Excitement as shortlist for tourism awards announced with the Philip Astley Project CIC / Van Buren Organisation shortlisted for The ‘unsung hero award’.
More than 40 of the county’s best tourism and hospitality businesses will go head-to-head at the prestigious Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards 2023.
Over 95 entries from across the county of Staffordshire have been whittled down for the next stage, which includes a potential mystery visit from the independent judges, to help decide the overall winners in the 19 categories.
The winners will then be announced live at a glittering black-tie awards ceremony, hosted by BBC Midlands Today’s Rebecca Wood, on Thursday 9th March 2023 at Doubletree by Hilton Stoke-on-Trent.
Many of the ‘Gold’ winners will progress to represent Staffordshire at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in June 2023.
Philip White, Cabinet Member with responsibility for tourism at Staffordshire County Council said: “The Enjoy Staffordshire tourism awards remain an important competition for our tourism and hospitality sector, and each year we see more and more entries which is great. “These awards are all about celebrating the contributions of everyone working in the sector to give visitors a great experience of our wonderful county. “I’d like to congratulate all those businesses shortlisted for an award and for getting through the first stage. I wish them the best of luck in the Mystery Shopper visit which is the next stage of the competition.”
The shortlisted businesses for the Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards 2022-23 are:
Unsung Hero, sponsored by We Are Staffordshire:
Peak Wildlife Park, nr. Leek
Trentham Estate
Philip Astley Projects CIC / Van Buren Organisation Newcastle-under-Lyme
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award:
Alton Towers Resort
Beechenhill Farm, Ilam, nr. Leek
The Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Trentham Estate
B&B/Guest House of the Year:
Black Lion Inn, Butterton, Leek
Eagle House, Eccleshall
The Little George, Eccleshall
Business Events Venue of the Year:
Aspects at The National Memorial Arboretum
Keele University Events & Conferencing
The Moat House, Acton Trussell
Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year, sponsored by Hoseasons:
ABC Leisure Group, Kings Orchard Marina, nr. Lichfield
Lower Micklin Touring Park, nr. Denstone
Quarry Walk Park, nr. Cheadle
Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year:
Duck Goose, Leek
The Granary at Weston Park, Weston-under-Lizard
The Waterfront, Barton Marina, Barton-under-Needwood
Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award, sponsored by Staffordshire Environmental Quality Mark:
Alton Towers Resort
Black Lion Inn, Butterton, Leek
Peak Wildlife Park, nr. Leek
Ramblers Retreat Country Tearoom, Alton
The Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Experience of the Year:
Be A Keeper Experience, Peak Wildlife Park, nr. Leek
Breakfast with Monkeys V.I.P. Experience, Trentham Monkey Forest
Go Ape Cannock Chase, Cannock
Tailor Made Tour, National Memorial Arboretum
Throw A Pot Experience, LoveClay Studio, Stoke-on-Trent
Food & Drink Retailer/Farm Shop of the Year:
Denstone Hall Farm Shop, nr. Uttoxeter
Gelato & Cakes, Cheadle
The Milk Stop
Independent Restaurant of the Year:
Hoar Cross Hall, nr Burton upon Trent
Lunar, Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent
No.26 at Aston Marina, Stone
The Dial Restaurant, Burton upon Trent
Large Hotel of the Year:
CBeebies Land Hotel, Alton Towers Resort
Hoar Cross Hall, nr. Burton upon Trent
The Moat House, Acton Trussell
The Tawny Hotel, Consall, nr. Leek
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year:
Alton Towers Resort
National Memorial Arboretum
Peak Wildlife Park, nr. Leek
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent
Trentham Estate
New Tourism Business Award:
Duck Goose, Leek
Jungle Street Kitchen, Lichfield
Lumberjaxs Axe Throwing, Tamworth
Lunar, Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent
Pub of the Year:
Black Lion Inn, Butterton, nr Leek
The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone
The Little George, Eccleshall
The Tamworth Tap, Tamworth
Resilience & Innovation Award, sponsored by Service Science Ltd:
Duck Goose, Leek
Peak Wildlife Park, nr. Leek
The Stones Market, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year, sponsored by cottages.com:
Beechenhill Farm, Ilam, nr. Leek
Lane Head Barns, Leek
Mayfield Snuggery, Mayfield
Weston Park Holiday Cottages, Weston-under-Lizard
Small Hotel of the Year:
The Dog & Doublet Inn, Sandon, nr. Stafford
Walnut House at The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year:
Dorothy Clive Garden, nr Newcastle-under-Lyme
Foxfield Railway, Blythe Bridge
Play@ Lower Drayton Farm, Penkridge
The Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Tea Room & Coffee Shop of the Year:
Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Café, nr Uttoxeter
Gelato & Cakes, Cheadle
Pom’s Kitchen & Deli, Lichfield
Ramblers Retreat Country Tearoom, Alton
Charlotte Cain, Visitor Economy Partnerships Development Manager at Enjoy Staffordshire, said: “We are delighted with the entries that we have received this year, which is testament to the high quality of Staffordshire’s visitor offer.
“Not only is the county home to nationally recognised brands, but the collective offer is what makes Staffordshire the UK’s biggest and best playground; offering employment to local people and enjoyment for all. “We are very proud of our operators who continuously strive for excellence, and we look forward to celebrating their success.”
For more information, contact Richard Swancott at Enjoy Staffordshire, on 01785 277986 or info@enjoystaffordshire.com.
