Through our local hosts, Be My Guest connects you with real local people, opening a unique window into local culture and showing a more personal side to each destination.
Be My Guest was launched back in 2009, when the idea of visiting a foreign country and being invited into a local’s home was impossible to arrange. We set about removing barriers that were stopping our guests connecting with local people in destinations across the world.
Though it’s centered around sharing food, Be My Guest is so much more than just a meal, bringing unique local stories to the table and letting you, our guests, really get under the skin of the country you’re in.
In honour of 15 years of Be My Guest, let us introduce you to our three guest-favourite Be My Guest local hosts from Scotland, Hungary, and Canada.
You might also like: Why the Be My Guest experience has never been more important
1. Ledard Farm, Scotland
Sitting atop a green hill bordered by 20,000 acres of Trossachs forest, Ledard Farm is spearheaded by a father and son team, Fergus and Gregor Wood. The farm dates back to the 17th century, with notable figures like Scottish outlaw Rob Roy and novelist Sir Walter Scott entwined in its history. Alongside its historic roots, Ledard Farm is a pioneer in sustainability, prioritising a field-to-fork ethos.
When you visit, you’ll be greeted by your local hosts with traditional folk music, Highland dress, and wonderful Scottish hospitality. Fergus is founding member of the esteemed Kinlochard Ceilidh Band, who perform at venues across the world, while Gregor is an expert on Rob Roy and one of the top presenters of Burns poetry in the country.
“Following a meal, visitors have the chance to take a look round the farm and meet some of the animals, including our seven sheepdogs, the Quack Commandos, who round up Indian Runner ducks,” Fergus explains. The farm’s setting within the National Park is ideal for outdoor exploration, and guests can try their hand at clay pigeon shooting, archery, or take a guided walk.
Guests are served hearty meals within the 17th century barn. “Visiting the farm means joining the family for lunch or dinner,” Fergus says, “and at each mealtime we like to entertain our guests with traditional Scottish music and stories of days gone by. Naturally, the best Scottish lamb is on the menu.”
Meet Fergus and Gregor on Best of Scotland
2. Schieszl winery, Budapest
The Schieszl family came on board in the early stages as one of our earliest Be My Guest experiences, and as well as its award-winning wine and Hungarian food, the moving story of the family’s WWII endeavours will stay with guests long after they leave.
Konrád Schieszl runs the restaurant and winery that’s been in his family for generations, and it was in 1896 that his great grandfather decided to open a winery.
But when World War II hit, the Schieszl family’s lives were changed. “My grandfather’s best friend was Jewish,” Konrád explains. “During the war my grandfather was brave enough to hide his Jewish friend from Nazi persecution. The friend and his family lived in our wine cellar for six months, hiding in one of the giant wine barrels. My grandfather risked his life to help his friend, but if he hadn’t, his friend might not have survived the Holocaust.”
Over three hours, Trafalgar guests spend time with the family, sharing stories, tasting wine and eating local delicacies. “I do everything here with my heart,” Konrád tells us. “I have a great responsibility, bringing this 120-year tradition into our modern times. I have to take care of my family’s heritage and pass it on to the next generation.”
Meet the Schieszl family on Bohemian Highlights
3. Warrior Women, Alberta
In Canada, we’re lucky enough to have mother and daughter team Matricia and Mackenzie Brown as the local hosts of our Be My Guest experience. They are Warrior Women, a collective and drumming group rooted in tradition, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the First Nations’ spirituality.
Matricia, founder of Warrior Women, has been sharing her culture over the last 20 years in schools and through workshops. “It’s a privilege to be able to share my story,” says Matricia. “My goal is to offer travelers a better understanding of both the culture and the land of our Indigenous people.”
Matricia and Mackenzie, Matriarchs of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, openly share their knowledge and passion with their guests. Savor traditional foods over an intimate fireside BBQ on Trefoil Lake against spectacular views of Pyramid Mountain, learning about Matricia’s heritage through storytelling and drumming. Your local hosts will even teach songs and phrases in Cree for you to take away and share with your family and friends.
“We welcome you to explore our deep-rooted connection to the land while taking part in fireside chats and plant walks,” say Matricia. “Both experiences include the sacred traditions of drumming and singing, practices found in every aspect of our culture from celebrations of new births to the passing of loved ones.
“During these sacred rituals, you’ll engage in conversation with me and other guests, walking away with a genuine and heartfelt experience often overlooked in the tourism industry.”
Meet Matricia on Iconic Rockies and Western Canada