Inn Keeping with Mr Fawlty

Chapter Synopsis

Introduction
Why write a book? Can the hotel business really be that interesting, and why the comparison to Basil Fawlty.
1 Celebrity Boots
What really happens when a “do you know who I am” C-lister walks in and dumps her walking boots on your reception desk, which had just recently been handcrafted in Oak.
2 An Inspector Calls
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the fridge, a little Hitler turns up to test your Health and Safety policy wearing more white than the average bride.
3 The Making of Basil
From an upmarket B&B in middle England to an Elizabethan Manor house hotel in Corfe Castle, via the golf course.
4 Annus Horribilus
Taking the reins of the Elizabethan Manor, a busy hotel with an inexperienced team, all of who expected me to know everything. A baptism of fire as foot and mouth hits after four months in charge. Our underestimation of customer expectation is clear. The first year was always going to be the hardest, the learning curve very steep as were the mortgage payments on our seven figure loan.
5 The Sleepwalker
Walking and Sleeping is not always advisable, especially if you don't know your way around.
6 Spoon Salesmen
Just like Bernard Cribbins in Fawlty Towers, hotel inspectors creep around pretending to be unnoticeable. They stand out like a fly in the soup. Fun and games always ensue.
7 Perfectly Maid
When your housekeeper is three score years and more than ten, calling on her experience is a must. She is irreplaceable.
8 Men in White Coats
The only thing missing from a Chef's jacket is the buckles on the end of the sleeves, used when they need carting off for a spell in a padded cell.
9 Four Weddings and a Funeral
Dearly beloved and Dearly departed, till death do us part.
10 Bragging Rights
A game of cards gets out of hand.
11 Making a Show of Yourself
Perfoming on Ready Steady Cook and in front of guests for charity.
12 Guests from Hell
They may be a huge minority but always so memorable, for all the wrong reasons.
13 Drunk and Disorderly
Under the influence and misbehaving at the Manor House.
14 Cruella de Vil
The top performer and the pick of the guests from hell.
15 Mr Bean and Friends of the House
Some of the guests that left a lasting impression - a good one at that.
16 An April Fool
I should never have crossed the threshold that day.
17 Vintage People and their Lagonda's
When 18 vintage Lagonda's fill the car park and the Hotel entertains their owners for the weekend.
18 Children for Dinner
The good, the bad and the perfect cases.
19 The Tourism Industry Oscars
The awards ceremony and a return 'home', the results and a restless night.
20 'Tis the Season to be Jolly
The festive period holds plenty of foreboding for the Innkeeper and the families involved.
21 The Rundles
A rocky relationship with our neighbours developed into so much more than I ever expected.
22 The Passage of Time
It's almost over but as yet, the fat lady hasn't warmed her vocal cords.
 
 
Introduction
 
 
 
 
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