Devon B&B Owners Look Back at Five Decades of Classic Sitcom, Explain Why The Infamous Character Wouldn’t Survive in Modern Online Review Era

With his rude and hurried customer treatment, bad mood, and overt snobbery, Basil Fawlty likely never imagined serving as an example for bed-and-breakfast owners.

But five decades since the iconic comedy premiered on British television, local guesthouses are still fond of the town’s association with the TV show and its eponymous proprietor.

Origins of the Classic Series

While the popular series was not shot in the Devon town or the surrounding south coast, it was selected for the backdrop after actor and creator the comedic genius had a personal experience with an eccentric hotelier in the coastal area.

Cleese and the Monty Python team visited a local establishment in 1970, during which the owner, a retired naval officer, and his wife, Beatrice, provided the inspiration for two of UK comedy’s most enduring characters, Basil and Sybil Fawlty.

Sinclair reportedly berated Terry Gilliam for using his knife and fork incorrectly and tossed another visitor’s bag outside thinking it held a explosive, which turned out to be a ticking alarm clock.

Modern Hospitality vs. Fawlty’s Era

One hotel owner, the owner of the highly-rated award-winning guesthouse, says that the town and tourism sector have long moved on from the era of chaotic service, allowing them to look back with affection for the Bafta-winning show.

“Most people look on it with positive feelings,” Banner-Price notes. “We’re grateful that it continues to place Torquay on the map. It’s unlikely anyone comes back assuming that Torquay is similar any more.”

In spite of the odd tribute – such as a mannequin lamp wearing a pink feather boa in a room called Manuel – the comedy could not be more different from contemporary B&Bs. Colorful, uniquely styled rooms with modern amenities have won owners numerous accolades from VisitEngland, rating agencies, and review sites.

Role Played by Digital Feedback

The character would not survive in the world of digital ratings, Banner-Price says. “In the past, visitors sent complaint letters,” he says. “That era has ended now, because people can share feedback publicly for everybody to read. All establishments must maintain an digital presence, and that drives the majority of bookings.”

Shifting Attitudes From Visitors

Just up the road, Julie-Ann Afrin and her partner run their B&B, and are happy to occasionally lean into the town’s association with Fawlty.

“We have our regulars love to call my spouse after the character, and he joins in the fun by being pseudo-rude – but only with familiar faces,” Afrin notes.

However, she perceives that interest in the series among guests is declining, in part due to changing tastes and perceptions of outdated humour.

A few years ago, a row erupted over the removal of one installment of the show from a streaming service over use of offensive language. At the moment, Cleese described the decision as “timid and spineless”.

Tourism and Interest Today

Yet tourists continue visiting the area because of their affection toward the show. Even with one of the series’ best-known scenes addressing the delicate topic of the second world war – coining the memorable line “Don’t mention the war!” – the owner observes that a significant number of fans are Germans.

“The situation is a double-edged sword,” she states. “Firstly, the community welcomes the connection; on the other hand, it aims to dissociate from having innkeepers such as Basil Fawlty.”

The sitcom’s links within Torquay are not exactly evident along the seafront. There are few reminders, and little merchandise are on offer, although a guided experience still operates, and one hotel is marking the 50th anniversary with a live-action dining experience.

The original inspiration, torn down years ago, is memorialised by a blue plaque on the retirement home that replaced it.

Comparison to Agatha Christie

Lack of promotion of the comedy is in sharp difference to the constant visibility of Agatha Christie, who has a monument on the waterfront as part of the so-called literary trail.

One retailer of a local store thinks the council should be making more of the town’s association with the series.

“The council haven’t done enough about it,” said the shop owner. “No effort to make anyone aware that Fawlty Towers is five decades old. The town promotes themselves with the novelist but not Fawlty Towers. I think it could be too late now – newer visitors are less engaged.”