With 22 categories of the very best businesses in Gloucestershire, the second #SGGLA awards evening was a sparkling success with SoGlos readers voting throughout April 2019, with a whopping 30,221 votes cast overall.
Taking home the coveted awards and winning the accolade for the best in Gloucestershire, SoGlos can now reveal the 22 winners who took top place on the night.
1. Gloucester Cathedral
Coming out on top in the Cultural Venue of the Year category, Gloucester Cathedral certainly earned its award, attracting an incredible 300,000 visitors every year.
A fantastic free attraction, it’s no wonder Gloucester Cathedral went home with an award.
2. WWT Slimbridge
Coming up against some of the most popular family attractions across the county, WWT Slimbridge was crowned as the Family Day Out of the Year winner for the second year, in one of the most voted for categories of the night.
With so much to do for families, exceptional conservational efforts and an ideal place for little ones and big kids to learn and explore, the attraction is set to grow even bigger and better in the next few years.
3. Dean Close School
Set within stunning leafy grounds and with an incredible community feel, Dean Close scooped the award for Independent School of the Year for the second year in a row.
With some of the best educational establishments battling it out to be crowned as the winner, Dean Close was set apart with its vast offering of academic and artistic subjects as well as outstanding pastoral care.
4. Everyman Theatre
Steeped in history and boasting a stellar line-up of everything from comedy to classic theatre shows, Everyman Theatre took home the award for Live Entertainment Venue of the Year 2019.
Winning this category for yet another year, Everyman Theatre is the heart of Cheltenham entertainment, with its programme jam-packed with something for all ages.
5. Gloucester Rugby
Home to the Cherry and Whites, as well as hosting sell-out music events during the summer, Gloucester Rugby came out as Sporting Venue of the Year 2019.
A fantastic venue for a thrilling day out for everyone, Gloucester Rugby was crowned the winner, beating some of the county’s other giant sporting venues.
6. The Frog & Fiddle
Hosting regular gigs with incredible acts, The Frog & Fiddle was winner of the Live Music Venue of the Year category for the second time.
Celebrating 21 years of brilliant live entertainment, music and being a much-loved venue for enjoying a tipple or two, it’s no wonder the pub took home the award for 2019.
7. Kibou Sushi
Heading home with the coveted award for Restaurant of the Year 2019, Kibou Sushi in Cheltenham secured the top spot with its delicious Japanese dishes and super fresh sushi.
Normally booked up well in advance and offering an intimate dining experience in the heart of Cheltenham, Kibou Sushi was crowned the best by voters.
8. Fat Toni’s
Storming ahead in the voting stages and winning the accolade of Takeaway of the Year 2019 for another year, Fat Toni’s Pizzeria has come up trumps serving up seriously scrumptious homemade pizzas from its branches in Stroud and Cheltenham.
Offering up a selection of tasty pizza suitable for vegans, vegetarians and those with a gluten intolerance, each sourdough pizza is lovingly made using the very best ingredients.
9. The Find
Having opened its doors in November 2017, The Find earned its place as a firm favourite in Cheltenham and beyond, taking home the eagerly-anticipated Café of the Year award in 2018, and again in 2019.
Offering somewhere to enjoy delicious coffee, catch up with friends and an innovative working space, the cruffins are also a definite must-try from The Find!
10. Cotswolds Distillery
Made in Shipston-on-Stour, Cotswolds Distillery bagged the Food/Drink Produce of the Year award for 2019.
Using traditional methods and quality ingredients, Cotswolds Distillery creates its own single malt whisky, dry gin, and a series of small batch exclusives.
11. The Bottle of Sauce
Combining all the elements of a perfect watering hole, The Bottle of Sauce was crowned Pub of the Year 2019.
Designed to bring back what pubs are all about; getting together with friends and enjoying some good pub grub, The Bottle of Sauce has earned a name for itself with slow rise pizzas and stellar breakfast pancakes on offer too!
12. Stroud Brewery
Starting out in 2006, Stroud Brewery has gone from strength to strength and this year opened its brand-new Tap Room.
Winning the award for Bar of the Year 2019, Stroud Brewery’s bar is a relaxed space to sip on award-winning organic beers and tuck into wood-fired pizzas.
13. Cowley Manor
Set within glorious grounds and offering chic and stylish décor along with exceptional service, Cowley Manor was crowned as Hotel of the Year 2019.
With a decadent restaurant, heavenly spa and stunning rooms, Cowley Manor was up against a high calibre of classy hotels across the county.
14. Earl’s & Co
Taking home the award for Beauty Business of the Year 2019, Earl’s & Co. is a stylish beauty salon and barber shop in Cheltenham.
Offering an innovative At Home service, whiskey with a haircut, and luxury manicures alongside beauty treatments, Earl’s & Co. took home its first SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards accolade in 2019.
15. Leisure at Cheltenham
With its renovated gym, brilliant swimming facilities and fantastic spaces for families and visitors, it’s no wonder that Leisure at Cheltenham won the Health/Fitness Business of the Year 2019 award.
From giant inflatables and the county’s only indoor splash pad for children, to a fantastic gym and fitness class studios, Leisure at Cheltenham was a clear winner with the SoGlos voters.
16. Made in Stroud
Taking home the award for Independent Shop of the Year 2019, Made in Stroud is an emporium of gorgeous local gifts, jewellery, food, drink and homeware.
The shop sells heavenly scented candles from local crafters, pampering gifts and local tipples including Sibling Gin and fellow award winners, Stroud Brewery’s beers.
17. The Fairview Gardener
Scooping up the award for Homes & Interiors Business of the Year 2019, The Fairview Gardener is a must-visit for green-fingered gardeners, those that just fancy a mooch or anyone who wants a delicious slice of cake and a cup of coffee at its café.
Also offering workshops and expert advice on landscape gardening, The Fairview Gardener has a fantastic selection of gifts too.
18. Gloucester Quays
With some of the biggest brands and a great selection of restaurants, Gloucester Quays was crowned the 2019 Shopping Destination of the Year.
Recently adding Radley London, Wagamama and Adidas to its offering, Gloucester Quays also hosts some fantastic seasonal events including the annual Victorian Christmas market.
19. Cheltenham Literature Festival
Bringing legendary authors and special guests to the county, Cheltenham Literature Festival won the award for Event of the Year 2019.
The 2018 line up saw guests including David Attenborough, Gary Barlow and Graham Norton and the year before included Hilary Clinton. With such big names gracing the stage, it’s clear to see how Cheltenham Literature Festival went home with the award.
20. Ellenborough Park
A new category for 2019, Wedding Venue of the Year 2019 went to the stunning Ellenborough Park.
One of the county’s few five-star hotels and wedding venues, Ellenborough Park offers wrap-around views, bundles of charming character and beautiful interiors, perfect for hosting the ultimate Gloucestershire wedding.
21. Vanilla Pod Bakery
Dedicated to making exceptional wedding cakes that taste as good as they look, Vanilla Pod Bakery won the award for Wedding Supplier of the Year 2019.
Owned by talented professional baker, Pia Cato, Vanilla Pod Bakery creates everything from glorious naked wedding cakes to buttercream masterpieces at her base in Cheltenham.
22. Bob Perkins
Recognising the incredible kindness and generosity of individuals in Gloucestershire, 2019 saw a new award for Hero of the Year given to Bob Perkins.
For over 30 years, Bob has been taking three weeks unpaid annual leave so that he can sell poppies at Eastgate Shopping Centre in Gloucester. Bob believes life is ‘too much about giving to get back and that sometimes, just giving should be enough.’
