Fine dining Chinese restaurant Lu Ban was one of the big winners at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards which returned as an in-person event for the first time in three years. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool fine dining Chinese restaurant Lu Bn was one of the big winners as the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards returned as a physical event for the first time since 2019.
Liverpool Cathedral was the venue for the awards, which were held online in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Proceedings were hosted by BBC broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans.
Recognising excellence across the city region’s tourism and hospitality industry, the annual awards are delivered by Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region Growth Company.
Lu Ban, based in Liverpoll’s Baltic Triangle district, won both the Resilience and Innovation Award and Restaurant of the Year. Back this year was the ‘Hidden Gem’ category – the only category voted for by the public, recognising the region’s best kept secret. This went to The Watering Can based at Greenbank Park, Liverpool.
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There was also a double win for the owners of The Denbigh Castle and The Bridewell with The Denbigh Castle taking the Pub of the Year accolade, while the Unsung Hero Award went to The Bridewell’s head waiter, Gerard Madden, who judges described as “a great ambassador, passionate about his job and always willing to pass on his knowledge”.
Other winners on the night included Titanic for Hotel of the Year, Shiverpool for best Independent Tourism Business and Liverpool Food Tours taking the New Tourism Business award. The Outstanding Contribution Award was awarded to Max Steinberg – chair of the board for The ACC Liverpool Group and Shakespeare North.
Guests at the ceremony on Thursday evening enjoyed a three-course meal courtesy of Horseradish Catering with entertainment from Kasia Masai and Deana Walmsley.
Peter Sandman, head of visitor economy at Growth Platform, said: “Huge congratulations not only to the well-deserved winners tonight but to everyone at Liverpool Cathedral tonight and our sector as a whole.
“For the last two years this industry, like many others, has faced unprecedented challenges and tonight has shown a resilient and united sector able to look forward and celebrate together.”
Headline sponsor of the awards were Liverpool BID Company. Chief executive Bill Addy, said: “Tourism is a major economic driver in Liverpool city region, but it also reflects its heart. From music to attractions, culture to food, we love to welcome visitors, as much as we love to be tourists in our own backyard.”
Associate sponsors were Liverpool ONE, National Museums Liverpool and Quest Liverpool whilst category sponsors were ACC Liverpool, BDO LLP, EPIC, Influential, Liverpool Cathedral, Lu Ban Restaurant, Merseyrail, Owen Drew, The Guide Liverpool, Ticket Quarter, Wild Thang and Wirral Chamber of Commerce.
Full list of winners:
Tourism Young Person of the Year sponsored by National Museums Liverpool
Carlotta Cervia, Hilton Hotel Liverpool
Unsung Hero sponsored by Liverpool ONE
Gerard Madden, The Bridewell
New Tourism Business of the Yea sponsored by EPIC
Liverpool Food Tours
Independent Tourism Business of the Year sponsored by Influential
Shiverpool
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award sponsored by ACC Liverpool
Sefton Park Palm House Preservation Trust
Experience of the Year sponsored by Merseyrail
British Music Experience
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by Ticket Quarter
Royal Liver Building 360
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by Wirral Chamber of Commerce
Liverpool Cathedral
Resilience and Innovation Award sponsored by BDO LLP
Lu Ban Restaurant
Hidden Gem Award sponsored by The Guide Liverpool
The Watering Can
Taste Award – Cafe/Bistro of the Year sponsored by Lu Ban Restaurant
Bold Street Coffee
Pub of the Year sponsored by sponsored by Wild Thang
The Denbigh Castle
Taste Award – Restaurant of the Year sponsored by Quest Liverpool
Lu Ban Restaurant
B&B / Guest House of the Year sponsored by Liverpool Cathedral
Sunnyside Guest House
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year sponsored by Owen Drew
Epic Apartments
Hotel of the Year sponsored by Liverpool BID Company
Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award sponsored by Growth Platform
Max Steinberg