Spanhoe Lodge in Laxton featured on Channel 5 show

A hospitality business has had the TV treatment as it appeared on a Channel 5 show.

Reece Crane and Neil Roberts, co-owners of Spanhoe Lodge in Laxton, made the brave punt to apply to appear on The Hotel Inspector.

Reece, 29, and Neil, 51, were watching the show in 2019 when they decided to apply, and after a lengthy application process, the business was selected.

The documentary series follows the host, Alex Polizzi, as she turns high-end establishments into more profitable businesses.

Reece said: “She came and stayed over night and after breakfast the following morning shared her findings.

“Alex had no problem with the bedrooms but she felt like the place was missing some character. She wanted us to redecorate the reception, which we did as instructed, and a bit of tweaking in the dining room which we had already refurbished ourselves.

“Alex also prompted us to have more of an ethos on local produce so we are now using a farm a mile up the road.”

Alex helped the pair put the business through the AA scheme, and Spanhoe Lodge was awarded our stars.

Reece said: “We had 10 filming days in total, four were with Alex and the others were just with us and the production team. It took us from September right through until Christmas.

“It was an enjoyable process and is one of those things which gets a bit easier the more you do it.

“The hardest thing to remember is when they ask you a question you can’t just answer it, you have to repeat back the question in your answer.”

As well as the changes the pair made in the show, since taking over the business in 2016 they have put in an outdoor pool and hot-tub.

The Hotel Inspector episode featuring Spanhoe Lodge was broadcast for the first time on July 22, and is available on catch-up.

Reece said: “We didn’t get to see the final cut until it was on TV. I think they kind of made it a bit more dramatic for TV but at the end of the day they are creating a programme.

“At times it was a bit cringey to watch but we got everyone who works there to watch it together."