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Chaos, charm and courageous campaigning — one man’s story of hospitality and hard knocks.
Lee Cash
A hilarious trip through a lifetime of running a family hotel. I've known Will for nearly all of this time and know its all true! Will has dedicated his life to making the Cottage a home from home for the many people that have loved staying and working there. He's a big hearted guy who so often makes the extra effort to make the occasion special for people.
Dean Bennet
A Good Scrap, I Fear is a thoroughly enjoyable read, shining a light on the trials and tribulations of a hotelier running a family business. The author brings together funny and touching stories that offer a real insight into the chaos, charm, and emotional rollercoaster of hospitality life.
What really stands out are the truly shocking planning barriers encountered along the way - moments that leave you shaking your head in disbelief, yet completely absorbed in the journey. The combination of humour, heart, and hard-won victories makes A Good Scrap, I Fear a compelling and memorable book, and one I happily recommend.
Jacqui Dawson
As usual William has brought a lot of joy and laughter with this book.
However he has also shown how dedicated to his business and his fight for securing the future of this well loved hotel he is. Long may this continue and many thanks for the many happy memories the team as a whole have created.
Jane Phillips
A great read, really enjoyed this book. I've known the Cottage Hotel for many and this book describes the hotel and the family experiences so well. I recommend this book for everyone who values family run hotels. Thank you William for writing this book with humour
Sue Dunn
Bought for my husband, he is about half way through the book and is loving it. I have been staying at the Cottage for over 60 years, cant wait to read Williams book when hubby has finished it!
Pam Brewster
A brilliant read and very humerous with so many of the events/ people being recalled following over 50 years of staying at the wonderful Cottage Hotel! Managing a hotel must be a difficult role when dealing with so many diverse events yet still appearing cool , calm and collected at all times for the guests.
William and Sarah, and now Neil, are so dedicated and make everyone's stay a happy and memorable event. The Cottage is still my favorite place to be so, see you later in the year!
Graham Harding
“A Good Scrap I Fear” is a great read. My wife (Sue) and I have been coming to Hope Cove for well over 30 years, graduating to the “Cottage” when our previous accommodation was put up for sale and was no longer able to offer an evening meal. William and Sarah kindly took us in as dinner guests where the warm and friendly atmosphere together with excellent food encouraged us to become regular dinner, bed and breakfast guests. Well done William for tackling some awkward and difficult subject matter that we as guests would not normally be aware of, including your own personal challenges.
Lee Cash
A hilarious trip through a lifetime of running a family hotel. I've known Will for nearly all of this time and know its all true! Will has dedicated his life to making the Cottage a home from home for the many people that have loved staying and working there. He's a big hearted guy who so often makes the extra effort to make the occasion special for people.
Dean Bennet
A Good Scrap, I Fear is a thoroughly enjoyable read, shining a light on the trials and tribulations of a hotelier running a family business. The author brings together funny and touching stories that offer a real insight into the chaos, charm, and emotional rollercoaster of hospitality life.
What really stands out are the truly shocking planning barriers encountered along the way - moments that leave you shaking your head in disbelief, yet completely absorbed in the journey. The combination of humour, heart, and hard-won victories makes A Good Scrap, I Fear a compelling and memorable book, and one I happily recommend.
Endorsed by: Alex Polizzi (Hotelier/Tv Presenter Michel Cochrane (Actor). Also by a Lawyer and a Barrister!
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The Cottage Hotel, Hope Cove
Nestled on the cliffs above the harbour beach at Hope Cove in South Devon, The Cottage Hotel is a family-run seaside retreat distinguished by its timeless charm and commanding views of the coastline.
For decades, guests have awakened to spectacular sea vistas, dined under sunset skies, and meandered straight into village life from the terraces and lounges overlooking the Cove.
Operating since 1973 under the Ireland family, the hotel combines warmth and continuity with a welcoming attitude toward all who arrive. Today, many of its rooms still open to the sea, and its lounges, bar, restaurant, and terraced outdoor areas remain central to its character.
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A Place of Stories
What appears to many as a picturesque coastal getaway is, behind the scenes, the living setting of a rich, complex narrative. The daily rhythms, the staff camaraderie, the emergencies, the long summer days and quieter off-seasons—all form the tapestry of life behind the scenes. In A Good Scrap I Fear, William Ireland lifts the curtain on this world, inviting readers into the hotel’s heartbeat as much as its views.
Hospitality, Heart, and Horizon
The hotel’s website highlights features that echo through the memoir:
- Dining rooms opening onto view-filled horizons and guests catching the orange hue of Devon sunsets.
- A terrace for afternoon tea, afternoon dining, or just lingering over conversation.
- A restaurant that welcomes residents and locals alike, with classic menus, seasonal offerings, and a tradition of reserved tables for guests.
- A bar and lounge that offer both expansive views and cosy refuge, depending on time of day or weather.
These are not just amenities; in the book, they are settings where loyalty, character, and crisis unfold.
Press & Contact
For all media enquiries, interviews, speaking invitations, and event requests, please reach out directly. William Ireland is available to speak about the book, his family’s story, the hospitality industry, and the broader issues of fairness and accountability raised by the campaign.
Whether you are a journalist, festival organiser, or community group, you are welcome to get in touch.
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