We've recently attended the South Devon Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2016 at the local Riviera International Centre - only a five minute walk from The 25.
It was a glitzy affair and we had to dust off our dinner jackets.
We were really pleased to be announced as the Gold winners of B&B of the Year 2016. We won jointly with another B&B as the judges were unable to separate us and we were both Gold standard. They are friends of ours so we were happy to share it with other worthy winners.
The big shock of the night was when they announced that The 25 Boutique B&B had also won "Winner of Winners" - Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year 2016! Even Julian was lost for words which is a rarity.
We went up on stage to receive our award and I gave a short acceptance speech. I'd obviously not prepared anything but it was well received. Luckily the local newspaper has a transcript of my speech quoted in this week's edition so I was able to read what I had said as I couldn't remember - it was all a bit of a blur.
Our "awards wall" is starting to fill up nicely. As well as our Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, Breakfast awards from AA and Visit England and Gold awards from both tourist bodies too, we're also finalists for some other awards.
Unfortunately, I can't announce one award which we've reached the final in, but the big news is expected soon. We're also in the top three finalists of the Hilden Style Awards which would be great if we won as this would recognize the design features we put into the rooms and be great PR.
We have been informed that we've won another award too, but again, until it's announced at the Independent Hotel Show which we're attending in London next week then we have to keep it a secret. Keep an eye on social media for our announcements as they come. Search for "The25Torquay" on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Awards aren't everything but it is nice to be recognized for all the hard work we have put in over the last 18 months building The 25. If you haven't visited us yet - come and see what all the fuss is about!