Hundreds of people came together for the Cumbria Life Readers’ Choice Awards to celebrate the very best of the county.
Held in partnership with H&H Insurance Brokers, the awards recognise achievements in tourism and hospitality, culture, and the extraordinary endeavours of local people and organisations.
The winners were voted for by Cumbria Life readers and revealed at an awards ceremony held at the Carus Green Golf Club near Kendal in September.
Paul Graham, Managing Director of H&H Insurance Brokers, said: “As a business rooted in Cumbria, we work with tourism, hospitality and rural businesses across the county who are delivering excellent products and services for their clients and customers, as well as finding new, innovative ways to build on their success and create opportunities in their sectors.
“The Cumbria Life Readers’ Choice Awards recognise the achievements of these brilliant businesses. Huge congratulations to all the finalists and winners.”
Winners at the Cumbria Life Readers’ Choice Awards
Artisan Producer of the Year: Lakeland Mues, near Wigton
Best Arts & Culture Venue: Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
Best Café or Coffee Shop: Hope Park Café, Keswick
Best Casual Dining Experience: Royal Oak Hotel, Borrowdale, Keswick
Best Fine Dining Experience: Heft, High Newton
Best Large Tourist Attraction: Lowther Castle, near Penrith
Best Pub or Bar: The Pheasant Inn, Allithwaite
Best Small Tourist Attraction: Solway Aviation Museum, near Carlisle
Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Business of the Year: Low Sizergh Barn, near Kendal
Best Independent Retailer: Keswick Boot Company, Keswick
Fundraising Feat of the Year: Ten Thousand Daffodils, a fundraising ceramic installation at Lowther Castle which raised more than £300,000 for six charities.
Cumbrian of the Year: Andy Airey, from the Eden Valley. Andy is one of three fathers who lost their daughters to suicide and formed 3 Dads Walking, a fundraising campaign to raise awareness of suicide in the UK.