This in from Alix on behalf of myisleofwight.com, in her own words. Ed
Last Thursday evening saw 49 Island businesses celebrated at the annual Red Funnel myisleofwight.com Awards ceremony at Quay Arts.
The top two nominees from across 26 categories were invited to find out who had scooped this years awards. The winning businesses were presented with their handmade Glory Art Glass Award by Red Funnel CEO Kevin George.
Second year
Now in its second year, the Red Funnel myisleofwight.com Awards are the Island tourism industry’s only visitor voted for awards and this year saw a rise in votes cast from 4,422 across 24 categories to 27,629 votes being cast across 26 categories. New this year was the addition of Best Fish & Chips in Your Hand and Best Place to Hook Up (Caravanning and Touring).
Kevin George, CEO for Red Funnel said:
“We are delighted that so many visitors have engaged with this year’s awards. It is a great way for Red Funnel and the industry to gauge what visitors have enjoyed most about their time on the Island. It also provides fantastic publicity for the Isle of Wight and all the businesses involved.”
Double award winners
Stand out winners, taking home awards in two categories were; Ninham Country Holidays for Best Place to Hook Up (Caravanning & Touring) as well as Best Rustic Camping Experience.
The Royal Hotel for the second year running scooped both Best Epicurean Spot to Blow the Budget and The Ultimate Classic Hotel Experience. While new this year, the team behind Chessell Pottery proved firm favourites winning both the Best Afternoon/Cream Tea and Best Place to Get Crafty categories.
New winners
Other new winners this year were Seaview Wildlife Encounter who took Best Place to Make a Furry Friend, Robin Hill scooped Best Place for Something for the Family, Most Comfy Bed & Hearty Breakfast went to The Little Gloster and the Vintage Vacations Shack took Cosiest Cottage Hideaway. Best Oldy-Worldy Pub with Island Ale went to The Spyglass Inn and Best Homemade Burger to Coast.
New category this year was Best Fish and Chips In Your Hand, which was won by Corries Cabin Cowes, while last year’s category Best Refreshment Stop whilst out Walking/Pedalling was replaced this year with Best Eaterie with a Sea View – taken home by Steephill Cove Crab Shed.
myisleofwight.com Editor Alix Robinson said,
“It’s incredible to see the leap in votes cast this year and be able to feedback this praise to the industry. There were some businesses who have won two years in a row now – so they are obviously hitting the spot and exceeding visitors’ expectations!
“With new winners in many categories this year, it is clear how visitors recognize the industry’s commitment to constantly improving the visitor offering on the Island. The 2014 awards are now open so everyone can get voting to make sure that their top choice is in with a chance to win this year.”
The Red Funnel myisleofwight Awards 2013 winners:
Best Fish and Chips in your Hand
Corries Cabin Cowes
Best Place to Hook Up (Caravanning & Touring)
Ninham Country Holidays
The Ultimate Classic Hotel Experience
The Royal
Cosiest Cottage Hideaway
Vintage Vacations Shack
Best Place to Go Glamping
Tom’s Eco Lodges
Best Place for a Shindig (self catering)
Tapnell Farm
Most Comfy Bed & Hearty Breakfast
The Little Gloster
Best Epicurean Spot to Blow the Budget
The Royal
Best Eaterie with a Sea view
Steephill Cove Crab Shed
Best Homemade Burger
Coast
Best Oldy Worlde Pub with Island Ales
The Spyglass Inn
The Best Afternoon/Cream Tea
Chessell Pottery Courtyard Café
Best Place to Fill Your Boots (Full of Local Produce)
Garlic Farm
Favourite Local Produce to Gorge On
Minghella Ice Cream
Best Shops to Pick Up That something Special
Live Like This
Best Event to Lie Back and Soak Up the Sounds
Bestival
Best Event to Burn Off the Calories
Walk the Wight
Best Event to be Immersed in Culture
Ventnor Fringe
Best Place for Something for the Family
Robin Hill
Best Place to Make a Furry Friend
Seaview Wildlife Encounter
Best Place to Go Back in Time
Osborne House
Best Place to Explore Gardens
Ventnor Botanic Gardens
Best Place to Get Crafty
Chessell Pottery
Best Water-Based Activity Provider
UKSA
Best Land-Based Activity Provider
Island Gems Fossil Hunts
Best Rustic Camping Experience
Ninham Country Holidays
Image: © Used with the kind permission of Julian Winslow
