Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2024

Launched in 2018, the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards have grown to become the biggest celebration of the county's lifestyle sector — with 2024 marking the event's exciting seventh year.

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards

In 2024 Gloucestershire’s exceptional cultural venues, restaurants, pubs, independent schools, sporting venues, independent shops, events and more are invited to put themselves forward for a coveted Gloucestershire Lifestyle Award, before SoGlos readers cast their votes to determine a list of finalists and a panel of experienced judges then decide upon the winners and highly commended businesses in each category.

The Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards culminate in a fabulous celebration evening at a unique venue, when finalists, sponsors and special guests come together for the exciting live reveal of the results – crowning the best of the best of Gloucestershire's lifestyle sector.

Welcome to the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2024...

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2024 key stages

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2024 key stages

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2024 headline partner

Pro Global

Pro Global is a specialist insurance expert that streamlines and enhances the operational effectiveness of insurance businesses. Established in 1993, Pro has evolved from its roots in Gloucester to a global footprint, with offices across the UK, Europe, and Latin America, delivering transformational change and outsourcing expertise to its clients.
pro-global.com/join-our-team

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2024 categories & partners

Cultural Venue of the Year

Open to visitor attractions, gardens and museums.

2024 Finalists

Berkeley Castle
Gloucester Cathedral
Museum in the Park
Nature in Art
Painswick Rococo Garden
The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum, The Cheltenham Trust

ABOUT THE PARTNER: 16i

Digital agency 16i is a market leader in website design and software development, with much of its work being bespoke software applications. Adept at technically challenging projects, its clients include international law firms, the University of Gloucestershire, Everyman Theatre and SoGlos. 16i also offers meeting rooms with the latest technology and secure, high-speed internet.
16i.co.uk

Family Day Out Venue of the Year

Open to day out destinations, wildlife centres and children’s activity centres.

2024 Finalists

Cotswold Farm Park
Mr Mulligans
National Waterways Museum Gloucester, Canal & River Trust
Over Farm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

ABOUT THE PARTNER: WSP Solicitors

WSP Solicitors is an independent legal practice, with offices in Stroud and Gloucester. The firm has been offering straightforward legal advice and support for over 260 years and provides a wide range of legal services for personal and commercial matters – from wills, property, and family matters, through to buying or selling your business.
wspsolicitors.com

Independent School of the Year

Open to prep, senior and sixth-form independent schools.

2024 Finalists

Cheltenham College
Dean Close Preparatory School
The King's School Gloucester
The Richard Pate School

ABOUT THE PARTNER: HR Star

Located in Cheltenham and catering to entrepreneurial businesses throughout Gloucestershire, HR Star is renowned for its innovative HR approach. HR Star assists companies in developing unique 'people strategies' that align employee and employer needs, cultivating engaged, high-performing teams. Its method fosters a thriving work environment, ensuring the wellbeing of clients' staff.
hr-star.co.uk

Entertainment Venue of the Year

Open to music, theatre and comedy venues.

2024 Finalists

Everyman Theatre
Gloucester Brewery
Prince Albert, Stroud
The Bottle of Sauce
The Frog & Fiddle
The Roses Theatre

ABOUT THE PARTNER: Cleevely Motors

Cheltenham-based Cleevely Motors is a multi-award-winning garage, run by the same family since 1962. A certified Castrol workshop and part of Servicesure Autocentres, the business offers servicing and repairs on domestic and commercial vehicles, providing an exceptional quality of service that's guaranteed by the Retail Motor Industry 'Trust My Garage' scheme.
cleevelymotors.co.uk

Sporting Venue of the Year

Open to businesses across all types of sports.

2024 Finalists

Cheltenham Racecourse
Gloucester Rugby
Leisure At & Prince of Wales Stadium, The Cheltenham Trust
Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester

ABOUT THE PARTNER: ÁctionCOACH Cheltenham

ActionCOACH Cheltenham is a market leader in business coaching, supporting organisations across Gloucestershire with proven growth strategies. For SMEs to multi-million-pound companies, it has a range of award-winning coaching programmes, events, workshops and expert advice to help business leaders in Gloucestershire to achieve their business and lifestyle goals.
cheltenham.actioncoach.co.uk

Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year

Open to restaurants serving all types of cuisine in an informal setting.

