A few years ago, Torquay could have easily gone down the road of so many other once popular seaside destinations and ended up as a rundown, very sad looking place. However, I'm glad to say that Torquay, as the jewel in the crown of the English Riviera was not going down without a fight.
For those of you who have not visited Torquay for a while, you may not recognise some areas. Much of the original Victorian architecture still exists in the splendid old buildings but now they have a new use, such as the old Cary Estates Office being used as a swanky cocktail bar called Soho. But, alongside you'll see clever modern architect designed buildings and features such as the new bridge over the harbour or the award winning Abbey Sands development which provides The 25 with a whole row of bars and restaurants only a ten-minute stroll away.
Things have by no means stalled. There's scaffolding up all over the place, bringing the exteriors of buildings back up to their original condition, and tired old guest houses are being sold to younger and enthusiastic owners, experienced in the world of great customer service and looking to create top notch accommodation - such as ourselves. We took an average ten-bedroom guest house and turned it into a six-bedroom boutique B&B which in less than twelve months won 5 Star Gold Awards, Breakfast Awards and is top on Trip Advisor in Devon out of over 1,500 other places!
The listed grand Pavillion on the seafront of Torquay is about to become the centrepiece of a new harbour development which will encompass a new hotel, shops, restaurants, a spa and apartments with sea views. The bottom of Old Torwood Street is getting a similar makeover. We have a new wine bar opening near us in a few weeks, and the regeneration of the High Street continues with new pop-up boutique shops.
Did you know that we have a Michelin star restaurant in Torquay? There's a fabulous selection of restaurants making this a real foodie destination from those specialising in locally caught fish, to cuisine from other countries, handmade chocolates, country pubs and delightful cake shops serving afternoon tea.
If you haven't visited Torquay before (maybe you associate us with Fawlty Towers!) then it's probably about time you did. Torquay is a lovely town, offering literally hundreds of things to do for tourists, not to mention places to eat, spectacular views, walks, beaches and other local towns and villages.
We are confident that you will fall in love with Torquay just like we did.
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