The Island’s top tourism businesses were recently celebrated at the annual Red Funnel myIsleofWight Awards - the Island’s only visitor-voted tourism Awards.
The event was held at The Cow at Tapnell Farm and saw the top three nominees from all 24 categories, split over three main categories - ‘Things to Do’; ‘Eat & Drink’; ‘Places to Stay’ - invited to a Festival-themed evening with a green message behind it.
With votes cast throughout 2018 by happy customers and visitors to the Island, over 100 nominees attended to find out who had scooped the prestigious top spot.
This year saw some new businesses nominated, including four who made it into the top three of their category: The Borneo Pantry, Holly Tree House, Glory Art Glass (who make the handmade glass awards) and Freshwater Coffee House, who beat off stiff competition to win Best Cuppa and Slice of Something Nice.
New wins this year also included The Cow scooping The Ultimate Burger title and Nettlecombe Farm winning two awards Best Place for a Shindig and Cosiest Hideaway.
The Garlic Farm won three awards: Best Pit Stop Whilst Out Adventuring, Best Gastronomic Experience and myIsleofWight Local Produce Champion.
myIsleofWight Editor Alix Robinson said: “Each year the awards event follows a theme that celebrates our unique Island. This year the Awards echoed the Island’s rich and vibrant connection to all things festival. Even the location of the Awards event at Tapnell had a unique connection to this heritage, overlooking the site of the original Isle of Wight Festival.
“The Island is truly the birthplace of the British festival, from the first ever Isle of Wight festival in 1968, through to the 1969 & 1970 events – the latter being the biggest festival ever held in the UK - which paved the way for the creation and birth of other iconic UK festivals such as Glastonbury.
“This affinity continues to this day with a myriad of events and festivals taking place on the Island, and new ones being added to the line-up every year.”
In line with Red Funnel’s new “Red Goes Green” environmental strategy, the event also had an eco-message. Ever-conscious of the Island’s beautiful environment, the event encouraged people to have an eco-friendly festival experience. With top tips on the tables as well as myIsleofWight stainless water bottles for guests to take away and reuse all summer at their favourite events, the event helped to show nominees how to be green without breaking the bank or expending too much effort.
Fran Collins CEO Red Funnel said: “Now in its eight year, the Red Funnel myIsleofWight Awards are a great opportunity to showcase some of the Island’s best tourism businesses, whose innovation and exceptional standards have made a lasting impression on visitors.
“The event was a huge success and the theme this year reflected Red Funnel’s continued commitment in supporting the Island’s thriving event and festival scene, whilst simultaneously echoing our Red Goes Green environmental and sustainability strategy. My congratulations to all the deserving winners and well done to all the nominees. What an amazing opportunity to come together and celebrate the best of the Island.”
Voting will open for the 2019 myIsleofWight Awards on 1st March at www.myisleofwightawards.com
2018 Winners
Do: Best Place for Family Fun
Winner: Blackgang Chine
Stay: The Ultimate Hotel Experience
Winner: The Royal Hotel
Eat: Best Cuppa & Slice of Something Nice
Winner: Freshwater Coffee House
Do: Best Event to Lie Back & Soak Up the Sounds
Winner: Isle of Wight Festival
Stay: Best Place to Go Glamping
Winner: Tom’s Eco Lodges
Eat: Best Eatery With a Sea View
Winner: Three Buoys
Do: Best Shop to Pick Up that Something Special
Winner: Oasis
Stay: Most Luxurious B&B
Winner: The Little Gloster
Eat: The Ultimate Burger
Winner: The Cow
Do: Best Place to make a Furry Friend
Winner: Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Stay: Best Boutique Retreat
Winner: The Lighthouse Steephill Cove
Eat: Best Fish & Chips in Your Hand
Winner: Corries Cabin
Do: Best Land-Based Activity Provider
Winner: Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Stay: Best Place to Hook Up (Caravanning & Touring)
Winner: Whitecliff Bay
Eat: Best Pit Stop Whilst Out Adventuring
Winner: The Garlic Farm Café
Do: Best Way to Explore Outdoors
Winner: Walk the Wight
Stay: Best Place for a Shin Dig
Winner: Nettlecombe Farm
Eat: Best Gastronomic Experience
Winner: The Garlic Farm Café
Do: Best Water-Based Activity Provider
Winner: UKSA
Stay: Best Rustic Camping Experience
Winner: Compton Farm
Eat: Best Place for a Pint of Island Ale
Winner: The Spyglass Inn
Do: Best Place for Arts, Heritage & Culture
Winner: Osborne House
Stay: Cosiest Hideaway
Winner: Nettlecombe Farm
Eat: My Isle of Wight Local Produce Champion
Winner: The Garlic Farm
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