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Sophie Braybrooke, Stay in a Pub CEO, Joins Channel 5’s The Hotel Inspector at The Dukes in Heath & Reach

Dog Friendly | News | Pub | Pub Accommodation | Short Break | Uk Pubs | Posted 2024.08.07

High standards and continuous improvement are essentials in hospitality. These two crucial elements were at the forefront when Sophie Braybrooke, CEO of Stay in a Pub, joined The Hotel Inspector’s Alex Polizzi to revisit The Dukes in Heath & Reach.

This 270-year-old Grade II listed pub has previously undergone changes following Alex Polizzi’s guidance, but the recent cost-of-living crisis saw landlady Sarah Smith struggling to fill her four double en-suite bedrooms.  

Speaking to the Leighton Buzzard Observer, Sarah enthused about Sophie and Alex visiting to inject new life into the historic pub: “When I heard Alex was going to make a return, we almost breathed a sigh of relief. She really helped last time and the publicity we got from doing the show had a massive positive impact on visitors.”

The Hotel Inspector at The Dukes pub

Dog-friendly rooms for a cosy pub stay

Located in the rural greenery of Bedfordshire, The Dukes is one of the county’s best pubs with rooms offering dog-friendly family rooms for an idyllic break from the city. 

As part of the pub’s appearance on The Hotel Inspector, Sophie Braybrooke provided insight into digital elements like promoting pub accommodation, driving direct bookings, and enhancing digital marketing strategies. Sophie has been the CEO of Stay in a Pub since 2021, and has accumulated knowledge and experience that proved invaluable for Sarah and The Dukes pub.

The Dukes pub bedroom

Enhancing the community appeal

As with all of the pubs that you’ll find on our expansive pub finder, The Dukes is aiming to become a key part of the community to drive even more bookings for its refurbished rooms. 

This has included the introduction of a monthly open mic night, as well as a classic car meet and monthly pub quiz to bring in new visitors. 

“The team and I are still striving for constant improvement and our reputation for hosting parties and events is ever-growing,” said Sarah, speaking to the Observer. “We still need support from our community and continue to put on events we hope they will enjoy.”

The Dukes bar

Take advantage of the brand-new deal

Following The Dukes’ appearance on The Hotel Inspector, the pub has introduced a special ‘Rest & Roast’ offer which includes a two-night stay, roast dinner and full English breakfast for just £99 per person. 

This offer is available through the pub’s dedicated page on Stay in a Pub, where you’ll also be able to view the local area of Leighton Buzzard and plan your countryside getaway.