Southport venues applauded as Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards winners revealed

Southport businesses and attractions were applauded for their excellence as the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards took place last night (Thursday 10th March).

Sunnyside Guest House, on Bath Street in Southport, led the way by winning the B&B / Guest House of the Year, sponsored by Liverpool Cathedral.

The category was a clean sweep for Southport, with The Braemar Southport and The Heidi B&B completing the shortlisted places.

The Windmill pub, on Seabank Road in Southport, was a worthy finalist in the Pub Of The Year section.

The Atkinson, on Lord Street in Southport, was a finalist in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category.

And in the race to find the Liverpool City Region’s Hidden Gem, Southport had no less than FIVE local businesses named as finalists:

Bijou Cinema Southport, Southport
British Lawnmower Museum, Southport
Enelles Glass House, Southport
Southport Pier Pavilion, Southport
Vintage Tea Room, Churchtown

The awards took place in the beautiful surroundings of Liverpool Cathedral.

Recognising excellence across the city region’s tourism and hospitality industry, the annual awards are delivered by Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region Growth Company.

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Double winners on the night were fine dining Chinese restaurant – Lu Ban, which won both the Resilience and Innovation Award along with Restaurant of the Year.

There was also a double win for the owners of The Denbigh Castle and The Bridewell with The Denbigh Castle taking the Pub of the Year accolade, whilst the Unsung Hero Award went to The Bridewell’s Head Waiter, Gerard Madden, who judges described as ‘a great ambassador, passionate about his job and always willing to pass on his knowledge.’

Back this year was the ‘Hidden Gem’ category – the only category voted for by the public, recognising the region’s best kept secret. This went to The Watering Can based at Greenbank Park, Liverpool, which overcame the challenge of five venues in Southport.

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Other winners on the night included Titanic for Hotel of the Year, Shiverpool for best Independent Tourism Business and Liverpool Food Tours taking the New Tourism Business award. The Outstanding Contribution Award was awarded to Max Steinberg – chair of the board for The ACC Liverpool Group and Shakespeare North.

During the evening, hosted by popular BBC broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans, guests enjoyed a fabulous three course meal courtesy of Horseradish Catering with entertainment from Kasia Masai and Deana Walmsley.

Peter Sandman, Head of Visitor Economy at Growth Platform, said: “Huge congratulations not only to the well-deserved winners tonight but to everyone at Liverpool Cathedral tonight and our sector as a whole. For the last two years this industry, like many others, has faced unprecedented challenges and tonight has shown a resilient and united sector able to look forward and celebrate together.”

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Headline sponsor of the awards were Liverpool BID (Business Improvement District) Company, their CEO, Bill Addy, said: “Congratulations to all winners of this year’s Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards. Tourism is a major economic driver in Liverpool City Region, but it also reflects its heart. From music to attractions, culture to food, we love to welcome visitors, as much as we love to be tourists in our own backyard.

“These awards celebrated success but also strength and tenacity. It was a great opportunity to say thank you and to raise a glass to those who have put their soul into the city as it recovers.”

Associate sponsors were Liverpool ONE, National Museums Liverpool and Quest Liverpool whilst category sponsors were ACC Liverpool, BDO LLP, EPIC, Influential, Liverpool Cathedral, Lu Ban Restaurant, Merseyrail, Owen Drew, The Guide Liverpool, Ticket Quarter, Wild Thang and Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

The drinks reception was sponsored by Amion with media partner, The Metro.