The results are officially in! The winners of the fifth annual SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards – proudly sponsored by Visit Gloucestershire – have been revealed, representing the best of the best of the county’s dynamic lifestyle sector.
Following an exciting nomination phase earlier this year, only the top 159 businesses that put themselves forward were shortlisted – going through to the public voting stage, when SoGlos readers were invited to choose their favourites.
The top five businesses in each category were named finalists and invited to see the winners of the SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2022 revealed for the very first time, at an exclusive evening of networking, drinks and celebration.
The awards ceremony took place on Wednesday 29 June 2022 at Cheltenham’s DEYA Brewing Company, where the taproom was transformed into a striking events space by SGGLA events partners, Oasis Events and PR Production Services.
Guests got stuck in to tasty Hungarian street food from SGGLA food partner, The Hungry Hun; all washed down with crisp craft beer, which was supplied by DEYA as drinks partner for SGGLA 2022.
While the event was once again compered by Gloucestershire reporter for BBC Points West, Steve Knibbs.
SoGlos managing director, James Fyrne, said: ‘Thank you so much to our headline sponsor, Visit Gloucestershire, our category sponsors, partners and the SoGlos team for making the fifth annual SGGLA such an incredible success.
‘We are about to celebrate our 15-year anniversary and after 15 years of hard work, we are really proud to have seen SoGlos flourish into Gloucestershire’s leading media brand – and as our flagship event, the SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards has grown to become the county’s most definitive awards.
‘Huge congratulations to all this year’s winners, highly commended businesses and finalists!’
SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Award 2022 winners
#SGGLA Cultural Venue of the Year 2022
Sponsored by 16i – 16i.co.uk
Winner: Sudeley Castle and Gardens
Impressing SoGlos readers with its fascinating royal connections, award-winning gardens and 1,000 years of history, the spectacular Sudeley Castle and Gardens has scooped the top spot for SGGLA Cultural Venue of the Year in 2022.
Kim Gibbon, visitor services manager at Sudeley Castle, said: ‘After the last couple of years, where everyone has worked so hard, it’s wonderful to receive this award. The team has transformed the venue and it’s great that so many have voted for us.’
Highly commended: Gloucester Cathedral
#SGGLA Family Day Out of the Year 2022
Sponsored by The King’s School – thekingsschool.co.uk
Winner: Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park
With a host of adorable animals from rare breed pigs to fluffy chicks, wildlife walks and adventure play areas galore, it’s easy to see why SoGlos readers chose Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park as their SGGLA Family Day Out Venue of the Year for 2022.
Adam Henson of Cotswold Farm Park said: ‘This award is for the amazing team we have. They have worked so hard over the last very difficult 18 months and I’m delighted that our customers felt they should vote for us. For us to be able to put this award above our door and say we are winners is wonderful.’
Highly commended: Westonbirt Arboretum
#SGGLA Independent School of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Brave Human Capital Group – bravehcg.co.uk
Winner: Berkhampstead School
Providing a rich and varied education for children aged three to 11, supported by outstanding pastoral care and an inclusive environment, Berkhampstead School in Cheltenham is SoGlos readers’ Independent School of the Year for 2022.
Richard Cross, head teacher of Berkhampstead School, said: ‘This is unbelievable. We were up against some incredible schools. Gloucestershire has some really, really top-quality schools – state schools and independent schools – so to win is simply incredible.’
Highly commended: The King’s School
#SGGLA Live Entertainment Venue of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Nuffield Health – nuffieldhealth.com/cheltenham
Winner: Everyman Theatre
Hosting a diverse programme of West End productions, famous comedians and live music events – not to mention its annual panto – Cheltenham’s beloved Everyman Theatre has once again stolen the show, taking home SGGLA Live Entertainment Venue of the Year 2022.
David Allen, head of sales and marketing at the Everyman Theatre, said: ‘We are extremely excited to win again and very humbled that so many people continue to vote for us. It’s been really wonderful to welcome people back to the Everyman and be able to continue to entertain them.’
Highly commended: The Roses Theatre
#SGGLA Live Music Venue of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Guano Crazy Printing – gcprinting.co.uk
Winner: The Frog and Fiddle
Celebrated for its laid-back vibe and buzzing atmosphere, The Frog and Fiddle in Cheltenham has a strong reputation for supporting local live music, with SoGlos readers voting it their SGGLA Live Music Venue of the Year in 2022.
Joseph Barton of The Frog and Fiddle said: ‘I only took over the venue in September – probably one of the worst times to be taking over a live venue! But I would like to thank the staff team and all our incredible customers, and most of all the people who create the live music that brings us all together and gives us so much happiness. They are all incredible.’
