LCR Tourism Awards: Huge night at Liverpool Cathedral celebrates city region’s tourism sector

Back in the beautiful surroundings of Liverpool Cathedral, the LCR Tourism Awards took place last night (10 March).

Recognising excellence across the city region’s tourism and hospitality industry, the annual awards are delivered by Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region Growth Company.

Double winners on the night were fine dining Chinese restaurant – Lu Ban, who won both the Resilience and Innovation Award along with Restaurant of the Year.

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, whilst 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.’

Back this year was the ‘Hidden Gem’ category which was sponsored by us here at The Guide Liverpool – the only category voted for by the public, recognising the region’s best kept secret. After thousands of votes this went to The Watering Can based at Greenbank Park, Liverpool.

At the @LCRTourismAward celebrating the best of our region’s visitor economy @LivCathedral 🌇 pic.twitter.com/WsbbUE2wzA

— The Guide Liverpool (@TheGuideLpool) March 10, 2022

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.

During the evening, hosted by BBC broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans, guests enjoyed a fabulous 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 (Business Improvement District) Company, their CEO, Bill Addy, said:

“Congratulations to all winners of this year’s Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards. 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.

“These awards celebrated success but also strength and tenacity. It was a great opportunity to say thank you and to raise a glass to those who have put their soul into the city as it recovers.”

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.

The drinks reception was sponsored by Amion with media partner, The Metro.

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 CBE

Find out more about the LCR Tourism Awards HERE.