The creme de la creme of Isle of Wight businesses gathered in Cowes last night (Thursday) as Red Funnel held its 5th annual Isle of Wight Awards at Northwood House, recognising the local businesses that make the Isle of Wight a wonderfully different place to live and visit.
The prestigious celebration honoured the contributions of businesses that shape the Island’s distinctive character and bring exceptional experiences to residents and visitors alike.
Through a community-driven voting process, in which more than 50,000 votes were cast, visitors and locals had the opportunity to vote for their favourite Island tourism businesses across 19 award categories, which featured places to stay, places to eat, things to do, and the acclaimed Isle of Woof award.
In total, 57 businesses were awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze on the night for their contribution to Island tourism, showcasing the variety of exceptional experiences the Isle of Wight offers visitors.
Those gathered heard from Red Funnel’s Charity of the Year, Isle of Wight Foodbank, about the work they do to support around 7,000 local families each year.
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, presented the awards last night and expressed heartfelt congratulations to all the winners:
“It’s always an honour to be among such talented and dedicated leaders in the Isle of Wight’s tourism industry. At Red Funnel, we’re proud to support this community by celebrating the people and excellence behind so many fantastic businesses. My congratulations go to every business nominated – they are what makes this Island so special.”
This year’s winners included both previously decorated businesses and 22 exciting newcomers to the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards.
For those hoping to be at next year’s ceremony, nominations for the 2025 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards will open on Thursday 14th November.
2024 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards Winners
Accommodation
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Food & Drink | Things To Do | Other |
Best Holiday Cottage/Apartment
Gold – Shanklin Villa Apartments Silver – The Piglet Bronze – Winkle Cottage
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Best Burger
Gold – The Cow Silver – Bargeman’s Rest Bronze – Alamo Bar and Grill |
Best Activity Provider
Gold – Eddie’s Surf Academy Silver – Southern Vectis Breezer Experience Bronze – Island Gems Fossil Trips |
Isle of Woof
Gold – The Model Village Godshill |
Best Place to go Glamping
Gold – Turney Family Farms Silver – Island Bell Tents Bronze – Under the Stars Shepards Huts at Harbors Lake
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Best Café or Tearoom
Gold – Blueberrys Cafe Silver – Ritchie’s Diner Bronze – Beach Cafe 34 |
Best Island Event
Gold – Walk the Wight (Mountbatten) Silver – Isle of Wight Takeover Bronze – Riverfest (Newport Carnival & Community Events Association) |
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Best Hotel Experience
Gold – Luccombe Hall Silver – The Royal Hotel Bronze – The Seaview Hotel |
Best Fish & Chips
Gold – The Spyglass Inn Silver – Corries Cabin Bronze – Chipmunks |
Best Small Attraction
Gold – Snacks and Ladders Silver – Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum Bronze – Monkey Haven
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Best B&B/Guesthouse
Gold – Sentry Mead Silver – Inglewood Guesthouse Bronze – The Chequers Inn |
Best Restaurant
Gold – Heron Silver – The Garlic Farm Bronze – The Yarbridge Inn |
Best Large Attraction
Gold – Wildheart Animal Sanctuary Silver – Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Bronze – Blackgang Chine
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Best Campsite
Gold – Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park Silver – The Orchards Holiday Park Bronze – Waverley Park Holiday Centre
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Best Pub
Gold – The Dairyman’s Daughter Silver – The Spyglass Inn Bronze – The Blacksmiths |
Best Shop
Gold – Busy Bee Garden Centre Silver – Medina Bookshop Bronze – Jurassic Jim |
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Best Holiday Park
Gold – Old Mill Holiday Park Silver – The Orchards Holiday Park Bronze – Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park |
Best Local Produce
Gold – Island Foods LTD Silver – Briddlesford Farm Bronze – The Garlic Farm |
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Best Roast
Gold – The Blacksmiths Silver – The Chequers Inn Bronze – The Bay Vegan Deli & Coffee House |
Someone needs to go to Specsavers
Best Fish and Chips by miles is The Fishermens Cottage
Shanklin.
The Spyglass Inn don’t come close.
Fishermens cottage is a bit more expensive but
is 11 out of 10
Spyglass Inn is a 6 out of 10
Lol
I have to agree with Busy Bee being the best shop.
Great for garden and homeware.
Best Christmas World by far in the country and
a great restaurant.
Gorgeous coffee’s, cakes and meals.
Excellent Roast dinners and a fabulous English
Breakfast, best breakfast on the island.