The results of this year’s much anticipated Isle of Wight Awards have been revealed at last night’s (Thursday 11th November) ceremony, which took place at Albert Cottage in East Cowes.
The evening, also themed around Red Funnel’s 160th anniversary celebrated the rich diversity of local businesses across the Island and saw many representatives receive awards to celebrate their hard work and achievements during the pandemic.
This year’s nominations surpassed the Isle of Wight Award’s maiden year, which is testament to the resilience and determination of businesses across the Island – especially given the turbulence experienced by many in tourism throughout the pandemic.
Collins: Marking perseverance, optimism and dedication
Discussing last night’s celebrations, Fran Collins, Chief Executive at Red Funnel, said,
“Over the last 20 months businesses across the Island have experienced high levels of disruption, so it was very special to be together and mark the perseverance, optimism and dedication of our fantastic Island businesses.
“From producers and distillers to hoteliers and holiday parks, the Red Funnel team and I were honoured to be in the company of so many amazing entrepreneurs that capture the unique essence of the Isle of Wight. All of the finalists and winners are hugely deserving, and we hope they had a great night celebrating with us!”
Gold, Silver or Bronze awards in 19 categories
Celebrating all that is special and unique about the Island, the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards recognise the many diverse and wonderful places to go, stay and eat across the Island.
The awards highlight shining stars within the community via 19 categories, each recognising the top three nominees with Gold, Silver or Bronze awards.
Over 47,000 votes
This year’s awards secured over 47,000 votes across all categories, with The Blacksmiths winning Best Pub, taking a bronze awards home for Best Burger and Best Restaurant.
Commenting on their triad of wins, Rachel Burrows, owner of The Blacksmiths, said,
“It was a complete shock to be taking home three awards tonight especially a gold for Best Pub – which will now be sitting very proudly behind our bar.
“Our team like many others have experienced high levels of disruption as a result of the pandemic, so it is wonderful to be here tonight in person and being recognised and supported by Red Funnel, for all the hard work our team have done.”
A full list of this year’s winners can be found below.
Accommodation
Best B&B / Guest House
Gold – Keats Cottage
Silver – Holly Tree House Bed & Breakfast
Bronze – The Boathouse
Best Campsite
Gold – Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park
Silver – Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park
Bronze – Camp Wight
Best Holiday Park
Gold – Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park
Silver – Waverley Park Holiday Centre
Bronze – The Orchards Holiday Park
Best Hotel Experience
Gold – The Royal
Silver – Luccombe Hall Hotel
Bronze – Lakeside Park Hotel & Spa
Best Place to go Glamping
Gold – Sibbecks Farm Glamping
Silver – Garlic Farm Yurts
Bronze – Tom’s Eco Lodge
Best Self-Catering
Gold – The Lakes Rookley
Silver – Pinkmead Estate
Bronze – Tapnell Manor & Farm Cottages
Food & Drink
Best Burger
Gold – The Cow
Silver – Harbour Kitchen
Bronze – The Blacksmiths
Best Café or Tearoom
Gold – Comicoffee UK
Silver – Off the Rails
Bronze – Bluebells at Briddelsford
Best Fish & Chips
Gold – Corries Cabin
Silver – Brothers of Brading
Bronze – The Spyglass
Best Local Produce
Gold – Briddlesford Farm
Silver – Isle of Wight Distillery
Bronze – The Tomato Stall
Best Pub
Gold – The Blacksmiths
Silver – The Spyglass Inn
Bronze – The Dairyman’s Daughter
Best Restaurant
Gold – Smoking Lobster
Silver – The Garlic Farm Restaurant
Bronze – The Blacksmiths
Things To Do
Best Activity Provider
Gold – John Cattle’s Skate Club
Silver – Haven Falconry
Bronze – Island Gem’s Fossil Hunts
Best Island Event
Gold – Isle of Wight Festival
Silver – Mountbatten Walk the Wight
Bronze – Ventnor Fringe
Best Large Attraction
Gold – Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Silver – Blackgang Chine
Bronze – English Heritage – Osborne
Best Small Attraction
Gold – Monkey Haven
Silver – Snacks & Ladders Board Game Café
Bronze – Ventnor Botanic Gardens
Best Shop/ Retail
Gold – The Garlic Farm Shop
Silver – Jurassic Jim
Bronze – Oasis
Other
Best Green Business
Gold – Peach Vegan Kitchen & Zero Waste Store
Silver – Tapnell Farm
Bronze – Monkey Haven
Best Place for Dogs
Gold – Off The Rails
Silver – Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Bronze – Fort Victoria Country Park
Applications have also officially open for the 2022 awards, and business can apply online.
