RED FUNNEL CELEBRATES THE ISLE OF WIGHT’S VERY BEST AT ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

Northwood House in Cowes was alive with celebration last night (Thursday) as Red Funnel’s Isle of Wight Awards returned for its sixth year.

The evening was all about championing the Island’s incredible local tourism businesses, attractions and hidden gems that make the Isle of Wight such a special place to visit and call home.

A total of 154 businesses entered this year’s awards, with the local community and visitors casting an impressive 52,940 votes to support their favourites. From cosy B&Bs to quirky shops and unforgettable experiences, 50 winners were honoured across 58 awards, with Gold, Silver, or Bronze handed out in categories covering Places to Stay, Things to Do, Food & Drink, and Isle of Woof (dog-friendly).

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Standout first-time winners included The Albion (Best Hotel), Hewitt’s (Best Restaurant) and The Christmas Imaginarium (Best Shop), each going above and beyond to provide an exceptional customer experience.

Gayle Craven, Managing Director at The Albion, said:

“We were delighted to have made the finals this year. It took us 18 months and considerable investment bringing The Albion to life, but it was well worth it. Coming to the end of our first full year, the team has done an amazing job delivering an exceptional hotel – a truly 5-star result, which is loved by locals and visitors alike.”

Russell Ince, Author and Illustrator at The Christmas Imaginarium, said:

“Making it into the top three at the Isle of Wight Awards was a huge honour for us. We pour our heart and soul into making The Christmas Imaginarium a special place filled with magic and wonder all year round, so to be recognised by the community and customers who make that possible means the world to us.”

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Returning for its second year, the Red Funnel Island Tourism Hero Award celebrates individuals or organisations going above and beyond in their efforts contributing to local tourism. The 2025 title was awarded to Benji and Balu and the ‘Bears Project’ undertaken by Wildheart Animal Sanctuary.

The team rescued the impressive Brown Bears from a small cage on the side of a restaurant and brought them to live at the sanctuary this year, much to the delight of locals and visitors. Now spending their days splashing around in their very own pool and roaming a spacious new enclosure, the furry brothers have become local celebrities in their own right, even boasting a 24/7 webcam that has generated 2 million views since June.

Their incredible journey from hardship to happiness captured hearts across the Island and beyond. Since arriving at their new home, they’ve drawn 90,000 visitors to the sanctuary, earning a large number of public votes to become 2025 Island Tourism Heroes.

Commenting on the awards, Lee Hudson, Commercial Director at Red Funnel, said:

“The Isle of Wight is bursting with brilliant businesses and passionate people who work tirelessly to make the Island a one-of-a-kind destination. From unique places to stay, a delicious bite to eat or an experience you’ll always remember, these businesses bring the Island’s character to life and help it thrive all year round.

“We’d like to thank everyone who entered, voted and continues to support local businesses across the Island. Hosting the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards each year is a true highlight in our calendar and it’s wonderful to celebrate the creativity, passion and hard work of so many local people.”

The winners were selected by a panel of 4 judges, including Camilla Hewitt from Country & Town House, Christian Warren from Style of Wight Magazine, Amy Summers from Visit Isle of Wight and Lee Hudson, Commercial Director of Red Funnel.

Nominations for the 2026 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards will open in January.

2025 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards Winners: