THE winners of Newsquest’s Cumbria Life Magazine Awards were announced this week at a glitzy ceremony which celebrated all the very best of our county.

Hundreds gathered for the event held in partnership with H&H Insurance Brokers, for a ceremony in which winners were revealed at the Carus Green Golf Club, in Burneside, Kendal, on September 14.

Hospitality, culture and extraordinary Cumbrians were the flavour of the evening, with readers casting their votes for the winners on the evening, making these awards extra special.

The Westmorland Gazette: Cumbria Life editor Sarah French gave a speech to open the evening.Cumbria Life editor Sarah French gave a speech to open the evening. (Image: Johnny Becker)

Joy Yates, regional editor for Newsquest Cumbria, said: “These awards are extremely special as readers and advertisers of our Cumbria Life magazine are the ones who cast the votes and decide the winners. Can you imagine how much it means to individuals and businesses to have that level of support for what they do.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our headline sponsor - H&H Insurance Brokers – and our category sponsors who enable this prestigious event to take place.”

The Westmorland Gazette: Guests had a fantastic evening at the Carus Green hotel.Guests had a fantastic evening at the Carus Green hotel. (Image: Johnny Becker)

Here are our winners , finalists and sponsors:

ARTISAN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR sponsored by Made in Cumbria

WINNER: Lakeland Mues

RUNNERS UP:

  • Castle Chocolates
  • Kendal Mint Drinks
  •  

BEST ARTS & CULTURE VENUE sponsored by University of Cumbria

 

WINNER: Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

RUNNERS UP:

  • Alhambra Cinema, Keswick
  • Cherrydidi

The Westmorland Gazette: A drinks reception was held prior to the awards in glorious sunshine.A drinks reception was held prior to the awards in glorious sunshine. (Image: Johnny Becker)

BEST CAFÉ OR COFFEE SHOP sponsored by Dales Butchers

 

WINNER: Hope Park Café, Keswick

RUNNERS UP:

  • Sandpipers Coffee Shop, Arnside
  • The Beach Hut, Arnside
  •  

BEST CASUAL DINING EXPERIENCE sponsored by Pioneer Food Service

WINNER: Royal Oak Hotel

RUNNERS UP:

Penny Blue

The Crooklands

The Westmorland Gazette: The room rose into a standing ovation as Andy Airey was announced as Cumbrian of the Year.The room rose into a standing ovation as Andy Airey was announced as Cumbrian of the Year. (Image: Johnny Becker)

BEST FINE DINING EXPERIENCE sponsored by Lamont Pridmore

WINNER: Heft

RUNNERS UP:

Augill Castle

Farlam Hall

 

BEST LARGE TOURIST ATTRACTION sponsored by Cumbria Tourism

WINNER: Lowther Castle

RUNNERS UP:

Grizedale Forest

Honister Slate Mine

 

BEST PUB OR BAR sponsored by Lancaster & Morecambe College

WINNER: The Pheasant Inn

RUNNERS UP:

  • Hawkshead Brewery
  • The Drover’s Rest

 

BEST SMALL TOURIST ATTRACTION sponsored by Peter Tyson

WINNER: Solway Aviation Museum

RUNNERS UP:

  • Cumbria Moto Park
  • Wraysholme Creamery

The Westmorland Gazette: The awards are a celebration of the best of the county's hospitality, culture and people.The awards are a celebration of the best of the county's hospitality, culture and people. (Image: Johnny Becker)

ETHICAL, RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Thornthwaite Galleries

WINNER: Low Sizergh Barn

RUNNERS UP:

Coniston Stonecraft

Naturally Local Cumbria

 

BEST INDEPENDENT RETAILER sponsored by Atlantis Kitchens

WINNER: Keswick Boot Company

RUNNERS UP:

Crystals and More

Lovingly Artisan

 

FUNDRAISING FEAT OF THE YEAR sponsored by Farlam Hall Hotel and Restaurant

WINNER: 10,000 Daffodils

RUNNERS UP:

  • Gary McKee
  • Team Oliver
  • Wayne Singleton

The Westmorland Gazette: Cumbrian member of the Three Dad's Walking received the Cumbrian of the Year award.Cumbrian member of the Three Dad's Walking received the Cumbrian of the Year award. (Image: Johnny Becker)

CUMBRIAN OF THE YEAR, sponsored by H&H Insurance Brokers

Andy Airey

The winners will be featured further in the November issue of Cumbria Life, with more information about the awards evening.