Winners recognised in 2016 My Isle of Wight Awards

The proud winners were announced at last night’s awards event at The Cow Co at Tapnell Farm after over 34,000 votes were cast for Isle of Wight businesses across 24 categories.

The awards, established by Red Funnel five years ago, are the only visitor-voted tourism awards on the Island and recognises tourist businesses that make an outstanding contribution. Red Funnel CEO Kevin George announced the winners, with David Thornton of Visit Isle of Wight compering and reading out the nominees.

Kevin George said: “We were delighted to see an excellent range of businesses triumph this year at Red Funnel’s 2016 My Isle of Wight Awards. These businesses are vital to the tourism economy and help make the Isle of Wight such a special place to visit, while providing people with unforgettable memories".

“It is great to recognise these businesses for their incredible efforts throughout the whole year, as well as for what they do to make the Isle of Wight a cherished destination.”

The awards featured a range of categories, including Best Rustic Camping Experience, Most Luxurious B&B and Best Place for a Shin Dig.

In total, 54 businesses were shortlisted for the Danish-themed awards “Get Hygge” – “hygge” referring to celebrating together in a cosy environment, hence the décor of candles, furs, warming hearty food, wine and great company.

Alix Robinson, editor of Red Funnel's My Isle of Wight online magazine, said: “It was fantastic to celebrate with so many fabulous Island businesses last night, who all work so hard to ensure visitors to the Island have an amazing time.

My Isle of Wight is the Local’s View, revealing hidden Islanders secrets on the best places to stay, things to do and places to eat, and this translates through into our awards where any business we hear about, no matter how big or small, are celebrated if they offer excellence and add a unique element to the Island experience.”

Tom Turney, of Tom’s Eco Lodges and Tapnell Farm, said: “We were so proud to have won four awards across the Eco Lodge, Eco Pods and Tapnell Manor areas of the business, and it was made even better for having so many members of our team there. It’s a real team effort at Tapnell and everyone here works together as one. An award for any of us is an award for all of us.”

Winners of the 2016 Red Funnel My Isle of Wight Awards: -

Best Place for Family Fun (Do)
Winner: Blackgang Chine

The Ultimate Hotel Experience (Stay)
Winner: The Royal Hotel

Best Cuppa & Slice of Something Nice (Eat)
Winner: Chessell Pottery

Best Event to Lie Back & Soak Up the Sounds (Do)
Winner: Isle of Wight Festival

Best Place to Go Glamping (Stay)
Winner: Tom’s Eco Lodges

The Best Homemade Burger (Eat)
Winner: The Smokehouse Burger Company

Best Shop to Pick Up that Something Special (Do)
Winner: Oasis

Most Luxurious B&B (Stay)
Winner: Little Gloster

Best Eaterie With a Sea View (Eat)
Winner: The Crab Shed Steephill Cove

Best Place to make a Furry Friend (Do)
Winner: Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Most Unique Place to Stay (Stay)
Winner: Tom’s Eco Lodges

Best Fish & Chips in Your Hand (Eat)
Winner: Corries Cabin

Best Land-Based Activity Provider (Do)
Winner: Island Gems Fossil Hunts

Best Place to Hook Up (Caravanning & Touring) (Stay)
Winner: Ninham Country Holidays

Best Pit Stop Whilst Out Adventuring (Eat)
Winner: Off the Rails

Best Way to Explore Outdoors (Do)
Winner: Walk the Wight

Best Place for a Shin Dig (Stay)
Winner: Tapnell Manor

Best Gastronomic Experience (Eat)
Winner: The Pointer Inn

Best Water-Based Activity Provider (Do)
Winner: Adventure Activities IOW

Best Rustic Camping Experience (Stay)
Winner: Compton Farm

Best Oldy-Worldy Pub with Island Ale (Eat)
Winner: The Spyglass Inn

Best Place for Arts, Heritage & Culture (Do)
Winner: Osborne House

Cosiest Hideaway (Stay)
Winner: Tom’s Eco Pods

My Isle of Wight Local Produce Champion (Eat)
Winner: Garlic Farm

-ENDS-