A total of 18 businesses, including pubs and a fish and chip shop, have been praised at this year’s Ribble Valley Business Awards.
The awards celebrate the businesses and organisations that make the Ribble Valley such a wonderful place to live, work and visit. They reward success, hard work, vision, and innovation.
This year the awards took place on March 21, at Mytton Fold hotel in Langho.
It was the tenth anniversary of the awards and 246 people were in attendance.
A spokesperson for the Ribble Valley Business Awards said: “Massive congratulations to our wonderful winners, and to all our fantastic finalists too.
“Huge thanks to our super sponsors for all your support and for enabling us all to come together and celebrate. And to our volunteers and judges for helping us run the awards over the last five months.”
Best independent retailer, food and drink business and family business, are some of the awards that were given out.
The White Hart pub in Sabden was named most customer-friendly business, at the awards.
Stephen Howarth and Tom Howarth, who have been at the helm of the pub since 2022, said they are both really enjoy running the pub together.
Stephen said: “We absolutely love the pub and our customers and have a very loyal following both in the village and beyond. It’s no exaggeration to say that we feel that we have finally found our identity.
“We are both extremely proud of the food that we serve (we are area winner for best pub food with Thwaites 2023) and we try to offer something for everyone in the entertainment and events that we provide, be it drag queen bingo, weekly yoga classes to themed food nights.
“We are proudly the hub of village life. Customers have told us we are a lifeline to them, we are the only people they see, they feel safe coming to our pub on their own which they have never done before.”
The Swan With Two Necks, in Pendleton, was named most family-friendly business. It is the second year in a row that the pub has won the award.
According to the awards, Castle Chippy in Clitheroe is the best food and drink business in the Ribble Valley.
A spokesperson for the business said: “We are grateful for all the support from our staff and customers.
“A huge congratulations to all the other winners and finalists and a massive thank you to the sponsors, and organisers for making this an exceptional event.”
Mrs Dowson’s Farm in Clayton-le-Dale was named social media champion.
The Beacon Award, given to the ‘most inspiring entry’ across the whole awards, was awarded at the end of the evening to Tom's Table in Clitheroe, a French-inspired bistro and bar. It was also named best hospitality business.
Owner Tom Drinkall said: “We're truly humbled and overjoyed to announce that we were honoured with not just one, but two prestigious awards!
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our customers, supporters, and the Ribble Valley community for their unwavering support.
“The biggest thanks goes to our team - we couldn't do it without you.
“This recognition fuels our passion to continue delivering unforgettable dining experiences and making a positive impact in our community.”
Full list of winners:
- Beacon award and hospitality business: Toms Table
- Creative business: Voice It Podcast Agency
- Customer friendly business: The White Hart Sabden
- Family business: The Swan With Two Necks
- Food and drink business: Castle Chippy - Clitheroe
- Health and wellbeing business: Outdoors 4 All Together
- Independent retailer: Whalley Corn Mills Ltd
- Large business: Artisan Escapes of Whalley
- Made in Ribble Valley: N and J Aluminium Linings Ltd
- Medium business: Clitheroe Decorating Centre
- Micro business: Ella Shaw's Academy of Arts
- New business: North West Jewellery School
- Not for profit: The Shop Of Hope
- Small business: Little Oakhurst Boutique Glamping
- Social media champion: Mrs Dowson’s Farm Park
- Sole trader: Willows and Co
- Tourism business: Hedgerow Luxury Glamping
- Workforce development: James Alpe Ltd
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