The Swan Hotel Harleston again on Channel 5's The Hotel Inspector

The owner of a Harleston hotel has been amazed by the public’s response since appearing on a popular TV show this week.

Robin Twigge, who runs the Swan Hotel, appeared on Channel 5’s The Hotel Inspector on Tuesday.

The show told the story of a return visit by presenter Alex Polizzi to check up on how things were going – nine years after she first dropped by to give her advice.

Since the show, Mr Twigge said he has received more than 70 emails and three bookings – one person even going as far as to cancel their holiday abroad to come to The Swan instead.

“I was really nervous before the show aired this week because I don’t get to see a preview,” said Robin, who is originally from the Lake District.

“When Alex visited last year to check up on how things were going, I looked forward to it. I’ve done a lot over the nine years since I was first on the show in 2009.”

Back then, the 15-bed hotel was suffering from a lack of bookings and Robin was relying on his bustling bar to keep him afloat.

Inspector Alex was also less than impressed to find an unmanned reception, no guest lounge and various stains on the bathroom floor.

But during her visit, the hotel underwent a renovation, changed its huge menu and received a three-star accreditation.

On her return visit, she praised subsequent refurbishments and was especially impressed with the new piano bar.

Robin said his room occupancy has also grown by more than 10 per cent and is pleased with the overall atmosphere of the hotel.

Alex proposed another idea to help keep the hotel, which is nearly 500-years-old, up-to-date: a new website, which is now complete.

The Hotel Inspector: Checking In, Checking Out is available on Channel 5’s catch-up service.