Last night, Red Funnel’s annual Isle of Wight Awards were handed out at Northwood House in Cowes, at a celebration of businesses that make the Island a unique and incredible destination for tourists and Islanders. 

Almost 60,000 votes were cast by members of the Island community, selecting their top three businesses for 20 different awards across four categories – accommodation, food and drink, things to do and ‘other’.

Overall, 60 gold, silver and bronze awards were issued, shining a spotlight on well-established tourism businesses as well as on a record-breaking 21 newcomers, who all picked up their first accolade in 2023.

349 businesses from all over the Isle of Wight were nominated this year, underscoring the tremendous variety of places to eat, stay and spend a great day out on the Island.

Walk the Wight, Grace’s Bakery, Sentry Mead, and Fins Beach Café are three brand new gold winners for 2023, taking home awards in the Best Event, Best Local Produce, Best B&B and Best Café categories respectively. Repeat winners include The Blacksmiths winning Best Pub, Corries Cabin taking home the prize for Best Fish & Chips and Monkey Haven, retaining their title for Best Small Attraction.

Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, presenting the awards last night, said: “I want to say a huge congratulations to all of the award winners and applaud their success and well-deserved prize. I also want to thank everyone and every business that was nominated for making the Island a destination that continues to deliver outstanding memories and experiences. Finally, I want to thank everyone who took the time to vote. It was a pleasure to meet so many business owners and I’m already looking forward to the 2024 awards.”

Taking home the Gold award for Best Self-Catering from a trio of three Awards newcomers, Beth and Sarah Medley, Owners of Beachlands Collective said: “We are incredibly honoured to have won a gold award this year and wish to thank Red Funnel and everybody who voted for making this possible. We have loved hosting people from locals to tourists over the last year and can’t wait to continue offering a great experience.” The Haviland Cottage took Silver, while Beryl Farm Cottages took Bronze.

The full list of this year’s winners can be found at https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/awards

2023 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards Winners List:

Accommodation	Food & Drink	Things To Do	Other
Best B&B / Guest House Gold – Sentry Mead Silver – The Chequers Inn Bronze – St Leonards Guest House	Best Burger Gold – The Cow Silver – The Blacksmiths Bronze – Harbour Kitchen	Best Activity Provider Gold – Island Gems Fossil Trips Silver – Tackt-Isle Adventures Bronze – Haven Falconry Bird of Prey Centre	Best Green Business Gold – Tapnell Farm Silver – Monkey Haven Bronze – Roake Studio
Best Campsite Gold – The Orchards Holiday Park Silver – Waverley Park Holiday Centre Bronze – Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park	Best Café or Tearoom Gold – Fins Beach Cafe Silver – Blueberrys Café Bronze – Dimbola Tea Room & Coffee House	Best Island Event Gold – Walk the Wight Silver – The Isle of Wight Festival Bronze – The Isle of Wight Walking Festival	Best Newcomer Gold – Definitely Cheesecakes Silver – Hayden’s Chip Shop Bronze – Isle Love Sweets
Best Holiday Park Gold – Waverley Park Holiday Centre Silver – The Orchards Holiday Park Bronze – Nodes Point Holiday Park	Best Fish & Chips Gold – Corries Cabin Silver – The Waterfront Bar & Restaurant Bronze – Hayden’s Chip Shop	Best Large Attraction Gold – Tapnell Farm Silver – The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Bronze – Wildheart Animal Sanctuary	Best Place for Dogs Gold – Luccombe Manor Hotel Silver – Off the Rails Bronze – Snacks & Ladders Board Game Café
Best Hotel Experience Gold – Luccombe Hall Hotel Silver – The Royal Bronze – The Seaview Hotel	Best Local Produce Gold – Grace’s Bakery Silver – The Isle of Wight Distillery Bronze – Briddlesford Farm	Best Small Attraction Gold – Monkey Haven Silver – The Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum Bronze – The Isle of Wight Ghost Experience
Best Place to go Glamping Gold – Tom’s Eco Lodge Silver – Glamping the Wight Way Bronze – The Garlic Farm Yurts	Best Pub Gold – The Blacksmiths Silver – The Old Fort, Seaview Bronze – The Caulkheads	Best Shop/ Retail Gold – The Garlic Farm Shop Silver – Jurassic Jim Bronze – Isle Love Sweets
Best Self-Catering Gold – Beachlands Collective Silver – Haviland Cottage Bronze – Beryl Farm Cottages	Best Restaurant Gold – The Yarbridge Inn Silver – Smoking Lobster Bronze – True Food Kitchen