2024 Finalists

Bangkok Canteen Gloucester
Brasserie Blanc
Domaine 16
KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar
L'Artisan
Sam's Montpellier
The Beefy Boys
The Ivy Cheltenham

ABOUT THE PARTNER: Prosperity Care and Wellbeing

Prosperity Care and Wellbeing is a Domiciliary Care and Supported Living provider with over 20 years of professional experience. They are focussed on improving the health and wellbeing of people in Gloucestershire by providing holistic therapies, wellbeing events and activities to promote positive physical and mental health.
prosperitycare.co.uk

Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year

Open to restaurants serving all types of cuisine, offering multi-course gourmet meals in a formal setting.

2024 Finalists

Lumiere Restaurant
MUSE Brasserie
Prithvi
Purslane Restaurant
The Greenway Hotel & Spa
The Terrace Restaurant, No131 The Promenade

ABOUT THE PARTNER: Affinity Dental Care & Implant Centre

Affinity Dental Care & Implant Centre in Gloucester provides complete dental care in a comforting and inviting environment. Its professional dentists and hygienists carry out a wide range of dental procedures, from regular check-ups to implants and teeth whitening, enhancing aesthetics as well as looking after patients’ health and wellbeing.
affinitydentalcare.co.uk

Food / Drink Producer of the Year

Open to businesses producing all types of food and drink, including condiments, dairy produce, baked goods, health foods, oils, beers, wines and spirits.

2024 Finalists

bottlegreen
Hayles Fruit Farm
Hetty's Kitchen
The Artisan Baker
Wholly Gelato
Woodchester Valley Vineyard

ABOUT THE PARTNER: Hazlewoods

Hazlewoods is a UK Top 35 accountants and business advisers, offering a highly personal service, strong values and sector expertise that’s hard to find elsewhere. Its expert food and drink team provides specialist accountancy, tax, audit and advice to a variety of businesses in the sector, across Gloucestershire and beyond.
hazlewoods.co.uk

Pub / Bar of the Year

Open to countryside inns to town centre pubs and bars.

2024 Finalists

Flight Club Darts
Gin & Juice
Gloucester Brewery
The Gloucester Old Spot
The King's Arms
The Plough Prestbury
The Ship Inn
The Suffolk Arms Cheltenham

ABOUT THE PARTNER: Stroud Brewery

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards Pub of the Year 2023, Stroud Brewery, champions sustainability within hospitality and recognises the importance that pubs have in creating community connections. As well as brewing great-tasting, award-winning and sustainable beer, it strives to bring people together, inspiring positive change in its thriving taproom and event space.
stroudbrewery.co.uk

Café/Coffee Shop of the Year

Open to cafés and coffee shops.

2024 Finalists

Garden Terrace Café, Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre
Rainbowls
The Artisan Baker
The Canteen
Woodruffs Café

ABOUT THE PARTNER: Nimble Elearning

Nimble’s intuitive elearning tools have helped hundreds of organisations build beautiful online training courses, which help them keep track of staff progress with ease at the click of a button, and expert support every step of the way. It also offers a range of customisable, ready-made courses — and a generous discount for charity customers.
nimble-elearning.com

Chef of the Year

Open to restaurant and pub chefs.

2024 Finalists

Gareth Fulford, Purslane Restaurant
Gavin Roberts, Tudor Farmhouse
Jon Howe, Lumiere Restaurant
Liam Doherty, The Suffolk Arms Cheltenham
Sam Idoine, Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden
Yves Ogrodzki, L'Artisan

ABOUT THE PARTNER: Laithwaites

From its hub in Brockworth, Laithwaites delivers wonderful wines from across the globe. It has a passionate team of 300 staff that run its popular Gloucestershire shop, call centre and warehouse. And serving more than 400,000 customers for over 50 years, this family-owned firm is so confident in its selection, it offers a 100 per cent money back guarantee.
laithwaites.co.uk

Hotel of the Year

Open to small, medium, boutique and large hotels.

