02/09/2026
There’s knowing a good place to stay… and then there’s knowing what makes a place truly special.
For over 20 years, Nicola Crosse has been putting that expertise to work for Sawday’s, personally inspecting the places we recommend. Because for us, it’s never been about ticking boxes or counting thread counts. It’s about meeting the people behind the place, getting a feel for the experience and asking the all-important question: would we genuinely want to stay here?
In this little behind-the-scenes moment at The End Shed in Norfolk, Nic shares what she looks for (and what she doesn't look for!) when she’s out on the road inspecting and why seeing a place in person tells you things a photo or website simply can’t.
And if Nicola looks a little familiar… 👀
Have you spotted her on The Great B&B Challenge? She’s one of the expert judges on the Channel 4 show, bringing her decades of experience finding the very best in hospitality to the screen. 📺
Catch up before the current series comes to an end this Friday!
You can also read our behind-the-scenes chat with Nic from the show: https://www.sawdays.co.uk/detour/inspiration/behind-the-scenes-with-our-nic-from-the-great-bb-challenge/
Because when you’ve been inspecting special places for decades, you know special when you see it. 💚