Highly commended: The Subscription Rooms
#SGGLA Sporting Venue of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Pro Global – pro-global.com
Winner: Gloucester Rugby
It’s one of the best rugby clubs in the country, with fans flocking to Kingsholm Stadium to cheer on the Cherry and Whites in regular premiership games… Gloucester Rugby has been chosen by SoGlos readers as SGGLA Sporting Venue of the Year 2022.
Nick Cole, stadium manager at Gloucester Rugby, said: ‘Obviously, we are absolutely delighted to win. Gloucester Rugby has worked really hard over the last couple of years. Covid has been difficult. But on the pitch, we have had one of our best seasons in a long time, finishing fifth, and this win makes it feel like it’s onwards and upwards.’
Highly commended: Cheltenham Racecourse
#SGGLA Restaurant of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Cleevely Electric Vehicles – cleevelyev.co.uk
Winner: The Coconut Tree
Gloucestershire foodies can’t get enough of its vibrant Sri Lankan menu and potent Cocotails! After narrowly missing out last year, The Coconut Tree in Cheltenham has taken back the coveted title of SGGLA Restaurant of the Year for 2022.
Naveen Rajamanikkam, manager of Cheltenham’s The Coconut Tree, said: ‘This is the third award we have won in three years. From Cheltenham, we have grown and now have nine restaurants in the region – all through Covid. After this, we feel like we can take over the world!’
Highly commended: KIBOU Cheltenham
#SGGLA Food/Drink Producer of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Grass Outlet – grass-outlet.co.uk
Winner: Hetty’s Kitchen
Having recently opened its brand-new bakery and café in Gloucester, the year has got off to a flying start for Hetty’s Kitchen – and now, Hetty and her brownie wizards have bagged the award for SGGLA Food/Drink Producer of the Year 2022, too!
Henrietta Kitt, owner of Hetty’s Kitchen, said: ‘This is amazing. Absolutely amazing. We are delighted. I can’t believe it, when there are so many great food and drink businesses in Gloucestershire. I’m thrilled!’
Highly commended: Wholly Gelato
#SGGLA Pub/Bar of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Gloucester Carpet Outlet – gloucestercarpetoutlet.co.uk
Winner: The Plough Prestbury
With a reputation for its fantastic cider, real cask ales and charming atmosphere, as well as its gorgeous Grade II listed, thatched-roofed setting, The Plough in Prestbury has snapped up the SGGLA for Pub/Bar of the Year 2022.
Emma Gibbon, landlady of The Plough in Prestbury, said: ‘We are incredibly pleased. There were so many great businesses on the short list. When we saw Gin & Juice on there we thought there was no chance, so to win is amazing.’
Highly commended: The Red Hart Inn
#SGGLA Café of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Perry Bishop – perrybishop.co.uk
Winner: The Curious Café and Bistro
Delighting visitors with its hearty breakfasts, boutique décor and beautiful outdoor space, with regular live music nights and pop-up kitchens to look forward to, Cheltenham’s Curious Café and Bistro has been named SGGLA Café of the Year 2022 by SoGlos’s readers.
Gemma Bryan of The Curious Café said: ‘We are just so, so thrilled to have won. We would like to thank all our customers who voted for us. We are over the moon!’
Highly commended: Rough Hands Coffee
#SGGLA Hotel of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Six Property Consulting – sixpc.co.uk
Winner: Ellenborough Park
An exquisite 15th century country estate with picture-perfect Cotswold views and a luxurious spa, Gloucestershire’s only five-star hotel, Ellenborough Park, takes home the SGGLA for Hotel of the Year 2022.
Marwan Hemchaoui, general manager at Ellenborough Park, said: ‘This is the award we really wanted – Hotel of the Year – because it’s voted for by our customers. It’s a wonderful achievement for our staff.’
Highly commended: The Greenway Hotel and Spa
#SGGLA Independent Shop of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Severn Wye Energy Agency – severnwye.org.uk
Winner: Be More Bob
Selling everything from natural treats to chewing toys, as well as being the only stockist of Ruffwear products in the whole of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham’s very own doggy destination store, Be More Bob, wins the award for SGGLA Independent Shop of the Year 2022.
Sharon Glazzard, owner of Be More Bob, Cheltenham’s first and only dedicated store for dogs, said: ‘We need to say a really big ‘thank you’ to our amazing customers. We are such a young business, so to win this year feels like a privilege.’
Highly commended: Made in Stroud
#SGGLA Shopping Destination of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Gloucestershire County Council – gloucestershire.gov.uk
Winner: Gloucester Quays
Offering major discounts on popular brands like Barbour, Levi’s and Ted Baker, and home to a host of restaurants, a cinema and regular markets, Gloucester Quays has been chosen by SoGlos readers as their SGGLA Shopping Destination of the Year 2022.