2024 Finalists

Cowley Manor
De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Hatherley Manor Hotel & Spa
No.38 The Park
Tewkesbury Park
The Speech House Hotel

ABOUT THE PARTNER: RRA Architects

With its headquarters on Cheltenham’s Royal Crescent, RRA Architects is one of Gloucestershire’s leading and most innovative architectural firms. Its highly dedicated, creative team has a wide range of experience and knowledge of the built environment, with each project incorporating a meticulous design process, regardless of its context, size or scope.
rraarchitects.com

Unique Stay of the Year

Open to unconventional holiday destinations which are not hotels, such as treehouses, boats, safari tents and glamping pods.

2024 Finalists

Berry Farm Cotswolds
Cotswold Farm Park
LV14 SULA Lightship
Mrs Mills Yurts
The Lakes by YOO
Woodchester Valley Vineyard

ABOUT THE PARTNER: Cotswold Cottage Gems

Cotswold Cottage Gems offers luxurious stays in its 12 beautiful country cottages, located throughout the Cotswolds. Each self-catering cottage offers home-from-home accommodation for the whole family, including four-legged friends, and has been handpicked for its location and charm, with every detail expertly thought-out for a perfect staycation in the Cotswolds.
cotswoldcottagegems.co.uk

Shopping and Leisure Destination of the Year

Open to shopping centres, leisure destinations and town collectives.

2024 Finalists

Attwoolls Outdoors
Dunkertons Organic Cider Shop and Deli
Gloucester Quays
John Lewis Cheltenham

ABOUT THE PARTNER: Clockwise Cheltenham

Known as Cheltenham’s ‘coolest’ office, Clockwise at Festival House offers flexible workspaces for businesses of all sizes, from entrepreneurs and start-ups to established teams — with dog-friendly offices, an on-site cafe bar and a roof terrace with impressive views over the Regency town and surrounding Cotswold countryside.
work-clockwise.com

Independent Retailer of the Year

Open to physical and online retail businesses across all sectors, including food, drink, homewares, fashion, children, gifts and art.

2024 Finalists

Attwoolls Outdoors
Charlton Pharmacy
Favourite Beers
Hot Tubs Rock
Made in Stroud
Norville Independent Eyecare
Sue Parkinson
True Tone Music

ABOUT THE PARTNER: Bikini Bathrooms and Kitchens

Proudly family-run and independent, Bikini Bathrooms and Kitchens has been providing high-quality interiors for over 30 years. Its experienced team works with clients to choose from the top-notch products that are showcased in its Gloucester showroom, and provides assistance and expertise from design all the way to installation — all to ‘bring the best out in your home.’
bikinibathrooms.co.uk

Property & Interiors Business of the Year

Open to kitchen & bathroom companies, interior design businesses, garden centres, home renovation companies and homewares businesses, as well as windows, doors and conservatory companies.

2024 Finalists

Casa Interiors
Little Interior Co.
Obsidian Interiors
The House Ministry

ABOUT THE PARTNER: Severnside Security

Severnside Security provides fire and security solutions demonstrating expertise in design, implementation and support of integrated systems and intuitive technologies. The company is well known across Gloucestershire and beyond for its approach to delivering sophisticated projects, working with large commercial clients and ultra-high net worth individuals – with teams located throughout the South West, Midlands and London.
severnsidesecurityltd.co.uk

Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year

Open to physical and online businesses in the health and wellbeing sector, such as yoga studios, holistic therapies, gyms, spas and supplement retailers.

2024 Finalists

Alchemy 16 - Bespoke Fitness and Wellness
Calcot & Spa: The Grain Store
CLC Health and Fitness Centre
Cowley Manor Spa
Gym66
Hatherley Manor Hotel & Spa
Momentum Pole & Aerial
Supafoot

ABOUT THE PARTNER: Winfield Hospital

Winfield Hospital, which is part of Ramsay Health Care UK, is one of Gloucestershire's leading private hospitals and one of England’s leading independent healthcare providers. Having opened in Gloucester in 1992, it has built an excellent reputation for delivering first class healthcare for patients using the latest, advanced medical technology, from consultation all the way through to surgical treatment and recovery.
ramsayhealth.co.uk/hospitals/winfield-hospital

Event of the Year

Open to longstanding annual events and festivals, as well as new events.

