Shortlist revealed for Red Funnel's 2015 My Isle of Wight Awards

The Isle of Wight businesses who have been shortlisted for the 2015 Red Funnel My Isle of Wight Awards can now be revealed ahead of the awards ceremony which takes place at Northwood House in Cowes on 19th January.

The Awards, which were established by Red Funnel 4 years ago, give recognition to those tourism businesses that make an outstanding contribution to the Island's visitor offer. An all time record of 38,522 votes were cast in 2015 by visitors making it by far the biggest and most important competition of its kind on the Isle of Wight.

With over 30 award categories including the best 'Things to Do & See', 'Favourite Places to Eat' and 'Top Places to Stay', the 90 shortlisted businesses now have a nervous wait before the winners in each category are revealed on 19 January. The coveted My Isle of Wight trophies will be presented by Kevin George, Red Funnel's CEO. 

Jonathan Green, Red Funnel's marketing and communications director said:

"Red Funnel's My Isle of Wight Awards just get bigger every year and it is a real pleasure to reveal the top 3 businesses which have been shortlisted in each category. The number of votes cast has increased each year which shows the strong support to showcase those businesses, large and small who help make the Isle of Wight such a special place to visit."

Businesses shortlisted for a 2015 Red Funnel My Isle of Wight Award:

Best Shop to Pick Up That Something Special
Nominees: Live Like This, Jurassic Jim, Oasis

Best Event to Lie Back and Soak Up the Sounds
Nominees: Bestival, Isle of Wight Festival, V Dub Island

Best Event to Burn Off the Calories
Nominees: Walk the Wight, Isle of Wight Walking Festival, Cowes Week

Best Event to be Immersed in Culture
Nominees: Ventnor Fringe, Quay Arts, Osborne House

Best Place for Something for the Family
Nominees: Robin Hill, Blackgang Chine, Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Best Place to Make a Furry Friend
Nominees: Seaview Wildlife Encounter, Isle of Wight Zoo, Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best Place to Go Back in Time
Nominees: Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Best Place to Explore Gardens
Nominees: Ventnor Botanic, Osborne House, Mottistone Manor

Best Place to Get Crafty
Nominees: Chessell Pottery Barns, Arreton Barns, Quay Arts

Best Water-Based Activity Provider
Nominees: UKSA, IWAA, Wight Water

Best Land-Based Activity Provider
Nominees: Island Gems, Isle of Wight Steam Railway, John Cattle’s Skate Club

Best Fish and Chips in your Hand
Nominees: Corries Cabin, Ventnor Haven Fishery, Chipmunks Ryde

Best Gastronomic Experience
Nominees: Little Gloster, Three Buoys, Fogg's of Ventnor

Best Eatery with a Sea View
Nominees: Steephill Cove Crab Shed, The Spyglass Inn, Little Gloster

Best Homemade Burger
Nominees: Union Inn, Mess Canteen, Smokehouse Burger co.

Best Oldy Worlde Pub with Island Ales
Nominees: The Spyglass Inn, Union Inn, Buddle Inn

Best Cuppa & Slice of Something Nice
Nominees: Chessell Pottery, Bluebells Cafe, Quarr Abbey

Best Place to Fill Your Boots (Full of Local Produce)
Nominees: Garlic Farm, Briddlesford Lodge Farm, Farmer Jacks

Favourite Local Produce to Gorge On
Nominees: Minghella Ice Cream, The Garlic Farm, Isle of Wight Cheese Co.

My Isle of Wight Homemade/Local Produce Champion
Nominees: The Garlic Farm, Briddlesford Lodge Farm & Bluebells Cafe, Farmer Jacks

Best Place to Break your Fast
Nominees: Little Gloster, Bluebells Cafe, Mess Canteen

Best Lunch Stop Whilst Out Adventuring
Nominees: The Garlic Farm Cafe, Off the Rails, Red Lion Freshwater

Best Place to Hook Up (Caravanning & Touring)
Nominees: Grange Farm, Whitecliff Bay, Orchards Holiday Park

The Ultimate Hotel Experience
Nominees: The Royal Hotel, Priory Bay Hotel, The Seaview Hotel

Cosiest Hideaway (Self Catering)
Nominees: Vintage Vacations Shack, National Trust Needles Coastguard Cottages, The Lighthouse Steephill Cove

Best Rustic Camping Experience
Nominees: Ninham Country Holidays, Compton Farm, Grange Farm

Best Place to Go Glamping
Nominees: Vintage Vacations Airstream Trailers, Tom's Eco Lodges, Whitecliff Bay

Best Place for a Shindig (Self Catering)
Nominees: Mersley Farm Garlic Farm, Tapnell Manor, Vintage Vacations The Mission

Most Comfy Bed & Hearty Breakfast
Nominees: Union Inn, Chale Bay Farm, Little Gloster

Most Original Place to Stay
Nominees: Tom's Eco Lodges, The Lighthouse Steephill Cove, Vintage Vacations The Mission