For the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award, we’ve made meaningful improvements to our accessibility. The application process itself has been invaluable in helping us review, refine and strengthen how we support all of our guests. While we’re not expecting to take home a trophy this time, we’ve already gained so much from the journey, from honest self reflection during the application process to insightful conversations with the judges. That learning will shape how we progress moving forward. Whatever happens on Thursday, we’re incredibly proud to stand alongside so many fantastic tourism businesses across the Region. Wish us luck!”

The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards celebrate the people, places and experiences powering a visitor economy worth £6.25 billion, showcasing the quality, creativity and welcome that make Liverpool City Region one of the United Kingdom’s most compelling destinations.

With 20 categories spanning accommodation, attractions, food and drink, entertainment, events and innovation, this year’s shortlist underlines the scope of the Region’s offer.