Northwood House was the venue for the fourth edition of these Awards (2015) sponsored by Red Funnel’s myIsleofwight.com
Hosted by David Thornton CE of Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW) there were a record number of votes this year.
Reviewing tourism on the Island, David said that following the launch of the Warrior Trail last year, 2016 would see the Churchill Trail opened.
Tied in with the tercentenary of Capability Brown the Garden Isle would take on a new meaning. Referring to Wight in Bloom, sponsored by Red Funnel, entries had tripled last year.
Hosting the Figaro du Solitaire yacht race at the end of June into July on the Island would tie in with the 2016 edition of Festival of the Sea, as would Shipwreck Island and the JPMAM Round the Island Race.
David was also pleased to announce that the numbers of first time visitors to the Island are growing.
Kevin George CEO of Red Funnel said in his welcome speech that it was a privilege to celebrate the great and good of the Island at the Awards.
Following the refurbishment of the ferries Red Falcon and Red Osprey, Red Eagle is next in line. Meanwhile Red Jet 6 was in production in East Cowes, as reported on this web-site and the planned new terminal in Southampton would move the company forward.
Things to Do
Best Shop to Pick Up That Something Special – Jurassic Jim
Best Event to Lie Back and Soak Up the Sounds – V Dub Island
Best Event to Burn Off the Calories – Walk the Wight
Best Event to be Immersed in Culture – Osborne House
Best Place for Something for the Family – Robin Hill
Best Place to Make a Furry Friend – Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Best Place to Go Back in Time – Osborne House
Best Place to Explore Gardens – Ventnor Botanic Garden
Best Place to Get Crafty – Chessell Pottery
Best Water-Based Activity Provider – UKSA
Best Land-Based Activity Provider – Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Eat & Drink
Best Fish and Chips in your Hand – Corries Cabin
Best Gastronomic Experience – Little Gloster
Best Eaterie with a Sea View – The Spyglass Inn
Best Homemade Burger – Union Inn *
Best Oldy Worlde Pub with Island Ales – Union Inn *
Best Cuppa & Slice of Something Nice – Quarr Abbey Teashop
Best Place to Fill Your Boots (Full of Local Produce) – Farmer Jacks
Favourite Local Produce to Gorge On – Minghella Ice Cream
Best Lunch Stop Whilst Out Adventuring – Garlic Farm Cafe
Best Place to Break Your Fast – Bluebells Cafe
myIsleofWight Homemade/Local Produce Champion – The Garlic Farm
Stay With Us
Best Place to Hook Up (Caravanning & Touring) – Orchards Holiday Park
The Ultimate Classic Hotel Experience – The Royal Hotel
Cosiest Cottage Hideaway – Vintage Vacations ‘The Shack’
Best Rustic Camping Experience – Compton Farm
Best Place to Go Glamping – Vintage Vacations Airstream Trailers
Best Place for a Shindig (self catering) – Tapnell Manor
Most Comfy Bed & Hearty Breakfast – Union Inn *
Most Original Place to Stay – The Lighthouse Steephill Cove
