Series 9 - The Bellingham, Wigan

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The Hotel Inspector is called to the Bellingham in Wigan, run by 24-year-old former burger van operator Richard. His dad Steve took over the Bellingham last year, but putting his inexperienced son in charge of restoring the once-proud, 33-bedroom Victorian hotel back to its former glory may not have been the wisest move the local businessman has made.

Things have not been going according to plan. The rooms are past their sell-by date, retailing for just £25 per night, and Richard’s inspired idea to transform the hotel’s restaurant into the Wild West-themed Speedway Grill has crashed and burned. The uninspiring menu and decor failed to fire up custom, forcing Richard to close its doors. Richard is badly in need of some expert advice from the Hotel Inspector. Can she help the young manager turn things around before this Wigan hotel falls off the pier?

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Comments (34)

  • cruz vr

    23 days ago

    cruz vr

    Alex only portraits the truth she does a good job and i know it carnt be easy for here she should return doing the tv programme she is missed dearly carry on Alex ur a star and would love to meet here shes like a sister i have never had come bk sis ur missed

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  • Clayton

    1 month ago

    Clayton

    A few people here have called Jen the receptionist, her roll was "Marketing Manager" which is the EXACT roll you would need after a visit from Alex and her crew. She would have been in charge of doing the radio ad for example... It was a silly thing to do at the worst possible time.

  • Suzy Monty

    4 months ago

    Suzy Monty

    The beautiful 6ft red-head receptionist that left half way through the programme as manager couldn't afford her wage bill.... would make a stunning fashion model...where is she now?

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  • paulwhalley

    7 months ago

    paulwhalley

    rafa benitez are you richard in discuise?

  • Helen

    10 months ago

    Helen

    I would love to know where you got the dining room wallpaper from, it was lovely

  • RobbiG

    10 months ago

    RobbiG

    Yes Laura its so sad when a place one loved going to has lost its grandeur and personality, dare i say 'soul'. i can imagine how much more so for your family, being the previous owners. Well take comfort in that the hotal inspector is here. ps: Ah a man after my own tastes, well said rj watson. Quite, yes, Alex AND Jen, how delectable.

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  • karenj

    10 months ago

    karenj

    time to stop watching anything on channel 5. as when i miss aything trying to watch it on here is a nightmare.freezing and then trying to get started again having to adverts 30 times to try and get the whole programme

  • cynical - moi?

    10 months ago

    cynical - moi?

    OMG how on God's green earth did this place get into Les Routiers? At least the AA inspector had the cojones to say no in the previous episode! Ah, silly me - they've paid for it, have a look at the Les Routiers website. Membership from £325. That's the last time I believe a recommendaton from them.

  • Isobel

    10 months ago

    Isobel

    I would have been disgusted to have an afternoon tea that looked like that. All shop bought cakes and doorstop sandwiches. Where is his finesse. Danish pastries on afternoon tea why? Love Alex though.

  • Lynn

    11 months ago

    Lynn

    This is so jerky - stopping and starting - and at unfortunate places! "Alex Polinkski is an award winning ho..." apparently.

  • Lynn

    11 months ago

    Lynn

    This is so jerky - stopping and starting - and at unfortunate places! "Alex Polinkski is an award winning ho..." apparently.

  • Daniel

    11 months ago

    Daniel

    Jen was sacked due to richard feeling threatened by her, she is more professional than he.

  • cb

    11 months ago

    cb

    strangely enough, my flash player isn't being detected... after clicking on "report problem" it then works though

  • kath

    11 months ago

    kath

    I do have the right flash player but it still tells me to get one!!!!! Sort it channel 5 pls

  • Wolfshead

    11 months ago

    Wolfshead

    Amanda - your comments are spot on!

  • Wolfshead

    11 months ago

    Wolfshead

    Yet another example of a little boy playing at running a business handed to him by his father! Perhaps spending some time working in a real hotel would help Richard - assuming he wasn't fired in the first week! About afternoon tea. You never, never, NEVER serve sandwiches like that! How could Alex (who should know better) let him get away with serving those doorstop baguettes at a so-called afternoon tea??? It would appear that the Bellingham's biggest problem is (as usual) the "management"!

  • rj watson

    11 months ago

    rj watson

    i would like a threesome with jen and alex

  • Johnny

    11 months ago

    Johnny

    This new series is a bit boring, bring back Steve (Coogan) from Grimscote Manor! From what I've seen from reviews on Trip advisor they seem to be doing really well. I agree with ClauBrazil's comments completely

  • John

    11 months ago

    John

    What was he doing getting rid of the receptionist, is the man mad?????

  • D.H.

    11 months ago

    D.H.

    Jen should not have been sacked, she should have been put in charge of the place!!!! She was far better at speaking and taking on board what was said. Richard is a typical talentless son of a rich man....he just doesn't deserve to be were he is!

  • ClauBrazil

    11 months ago

    ClauBrazil

    I love your show Alex keep going and looking for more Hotels please to show to us how well it would be for them to have you as a adviser...........

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  • Laura

    11 months ago

    Laura

    Gutted to see what has happened to the Bellingham Hotel. My grandparents Annie and Reg Casey owned and ran this hotel very successfully in the 70s and 80s. A tragedy to see what has happened to it. :o(

  • J carden

    11 months ago

    J carden

    amanda well done for sounding like a top tit.

  • Sue. E.

    11 months ago

    Sue. E.

    I remember the Bellingham 30yrs ago and it is sad to see it as it is today.I am a great fan of the show and of Alex but somehow this episode lacked something..........supprised Alex let them get away with serving up Mr kipling French Fancies I think they have been around longer than 30yrs.

  • LJ

    11 months ago

    LJ

    Hmm the Bellingham has come a long way but still has a long way to go and much to do on the room offerings, service and online marketing. It makes me want to come in and sort it out for them! However, I wish him luck as he seems a nice lad, I just think they need continued help, Alex did an amazing job guiding them with the time she had but it's not enough.

  • Rob

    11 months ago

    Rob

    I fully agree with Amanda's comments. I used to work in the hotel industry at management level and also know Ealing as I used to work and live there. Whilst I hope the Caspian is going to survive, I have serious doubts about the capability of the two people running it. The 3 stars were completely misplaced and should never have been awarded. The Caspian's owners behaviour just made me cringe.

  • Rafa Benitez

    11 months ago

    Rafa Benitez

    Can't wait to see the Bellingham episode. I've known Richard for 6 years and he is one of the most genuine and kind fellas I've met, I'm proud to call him a friend. I hope the program isn't an obvious stitch up but shows his willingness to learn and improve the business as well as his unquestionable personal 'qwalities for shure'.

  • Amanda

    11 months ago

    Amanda

    Please alter my original comment to read ",,,,,,,,run by two idiots who do NOT have an idea..........."

  • Amanda

    11 months ago

    Amanda

    I think the new series is very disappointing and not up to its usual standard. To award The Caspian 3 stars is just outrageous. It is run by two idiots who do have an idea of how to run a hotel let alone a B&B and it does not deserve that caliber of rating by any stretch of the imagination. It looks like a put-up job and Alex did not look comfortable with it. Come on, you can do better than this.

  • Matt

    11 months ago

    Matt

    BRilliant show Channel 5. Keep things like this coming and I will return every chance I get!

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