The entries have been submitted and the judges worked hard to shortlist the high calibre of businesses who applied. This year, the BID were delighted to sponsor the Independent Business of the Year Award. BID are fiercely proud of the independent shopping scene in Winchester, so it seemed natural for us to sponsor this category. it is with huge pleasure that we can now announce the shortlist for this award. In no particular order:
Forte Kitchen
Forte Kitchen, an independent restaurant with a relaxed vibe. We’re passionate about using local produce to inspire our rustic British menu.
A secret haven away from the busy high street. Come and join us any day of the week for breakfast, lunch, tea, coffee and cakes. Or borrow Forte Kitchen for an evening for your own private event.
Stardust Years Vintage Fashion
Stardust Years Vintage Fashion offers original, Ladies’ fashion and accessories from the 1880s to the 1990s in a friendly and relaxed boutique. Designers from Dior to Quant can be found among the rails, as well as pretty little rhinestone treasures that will help you sprinkle your very own stardust! You can browse the vintage treasures while listening to the 1930s’ strains of Harry Roy & His Band or simply join in and sing along with Doris Day!
Jeremy France Jewellers
Jeremy France Jewellers is a family-run, independent business that has been well established for over 25 years. Situated at the heart of Winchester High Street, their stunning new premises are not only home to a diverse collection of the finest jewellery, but also an on-site goldsmiths’ workshop that specialises in jewellery repairs and bespoke commissions.
Chococo
Chococo is an independent business set up by husband & wife team Andy & Claire Burnet who are proud to have been making fine fresh handmade chocolates since December 2002 on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. We believe that we were one of the first, if not the first UK artisan chocolatier, to lead the way in making truly fresh chocolates, using locally sourced seasonal ingredients, including local fresh cream,blended with fine origin chocolate and no additives or preservatives.
We are proud of being ethical chocolate makers as, just as we care about the taste of our finished chocolates, we also care about the bigger picture – about the provenance of our ingredients, whether local or global, and about the people who produce them.
We employ a wonderful team of local people and are very proud to be a food business, working with other local & regional food producers who are as passionate about their gin, tea, coffee, cows, bees and hedgerows as we are about our chocolates.
We are also incredibly excited that 14 businesses that operate in the BID area were shortlisted across all of the award categories.
The winners will be announced on Friday 3rd June at the Winchester Business Excellence Award Ceremony. For more information, please visit the WBEA website.