2024 Finalists

Chalfest
Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Cheltenham Paint Festival
Christmas at Gloucester Quays
Gloucester History Festival
Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza
The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival
Wychwood Festival

ABOUT THE PARTNER: Hollie Gazzard Trust

Marking its 10th year in 2024, the Hollie Gazzard Trust was set up following the murder of Gloucester hairdresser Hollie Gazzard by her ex partner. The charity does vital work to prevent domestic violence, stalking and knife crime through training, raising awareness and its groundbreaking Hollie Guard personal safety app.
holliegazzard.org

Charity of the Year

Open to any charity based in the county which has a significant focus on supporting Gloucestershire in some way.

2024 Finalists

Allsorts Gloucestershire
Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity
Cheltenham Festivals
Gloucestershire Animal Welfare Association & Cheltenham Animal Shelter
Heart Heroes
National Star
Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice
Winston's Wish

ABOUT THE PARTNER: Active Gloucestershire

Part of a national network of Active Partnerships operating across England, Active Gloucestershire aims to drive positive change for people in the county. Inspiring people to increase physical activity, Active Gloucestershire helps connect individuals and organisations, helping them build strong collaborative partnerships with a range of resources, training and support.
activegloucestershire.org

Lifestyle Business of the Year

The winner of this special award will be chosen by the headline partner, from the list of winners across all categories.

The winner of this category will be chosen by the headline partner

Pro Global

See above to find out more about the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2024 headline partner, Pro Global.
pro-global.com/join-our-team

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2024 event partners

We are delighted to be working with a dream team of amazing event partners to make the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards evening the celebration of the year.

Steve Knibbs

Steve Knibbs

We are delighted to welcome back Steve Knibbs, the well-known BBC regional news reporter and presenter, as compère of the seventh annual Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards. Steve, who has been a face of BBC Points West for more than 15 years, joined the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards team in 2021, and will have the honour of unveiling the latest winners on Thursday 16 May 2024 at the official venue, The Sub Rooms.

The Sub Rooms

So much more than a music venue, The Sub Rooms in Stroud is a hub for the whole community and puts local people at the heart of everything it does – with an ethos of accessibility and inclusivity; a diverse programme of entertainment; incredible food; and ongoing opportunities for young people to get hands-on work experience in the arts and entertainment industry.
thesubrooms.co.uk

PR Production Services

From a festival field to a found venue or traditional performance space, Gloucestershire-based PR Production Services specialises in bringing its clients’ vision to life through affordable and high-quality sound, staging, lighting and AV solutions. Its team of experienced and friendly technicians can assist with the design and installation of equipment, as well as operation, helping your special event run as smoothly as possible.
pr-productionservices.co.uk


Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2023 highlights

The sixth annual Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards was a sparkling success, taking place on a beautiful summer evening at the chic Dunkertons Organic Cider on the outskirts of Cheltenham. Finalists, sponsors and special guests came together to enjoy the exciting live reveal of results, all chosen once again by SoGlos readers.

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2023 winners

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2023 awards night photos


Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2022 highlights

The fifth instalment of the annual SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards was arguably the best yet, with finalists, sponsors and special guests coming together to enjoy the electric atmosphere as winners were revealed, all again chosen by SoGlos readers, in the unique setting of DEYA Brewing Company in Cheltenham.

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2022 winners

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2022 awards night photos


Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2021 highlights

The SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards returned to its real life form with a bang in 2021, as finalists, sponsors and special guests gathered at the breath taking Cheltenham Ladies' College to find out who would be crowned SoGlos readers’ favourites. Following a very challenging 20 months for the lifestyle sector, SGGLA 2021 was all the more important as an opportunity to reflect on the hard work, determination and adaptability it took to survive the pandemic. It was also a chance to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the outstanding individuals, teams and organisations who made it through to the final stage of the awards – and to raise a glass to us all continuing to make Gloucestershire a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2021 winners

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2021 awards night photos


Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2020 highlights

While the coronavirus pandemic meant many awards across the UK were cancelled in 2020, the third annual SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards forged ahead with an innovative virtual awards ceremony in October 2020, held via Facebook Live. The anticipated online event was the culmination of nomination and voting phases held earlier in the year, and saw more than 2,400 people tune in to see which businesses has scooped a coveted award.

