A boutique bed and breakfast owner has opened up about how his business has gone from strength to strength since his venue appeared on a hit Channel 4 show – catapulting it to a wide range of customers from across the UK.

Rob Mitchell, who owns the Lime Tree Inn at Great Ouseburn in North Yorkshire, which combines a pub and restaurant with seven boutique rooms, appeared on hospitality programme Four in a Bed at the end of October – has spoken about life for the business now the programme has aired.

After being contacted by producers of the show to feature on the series, Mr Mitchell, who only opened the business during the last Covid-19 lockdown, has branded it a “fantastic experience”.

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In the programme, which sees four different hotel and B&B owners stay with each other before the winner is crowned on a rating system, The Lime Tree was full showcased and featured the “home away from home” qualities that Mr Mitchell says the venue is known for.

Speaking to The Northern Echo about his experience on the show, Mr Mitchell said: “A lot of effort has gone in to developing the venue, and as soon as producers contacted us, we wanted to showcase The Lime Tree Inn.

The Northern Echo: Rob Mitchell of The Lime Tree Inn. Picture: THE LIME TREE INN.Rob Mitchell of The Lime Tree Inn. Picture: THE LIME TREE INN. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“It was a fantastic experience – the crew looked after us, and everyone involved got on very well.”

Despite missing out on the top spot, after Abbey Court Guest House in Carlisle scooped the grand prize, Rob has said that the exposure of TV has led to a few guest enquiries – and even a little light teasing from the Great Ouseburn community, who now call him a “local celebrity”.

Already, Mr Mitchell has several bookings for September and October next year – and expects more to follow.

The Northern Echo: The Lime Tree Inn with all four groups of contestants from Four in a Bed. Picture: THE LIME TREE INN.The Lime Tree Inn with all four groups of contestants from Four in a Bed. Picture: THE LIME TREE INN. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

He added: “People travel from all over the UK, and since we’ve only been open for the last two years, we’ve had to rely on online reviews and word of mouth, but we’re glad that we came across well in the TV programme.

“People from Great Ouseburn have joked that I’m now a celebrity – but you take it all in your stride.”

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