Lancashire Pub Wins Taste Award

The winners of the 2010/11 Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards took centre stage on the 9th June, with TV wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan, host of the tourist board’s most hotly contested awards ceremony to date, held at the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel , near Accrington.

Food NW and Made in Lancashire sponsored the ‘Taste Lancashire’ award, which recognises the best eating out experience in Lancashire. The entrants had to show a commitment to local sourcing and seasonal produce – areas which Food NW and Made in Lancashire champion.

The Taste Lancashire Award winner was The Highwayman in Burrow. Green’s Bistro in Lytham St Annes was highly commended.

Commenting on the ceremony and finalists, Lancashire & Blackpool Tourist Board’s Mike Wilkinson said:

“Congratulations to all our finalists, highly commended and of course, our Tourism Award 2010 winners. There’s no doubt that the last couple of years have been extremely challenging and for those who have succeeded in enhancing and improving the visitor experience, as well as their business during this period, this has required admirable innovation and exceptional determination.”

The Awards are supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), and many of the winners will now go on to represent Lancashire and Blackpool at the England’s Northwest Tourism Awards later this year.

Nick Brooks-Sykes, Director of Tourism at the NWDA, said: “Lancashire is developing a reputation as a top quality visitor destination with stunning accommodation, unique attractions and excellent food, thanks in part those individuals and organisations that have been recognised at today’s awards.

“The past 12 months have seen uncertain futures for many sectors, including the tourism industry; therefore today’s prize-winners should be particularly proud of their achievement and I applaud their dedication to delivering only the very best. I hope that some of them will continue their winning streak at the England’s Northwest Awards later this year.”