Last night I went along to the 'Re-launch Event' at The Hollybush Inn. Over the last couple of months Barbara has had a TV crew in from Channel 5 for the 'Hotel Inspector' programme. Local businesses and residents were invited along to enjoy some live music, a meal from their new chef and to have a tour round the campsite and the new look B&B rooms.

On arriving I met some familiar faces, grabbed myself a Stowfords Press Cider and talked to other guests about the evening ahead. Unfortunately I could only stop for a couple of hours as I had other commitments.

Barbara came to greet us and took us on a tour of the woodland and campsite. I walked through here a few years ago, as a pit stop on our way canoing down the Wye. It really is very beautiful. Barbara has kept everything very natural. If camping at the Hollybush you really would get a true camping experience. Over a wooden bridge, with a flowing stream beneath us, and we were at the tipi site. In one of them a stove had been lit and cushions placed for comfort. The Badham family would love a tipi of our own at Goosepool, after seeing this, I think we'll need to put it on Santa's list! Barbara informed us that she charges £15 per person, per night to stay in one of the four tipis. Very reasonable I thought and especially for such a unique situation overlooking the River Wye and surrounded by woodland and nature. Along the walk we also met the resident pig. Whilst on our tour we were also being filmed by Channel 5.

It was getting dark so we made our way back to the pub. Many more guests had arrived, again lots of familiar faces. It was nice to see local businesses and the community supporting Barbara.

Our next tour was of the rooms. As part of the Hotel Inspector project, the team had 're-vamped' a few of the rooms. They provided the furniture, accessories and labour. One room was particularly nice, it had a free standing bath within the bedroom. All rooms had many original features such as fireplaces, wooden floor boards and accessories to keep within the character. Barbara still has more improvements to make but this will take time. The main purpose of the re-vamp is to improve the rooms and create a Winter income.

As we made our way downstairs we were introduced to Hotelier Alex Polizzi, the presenter of the Hotel Inspector TV show, to which I'm a big fan. Alex's quest is to salvage some of Britain's worst-run hotels and bed-and-breakfast establishments. Alex and her film crew were keen to meet as many local people as possible. For me it was a new experience being in a pub with a camera everywhere you looked. I do hope I am cut out of any footage for the show!

It would have been easy to stay. The log fire was burning. The Almshouse band were setting up, getting ready to play Heartfelt Blues, Haunting and Fiery Celtic Melodies and a hint of Klezmer ... I'm sure the party went into the early hours!

Alex, her team and Barbara have made a huge improvement to the Hollybush Inn. I look forward to seeing how the business grows over the next 12 months. Anyone who knows Barbara knows she has a heart of gold. She is a little bit excentric, ie swimming in the Wye even at this time of year! But Barbara has plenty of interesting stories and ideas. She is certainly a one off.

Good luck and thank you for inviting me.

Lisa Marie x