Owen Ackland, centre manager of Gloucester Quays, said: ‘It’s brilliant. We knew we were up against it this year, so we are delighted. It’s the public voting, so it means so much when you win.’ Paul Carter, the new asset director at Gloucester Quays, added: ‘Everyone – from the staff team to the retailers, businesses, restaurants – has worked really hard to make this possible. It has been a collaboration.’
Highly commended: John Lewis & Partners Cheltenham
#SGGLA Art Gallery of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Severnside Security – severnsidesecurityltd.co.uk
Winner: Cotswold Sculpture Park
Showcasing contemporary sculpture work in a stunning, open-air setting, SoGlos readers have picked the unique Cotswold Sculpture Park as their winner in the brand-new category, SGGLA Art Gallery of the Year, for 2022.
Tadd Hartland, from Cotswold Sculpture Park, said: ‘This means such a lot. We are a father and son team – and I think this is our first award together.’ David Hartland, Tadd’s father, added: ‘Thank you to SoGlos for putting on these awards and arranging such a wonderful evening.’
Highly commended: Museum of Gloucester
#SGGLA Wedding Venue of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Barrington Decorators – barringtondecorators.com
Winner: Elmore Court
Offering exclusive hire of its stately house, gardens and award-winning sustainable party space, which is constructed from rammed earth, Elmore Court is top of mind for couples looking to get hitched – with SoGlos readers voting it their SGGLA Wedding Venue of the Year 2022.
Alex Moyler, senior event coordinator at Elmore Court, said: ‘We really did not expect to win, it was just great to be shortlisted. We are so pleased!’
Highly commended: Sudeley Castle & Gardens
#SGGLA Event of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools – stagecoach.co.uk
Winner: The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse
Bringing four action-packed days of equestrian action to Cheltenham Racecourse, The Festival is always a highlight in the national horse racing calendar – and SoGlos readers have voted the iconic sporting event their SGGLA Event of the Year in 2022.
Emma Andrews, senior hospitality and event coordinator at The Jockey Club, said: ‘Everyone at Cheltenham Racecourse really, really appreciates this award – and everyone who voted for us. Thank you.’
Highly commended: Cheltenham Literature Festival
#SGGLA Charity of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Hooray Recruitment – hoorayworks.co.uk
Winner: Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice
As the only unit for specialist palliative care in Gloucestershire, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice provides expert inpatient care, Hospice at Home services and neurological and bereavement support – helping patients and their families to live the best possible lives they can.
We’re proud to call them our SGGLA Charity of the Year for the second year running, as voted for by SoGlos readers.
Elise Hoadley, director at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: ‘This is our second year as winners. We feel thrilled and privileged to be thought of as so valued and appreciated by the people of Gloucestershire.’
Highly commended: Cheltenham Animal Shelter
#SGGLA Outstanding Contribution Award 2022
Sponsored by Harrison Clark Rickerbys Solicitors – hcrlaw.com
Winner: Sue Belej, learning and engagement manager at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Handpicked by the category sponsor, Harrison Clark Rickerbys solicitors, the all-new SGGLA Outstanding Contribution Award 2022 goes to Sue Belej, who has worked at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, for 22 years.
As learning and engagement manager, Sue has welcomed thousands of children of all ages to the site, delivering talks, events and educational sessions to teach them about the wonderful wetlands and help them to connect with nature. She has been instrumental in Slimbridge’s recent achievement of the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality badge, endorsed by the Department of Education.
Belej said: ‘This is for my team. We are there to help the children who visit have a really good time, and it’s a joy and privilege to be able to do so.’
Highly commended: Sara Reader, former guest co-ordinator at Cheltenham Open Door
#SGGLA Business of the Year 2022
Sponsored by Visit Gloucestershire – visit-gloucestershire.uk
Winner: Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park
Handpicked by headline sponsor Visit Gloucestershire from all winners on the night, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park takes the title of SGGLA Business of the Year 2022.
Duncan Andrew, director of Cotswold Farm Park, said: ‘We are delighted to receive this award. It’s for our whole team and the amazing job they have done and continue to do – and for all our customers, without whom we would not be here.’
Be part of SGGLA 2023
To find out more about sponsorship and partnership opportunities for SGGLA 2023 and the chance to associate your brand with Gloucestershire’s biggest awards, contact SoGlos’s Partnerships Hub at advertising@sopublishing.com or call (01242) 210330.
For more information, visit soglos.com/awards-lifestyle.
