The recent ‘Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Awards’ saw businesses coming together from across the county to celebrate their achievements.
15 awards were up for grabs spanning a range of categories all focussed on the visitor economy – a key sector for the district and county.
Out of the 15 awards, West Lindsey businesses were represented in 11 which is an outstanding contribution and a fantastic achievement for these businesses to make it this far. Leader of the Council, Cllr Owen Bierley was also in attendance at the awards and presented the Taste of England (Taste Lincolnshire) Award. He said: “It was a pleasure to attend the awards on Friday evening and to celebrate the successes of each business. Each category had some great contenders, and I was delighted to see that West Lindsey had such a fantastic representation.
“I would like to congratulate all the finalists as this alone is a huge achievement in itself and they are all a credit to the visitor economy in Lincolnshire”.
Amongst the winners were two West Lindsey businesses celebrating success! The Old Granary at Owmby took Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year, and Bridleway B&B won B&B and Guest House of the Year. Two stunning examples that really make Lincolnshire a beautiful place to visit.
Trinity Arts Centre also made it to the final in the Arts / Culture / Heritage category. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be but after narrowly missing out to Lincoln Free Walking Tour. Trinity Arts Centre Manager, Craig Sanders said: “It was a great privilege that the Trinity Arts Centre, was a finalist in the Arts, Culture & Heritage category! Sadly, not a win this year but we’re proud to be a finalist and it was great to be part of the celebrations”.
West Lindsey businesses were represented in the following categories.
- Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award – Uncle Henry’s
- Experience of the Year – Rand Farm Park
- Pub of the Year – The Cross Keys Stow
- Resilience and Innovation Award – Hemswell Antiques & Rand Farm Park
- Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year – The Old Granary **WINNER**
- B&B and Guest House of the Year – Bridleway B&B **WINNER**
- Taste of England (Taste Lincolnshire) Award – The Cross Keys Inn
- Small Visitor Attraction – Bransby Horses and Uncle Henry’s Farm Shop
- Large Visitor Attraction – Woodside Wildlife Park
- Customer Service Excellence Award – Rand Farm Park
- Arts / Heritage / Culture – Trinity Arts Centre
Faye Pudney, Visitor Economy Officer at West Lindsey District Council was thrilled to attend the ceremony and be part of the celebrations. She said:“It was an honour to attend the awards, bringing together some great businesses from across the county.
“Although not all our businesses won on the night, I am so proud of that they have achieved. With a sector that has been hit so hard over the last 2 years, they have shown true determination to get where they are today”.