#LoveYork Awards Winners

Earlier this month we ran the #LoveYork awards, an online celebration of the very best of York’s tourism, hospitality and retail businesses. More than 6,400 residents, ‘visitors’ and York fans voted for their favourites, choosing over 25 different businesses to be awarded the Gold, Silver and Bronze prizes across the 11 categories. Here are the winners.  

Favourite York Virtual Experience    

This award was for those who have kept us entertained and informed during lockdown. It was the first of several wins for Dorian Deathly’s Dark Tours, who took Gold in this category. Dorian’s Facebook Live events have been extremely popular, and have brought York’s spooky ghost stories right into people’s homes. Silver went to the National Railway Museum Online, and the Shadows of York virtual tours took Bronze.   

The Restaurant I Can't Wait to Dine At  

York’s fabulous food scene is a hit with residents and visitors alike. With the city home to so many great eateries, this category was highly competitive. Gold went Lucia Wine Bar & Grill, who serve up really delicious Italian fare. Runners up were Roots York, the city’s newly Michellin Starred restaurant, with Silver, and Bronze went to Ambiente Tapas.   

An Attraction or Experience I'll Be Visiting First After Lockdown  

When there are so many great things to do in and around York, this was another category in which voters were spoiled for choice. York Maze won Gold, a great summer day out, full of fun, with the largest maze in the UK. Dorian Deathly’s Dark Tours took another accolade with Silver, and the world-famous York Minster got Bronze. 

The Most Surprising York Hidden Gem  

This award aimed to shine a light on some of the lesser-known aspects of York. The York Dungeon took Gold, with their shocking experience which exposes the darker side of York’s past. The Bar Convent, England’s oldest surviving convent, won Silver, with Bronze going to The Blue Bell pub on Fossgate.      

The Pub/Bar I'll Be Heading to First  

York has a vibrant and varied selection of pubs and bars, with something to suit all tastes. Gold in our awards went to The House of Trembling Madness, much loved, and famed for their incredible selection of craft beers and ales. Silver was won by the Lamb and Lion Inn, tucked just inside the walls on High Petergate, with Brew York on Walmgate taking Bronze.    

Favourite Lockdown Foodie Experience  

This award celebrated the scrumptious takeaway and home delivery flavours that locals have been lucky to enjoy during the pandemic. The Shambles Market Food Court won Gold. Offering delicious street food every day of the week, it makes the perfect spot for a lunchtime treat. Street food proved a popular choice with Spark: York CIC taking Silver, and Yuzu Street Food Bronze.   

Going the Extra Mile Award  

This award recognised those in the city who have gone above and beyond for customers in recent times. It was another Gold win for Dorian Deathly’s Dark Tours and his online entertainments. York Gin and Love Cheese won Silver and Bronze respectively, with their first-rate products and superb shopping experiences, both online and in store.  

The Event I'm Eager to Attend  

York usually has an incredible calendar of events on offer for both visitors and residents. Sadly, many of these faced cancellation in 2020 and 2021, so this award looks forward to welcoming them back. Gold went to the wintery and wonderful York Christmas festival, with York Food and Drink festival bagging Silver, and York Races Bronze.       

Home Away from Home Award   

There are many fabulous places to stay in the city, from big, luxurious hotels, to cosy and homely B&Bs. The Grand, York, took Gold is this category. As the city’s only 5-star hotel and spa it is perfect for romantic getaways. The Principal, York, won Silver, with 23 St Mary’s claiming Bronze.    

Favourite York Independent Shopping Experience  

York’s unique boutiques and specialist stores are a big part of the city’s appeal and charm, and this award celebrates our independent traders. No surprise then that Gold went to the beloved Shambles Market, home to the largest collection of independent traders in the city. It was another Silver for York Gin, with The Potions Cauldron bagging Bronze.    

Lockdown Hero Award  

Finally, this award hoped to shine a light on those in the city who have made a real difference to the community in what has been a very challenging year for all. It was another Gold win for Dorian Deathly’s Dark Tours, whose fun and interactive virtual tours on York’s dark history have that kept people entertained and connected with their friends and family throughout the lockdowns. Silver was won by Spark: York CIC for their support to York’s key workers and the Lockdown Collections initiative. Bronze was awarded to the Supper Collective, for their free supper deliveries to York’s vulnerable and isolated, as well as the NHS staff at York Hospital.