Review of Birchfield House

by the Financial Times

Birchfield House is far removed from the bed and breakfasts of old Douglas. Instead of the landlady frying bacon and eggs, guests can dine on homemade muesli from the owner, TV chef Kevin Woodford.

Mr Woodford is a Manxman who rose to fame on This Morning, the ITV magazine programme, and has since worked extensively for the BBC as an actor and presenter of shows from Ready, Steady Cook to Songs of Praise.

He and his wife opened the boutique hotel in his homeland only this year. Its three rooms are already in high demand without the need to advertise. Many wealthy individuals keep their money or run businesses on the island and make frequent visits. There has been nothing above four-star hotels for them before.

Mr Woodford says they like the cosy but high-quality feel. A graceful house on a hill with sea views, the décor has “local flavour”, he says, but there is wireless internet access and individual phone numbers for each room.

“A lot of people are doing serious business on the isle of Man. They will take the whole place over, with the chief exec., finance director and PA in different rooms. The dining room seats eight to 10 so they can have clients and advisers over for dinner”.

He does all the preparation and cooking himself and uses local ingredients as far as he can. “It is a marriage of high-touch and high-tech” says Mr Woodford.

Andrew Bounds, 11 November 2008.

Review of Birchfield House

by Sylvain Bouteiller

“Those who know me well can testify that I am possibly the worst guest to have in an hotel! However after 24 years in the industry I can honestly say I had the best stay ever.

I was greeted by Jean and Kevin at Birchfield House. The bedroom is what I call a real bedroom, with your own telephone number and the best mattress in history. The house felt so homely thanks to Jean and the way she has so tastefully decorated all the rooms.Embarrassingly I knew my host but could not remember his name … so I called Louise to ask who was the chef on “Ready Steady Cook” with a moustache! Yes you have guessed it: Kevin Woodford!

Finally the meal, I had ‘Queenies’ as a starter (small scallops) and a succulent chicken stuffed with pork. 80% of the food is organic and this was one of the best meals I have had in 24 years (except at home and at my parents-in-law of course!) If anyone wanted to see how an hotel should be run, they should stay at Jean and Kevin’s.

I would, without doubt, suggest this lovely little place for your special bookings.”