Thanks once again to our sponsors, finalists and to SoGlos readers for helping making SGGLA 2020 such a storming virtual success, in a year when is was more important than ever to support Gloucestershire’s amazing lifestyle sector.

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2020 winners


Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2019 highlights

SGGLA went from strength to strength in 2019, cementing its position as Gloucestershire’s definitive lifestyle awards. Hugely popular nomination and voting phases were followed by the anticipated awards evening at the world-famous Gloucester Cathedral – this time attended by 400 Gloucestershire business representatives, sponsors, partners and special guests. SGGLA has taken the Gloucestershire businesses community and social media by storm.

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2019 winners

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2019 Facebook Photo Gallery

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2018 highlights

SoGlos’s new awards and flagship event launched with a bang in 2018, with exciting nomination and public voting phases followed by a thrilling awards evening at Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester – attended by 300 Gloucestershire business representatives, sponsors, partners and special guests. The SGGLA reputation for a new kind of awards quickly spread across the county.

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2018 winners

Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards frequently asked questions

Who is eligible to enter?

Sensational businesses and organisations of all shapes and sizes, new or long established, which are based in Gloucestershire or the surrounding area and fit with one of the categories are invited to enter.

How do I enter my business?

See the top of this page for the link to enter, which will be live throughout the entry period. Entries must be made by an official representative of the business who will be the point of contact throughout the process.

Can I enter my favourite business for an award?

No, but you can recommend your favourite business enters for themselves. Send them a link to this page.

What is the entry, shortlisting, voting and judging process in 2024?

Businesses will be invited to enter this year’s awards via a form at the top of this page, live throughout the entry stage.

Entries will be assessed for quality and suitability by SoGlos, and a shortlist from all entries received will be published and put to the public vote to determine the finalists.

Finalists' entries will then be sent to the judges — made up of representatives from category partners — to determine winners and highly commended entries.

Results will be revealed live for the first time at the awards night.

Please note, SoGlos partners will not be given preferential treatment.

Who will decide the shortlist before it goes to public vote, and what’s the criteria?

The SoGlos team will decide on the shortlist from all entries received. They’ll be looking at each entrant’s application, as well as their website and social media, and also drawing upon first-hand experiences to create the shortlist which then goes to public vote. We will be ensuring only the very best quality entries make it through to the public vote, with another tight shortlist expected for 2024. Please note, SoGlos partners won’t be given preferential treatment.

There isn’t a category suitable for my business, would you consider adding one?

Please email info@sopublishing.com with any requests or feedback.

Can I enter more than one category?

Yes, please feel free to enter any category which fits your business - just remember to include relevant supporting information.

What will the winner of each award receive?

Glory and fame! Plus, a coveted trophy to display at their business, as well as a winner’s certificate, official winner badge to use on their website, and editorial coverage on SoGlos, our email newsletter and social media channels.

Will there just be one winner per category?

Yes, but there will also be a highly commended business per category, which will receive a certificate and official badge to use on their website too. All finalists will also receive an official certificate.

Why didn’t I make the shortlist?

The number and quality of entrants increases every year, so we'll be looking for businesses which represent the best of the best in each specific category.

I’m just on the Gloucestershire border, can I still enter?

Yes!

What’s the format of the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards evening?

Expect a relaxed party atmosphere complete with a chance to meet other businesses and network, supper and a welcome drink on arrival, before the live reveal kicks off at 8pm.

How do I get tickets for the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards evening?

The headline partner will receive 10 tickets, category partners five tickets, and finalists will each receive two tickets.

Can I get extra tickets for the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards evening?

To make the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards as inclusive as possible for all the shortlisted businesses, sponsors and partners – and to work within the size limitations of the special venues we’re working with each year – numbers are very limited and we are unlikely to be able to offer additional tickets. We do, however, run a waiting list each year.

Can I reserve a table at the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards evening?

Spacing for seating is limited, so we are only able to reserve tables for the headline partner.