Specialist Retailer, The Cheese, Gin & Ale Barn received 739 reviews during the campaign, winning the coveted accolade of Business of the Year in Lichfield 2020.

In second place, with 470 reviews, was Children’s Activities & Parties company aBagOfun and in third place with 383 reviews, Coffee Shops, Cafes & Tea Rooms, The Strawberry Cabin.

The Business of the Year Awards are organised by thebestof, a marketing organisation committed to raising the profile of local, independent businesses serving Lichfield and the surrounding areas. 

During the campaign, local people were encouraged to show their support for their favourite local business by leaving a review of the service they received from the business. The Awards operate at a Local level to recognise and award the Business of the Year in their Town, and at a National Level to recognise the overall UK Business of the Year, the Top 100 Businesses in the UK and the Business of the Year in each Business Category.

At a national level, The Cheese, Gin & Ale Barn and aBagOfun and The Strawberry Cabin all finished in the top five in the UK and won the Award in their category. The following businesses were also category winners fighting off competition from businesses across the country. Bradshaw's Farm Shop & Cafe, Cathedral ChemDry, Pool House Veterinary Group,  Spires Valeting and Travel Counsellors. 

Louie Clegg comments, “We congratulate all our local businesses who took part in the Lichfield Business of the Year Awards.  While national news can sometimes focus on what’s going wrong with local high streets, we feel it’s important to acknowledge small businesses for their contribution to the local economy and their role in the community, that can often get forgotten. Local people have given their feedback on the businesses after using their services and we’ve seen some fantastic reviews, showcasing the great service you can receive from local businesses on our high streets. On behalf of the businesses, I’d like to thank every person who took the time to leave a review. By doing so they publicly acknowledged the difference that these businesses make to our area.”  

The Cheese Gin & Ale Barn is a very worthy winner. The number and quality of the reviews they received are a real testament to their ongoing commitment to deliver excellent service and a positive customer experience. Leading Nationally for much of the way, it was a hard fought, battle to the end and their customers were amazing. We are so proud of the fact that we have 3 businesses in the top five in the UK, indicating what a thriving High Street we have here in Lichfield.

 “Those businesses who won or were commended in their category nationally can be equally proud of their achievements. With 8 category winners, our local businesses have certainly placed Lichfield on the map for all the right reasons.” 

The final word goes to Louise Sharpe from The Cheese Gin & Ale Barn, “We are delighted to have been recognised as one of the best businesses in the UK, but especially in Lichfield where are customers have become friends. Thank you to everyone who left us a review.” 

For more information about thebestof Lichfield Business of the Year Awards 2020 or to set up an interview with Louie Clegg or any of the local businesses who have won an Award please call 01543 406160 or email lichfield@thebestof.co.uk.

Photos feature Heather & Louise from The Cheese, Gin & Ale Barn and Alison from Travel Counsellors.