Shortlist Revealed for Coventry & Warwickshire's 'Best in Culture & Tourism'

The shortlist for Coventry and Warwickshire’s best pubs, restaurants, venues and attractions has been drawn up – and it includes everything from independent venues through to international arenas.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Tourism and Culture Awards is being held on Thursday, September 21, at Coombe Abbey Hotel and will see 14 awards handed out in a range of categories as well as a few special surprises on the night.

The event is being organised by Touch FM and Rugby FM and is being supported by Coventry City of Culture Trust – the organisation behind Coventry’s bid to be UK City of Culture – Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council, Shakespeare’s England and the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

The black tie event will be hosted by Touch FM’s Ollie Gallant and Si Alexander and this year is priced at just £30 + VAT per person to make it more affordable and accessible to smaller venues and businesses who may want to attend with staff.

Businesses and venues from right across the region have made the shortlist and Jo Billings, Regional Events Director of Quidem Media – the company behind Touch FM and Rugby FM – said making the final was an achievement in itself.

Jo said: “The strength of nominations this year has surpassed anything we have seen previously. More than 120 businesses put themselves forward for an award so it really is a major achievement to have been shortlisted in any of the categories.

“What we love about the Coventry and Warwickshire Tourism and Culture Awards is the fact that it attracts some of the biggest names in our region to apply alongside smaller, independent operators – it’s a true celebration of the wonderful cross section of businesses we have in this sector.

“We have changed the pricing structure for the event this year to reflect that. We wanted smaller venues to be able to bring along staff at a cost that would be a bit more manageable because we want everyone to be able to celebrate on the night.

“It’s a red carpet event that we hope will attract around 350 to 400 people – and will truly showcase what Coventry and Warwickshire has to offer. From classic English pubs through to castles, forests, museums, art, theatre, music, a world class stadium and the world’s most famous playwright.

“Visitors from all over the world flock to our region and tourism is a key sector, contributing to the area’s local economic growth with a turnover in excess of £1 billion each year. Forecasts predict continued annual growth in the coming years – especially with Coventry bidding to be UK City of Culture in 2021 – and this is a great chance to shine a spotlight on all of the great assets we have here.”

The shortlist in full:

Business Tourism Award

  • Conference Coventry and Warwickshire
  • Shakespeare’s England
  • Warwick Conferences
  • Woodside

Small Hotel / B&B / Inn / Accommodation

  • Avonlea
  • Hilltop Hideaways Ltd
  • Twelthnight Guesthouse
  • One Abbey lane

Best Hotel

  • Chesford Grange Hotel
  • Coombe Abbey Hotel
  • The Episode Hotel
  • Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa
  • Village Hotel Club, Coventry

Best Pub

  • The Boat Inn
  • The Folly Inn
  • The Hatton Arms
  • Twisted Barrel

Best Restaurant

  • The Fourteas
  • Manor Farm Shop & Farmhouse Kitchen
  • Oscars French Bistro
  • Turmeric Gold

Best Venue Live Music / Arts / Theatre

  • The Ricoh Arena
  • Stratford Artshouse
  • The Tin
  • Theatre Absolute
  • Warwick Arts Centre

The Culture Award

  • Coventry Priory Visitors Centre
  • Heritage & Culture Warwickshire
  • Motionhouse
  • Warwick Arts centre

Cultural Education

  • ASH Stage Productions
  • Highly Sprung
  • In2Cultures
  • Warwick Arts Centre

Artisan Award

  • Caking & Baking
  • Swirls
  • Twisted Barrel Ale
  • Wilde Nuts Ltd

History & Heritage Award

  • The Royal Shakespeare Company
  • Shakespeare’s New Place
  • Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall
  • World Rugby Hall of Fame

Kids & Families Award

  • The MAD Museum
  • Mr Karting
  • Rugby Art Gallery & Museum

Customer Care / Team Award

  • Aubrey Allen
  • Bubble Boba
  • The Hatton Arms
  • Mr Karting
  • Swirls

Visitor Attraction

  • Compton Verney Art Gallery & Park
  • FarGo Village
  • The MAD Museum
  • Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall

Tourism Event

  • OVO Women’s Cycle Tour (Warwickshire County Council & University of Warwick in partnership)
  • Coventry Transport Museum
  • Godiva Festival
  • Leamington Art in the Park Festival