Through our partnership, the Cumbria Life Awards recognise achievements in tourism and hospitality, culture, and the extraordinary endeavours of local people and organisations. They are an excellent way to honour the wonderful people and places that make our county of Cumbria so special.
The winners are voted for by Cumbria Life readers and revealed at an awards ceremony to be held at the Low Wood Bay Hotel, Windermere 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 and we look forward to finding out who the deserved winners are and celebrating their achievements on the night.”
Categories for 2024 at the Cumbria Life Readers’ Choice Awards are:
1. BEST FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
This award is open to any restaurant that counts itself in the fine dining category, whether offering à la carte or tasting menus. The winner will excel in their sourcing of ingredients, food quality, innovation, presentation and customer experience.
2. BEST CASUAL DINING EXPERIENCE
This award showcases establishments that don’t count themselves as fine dining but deliver a first-class eating experience; where passion, creativity, quality of food, customer service and ambience excel. Entries may come from bistros, gastropubs and even food trucks within the county.
3. BEST CAFÉ OR COFFEE SHOP
This category recognises a standout establishment that takes its hot beverages super seriously; where a passion for the enjoyment of coffee and tea is evident as soon as you walk through the door along with quality food, including sweet treats.
4. BEST PUB OR BAR
Open to any establishment that sells drinks – a pub, cocktail/wine bar or tap room. This award will go to an outstanding recipient who values its customers, has quality drinks, a great atmosphere and passion for delivering an experience that stands out from the crowd.
5. BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION
The winner of this award could be a natural or built attraction that people visit for pleasure and/or interest. Its team will deliver a truly memorable visitor experience and excel in every aspect of their business.
6. BEST ARTS/CULTURE VENUE
This award is open to any business or organisation which showcases the arts, including theatres, cinemas, galleries and museums. We are looking for a venue with passion, innovation and dedication, and commitment towards promoting arts and culture in Cumbria.
7. BEST HAIR, BEAUTY SALON OR SPA
For this new award we are looking for a salon or spa that prides itself on delivering exceptional experiences, with its team and customers at the heart of everything it does. It will provide high quality, professional services in a clean, relaxing and nurturing environment where clients feel welcome and valued.
8. INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR
Awarded to an independently owned business, based in Cumbria. The winner of this award will demonstrate commercial success, innovation in terms of their products and services and their ability to provide outstanding experience for their customers.
9. ARTISAN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (FOOD & DRINK)
The winner of this category will produce a self-made product and demonstrate innovation, quality and commercial success. Originality and popularity are also two key factors in this award, not to mention taste of course.
10. BEST ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT
This award acknowledges ethical, responsible and sustainable practices or ethos within an organisation, or a specific project to reduce carbon footprint, employ more sustainable practices or restore or improve a local environment, in any sector.
11. FUNDRAISING FEAT OF THE YEAR
A stand-out individual or team who have gone above and beyond to achieve an outstanding fundraising goal. We will be looking for a fundraising campaign that shows innovation, commitment and selflessness towards supporting a worthy cause.
12. CUMBRIAN OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY H&H INSURANCE BROKERS
This special award will be awarded to an individual who lives in Cumbria and has achieved something extraordinary; someone who deserves recognition for an outstanding feat or achievement, who has overcome challenges or who makes an incredible contribution to their community and county.