From an idea to a welcoming B&B in Northwich.
I know! No blogs for months and than two blogs in a short period! We needed to write a blog this month as we are celebrating 10 years of The Hive at 52. Back in 2012, when Harro found himself between jobs, we started to wonder what was next. After a few chats, plenty of “what ifs”, and a spark of inspiration, we decided to turn part of our home into a Bed and Breakfast right here in Northwich, Cheshire.
By late 2014, early 2015, we rolled up our sleeves and got stuck in. The sitting room, our old bedroom and even the junk room were all transformed into three modern, comfortable guest rooms. We added a new ground-floor extension for an accessible wet room, converted the attic into an ensuite space, and spent months rewiring, plumbing, painting and decorating.
By November 2015, The Hive at 52 was finally ready. We furnished it with a mix of new essentials and locally sourced upcycled pieces. Then on 2nd November 2015, we went live on our booking system, and by January 2016, our first guest checked in. That moment is still as special as ever.
Ten years, thousands of guests, and plenty of breakfasts.
Fast forward 10 years of The Hive at 52, and the numbers tell quite a story:
🐝 2,850 bookings and counting
🐝 4,600+ guests welcomed
🐝 11,806 sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers washed and ironed
🐝 4,150 breakfasts cooked and served
🐝 2,530 king or super king beds made, plus 300 twin setups
Our guests have joined us for everything from holidays and family visits to weddings, funerals and local events like Delamere Forest Live. Around 85% book direct via our website, phone or WhatsApp, and around 60% are repeat guests. It’s a lovely reminder that we must be doing something right.
Check out Harro’s bedmaking skills
Recognition along the way: our award wins.
Running a small Bed and Breakfast in Cheshire is hard work, but moments of recognition make it even more worthwhile. In the past we never thought of entering any awards, not sure, but we never really felt like we could win!
In 2024, we entered the Marketing Cheshire and Chester Tourism Awards for the first time and were Highly Commended in the Small Accommodation Provider category.
Then, in 2025, the year we celebrate 10 years of The Hive at 52, we went one better, we won!
It’s a detailed process, from completing the application to being shortlisted as finalists, and then hosting a Mystery Shopper visit to assess the full guest experience. To come out on top was an incredible feeling, and we’re immensely proud of both achievements.
These awards mean the world to us because they reflect exactly what we’ve worked towards since day one, genuine hospitality, attention to detail, and creating a warm, welcoming space our guests love to return to. The categories are widespread and to be honest we beat some proper nice accommodation providers! Check out the winners in 2025 on Tourism awards 2025
Life behind the Hive at 52.
When we started, both our daughters were still in primary school. Fast-forward to now, the eldest has graduated from Bristol University, and the youngest is thriving in her degree apprenticeship. How life catches on with you when you are having fun and after 10 years of The Hive at 52!
Over the years Harro has also been promoting The Hive at 52 on various channels! He is trying hard to show us, the breakfast and what there in the areaon our social media channels and he even appeared on a variety of podcasts! Are you not following us yet? Check us out on Facebook , Instagram or LinkedIn and give us some love and even better share your images and tag us into post you do about The Hive at 52, and what is around!
In between breakfasts and bed-making, Harro found his version of a midlife crisis, not a flashy car, but long-distance running! From half marathons to two London Marathons and now ultra marathons, he’s hanging on the sofa when not looking after you for running shoes.
We’ve also raised four Hearing Dog puppies and welcomed our own cockerpoo, Rex, in 2021, he’s now an essential part of back of house team (waste control 🤭)
What we’ve learned (and changed) along the way.
What has 10 years of The Hive at 52 learned us? It is not just about running a B&B, but about people, service, and sustainability.
At The Hive at 52, we’ve made a real effort to become more environmentally responsible:
🌿 Installed solar panels and air source heat pumps
🌿 Switched to eco-friendly cleaning products
🌿 Reused, recycled and bought local wherever possible
All while keeping our guests’ comfort at the heart of everything we do.
What’s next for The Hive at 52?
Honestly, who knows! 10 years of The Hive at 52 have flown by. We’ve seen guests come and go, friendships formed over breakfast, and plenty of laughs along the way. Eight prime ministers later, we’re still here, still learning, and still loving what we do.
If you’ve stayed with us before, thank you for being part of our journey. If you haven’t yet, we’d love to welcome you soon. We’d love to hear what you think we should, could or would do, to make your stay even better than the last one!
Book direct and celebrate with us
To celebrate 10 years of The Hive at 52, we’re offering 10% off all direct bookings.
Whether you’re visiting Northwich, exploring Cheshire, or heading to Delamere Forest, The Hive at 52 is the perfect base, just 15 minutes from the forest and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Book direct through our official website or call 01606 853196 to claim your 10% discount (promo code Blog10 ,subject to availability)
Stay local. Support small. Celebrate with us.
Let’s get another 10 years of The Hive at 52, starting booking your shortbreak! Book direct & save 10%
