‘Labour of love’ - Charming family-run Southport guest house wins yet another top award
The independent guest house has won a range of awards including B&B of the Year.
A charming, family-run guest house in Southport has earned yet another top accolade.
Founded in 2008 by Anthony Duffey, Sunnyside Guest House is located in the heart of Southport town centre, combining homely comfort with personal, welcoming service.
The B&B, on Bath Street, is run by Anthony and his wife Larissa Duffey and is built on a mantra of “responsible, caring and sustainable tourism”.
Sunnyside earned two prestigious Visit England Awards for Excellence in 2025 and has now been crowned Independent Tourism Business of the Year at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.
Anthony told Lancashire Post: “Winning B&B of the Year and Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Business of the Year at the National Visit England Awards in June was already an incredible honour, and to now receive this local accolade feels like the perfect affirmation of all the care and effort we put into Sunnyside Guest House.
“It’s been such a special 12 months which have included TV, Radio and national publicity along with invitations to the House of Lords and Downing Street but despite the pace, we’ve stayed true to our roots, providing good value for money seaside stays, without it costing the earth.
“Running Sunnyside is a labour of love, from baking fresh homemade cakes for guests to caring for our bees so visitors can enjoy honey straight from our hives.
“It’s the response from our guests, along with awards like this, that make all the hard work so worthwhile.”
He added that 2026 is shaping up to be ‘very special’ for Southport, explaining: “We’re especially excited about the new Elegantly Eccentric series of events for 2026.
“The next event is Cristal Palace, taking place over Easter on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 April.
“Town Hall Gardens will be transformed into a glittering open-air ballroom for a free 90 minute spectacle of aerial performance, live music, and dance, featuring acrobats visiting all the way from France. We can’t wait to welcome guests from near and far to experience the excitement of our vibrant town.”
The Bold Hotel in Southport was also recognised at this year’s LCR Tourism Awards, earning the impressive Small Serviced Accommodation of the Year title.
The award-winning, luxury boutique hotel can be found right in the town centre, on Lord Street, and features 23 rooms. Celebrating the win on social media, The Bold team said: “A huge thank you to our incredible team – this award is a testament to the hard work, passion and dedication you bring every day. We are so proud!”