Westside BID team safely delivers trophies to WOWs winners

Staff from Westside BID have been busy making personal but safe deliveries of trophies to this year’s winners in the Wonders of Westside awards (WOWs).

The presentations to venues across the district follow the virtual WOWs awards ceremony that was aired live on YouTube to hundreds of viewers on Sunday 31 January.

A short video to mark the distribution of the trophies has been produced by Westside’s photographer and videographer Jas Sansi.

This shows celebrity chef Aktar Islam, who runs Pulperia on Westside, explaining his eagerness to get back to serving customers in his restaurants, with other winners expressing their joy at winning an award.

Elaine Weir, business liaison manager for Westside BID, said: “The year 2020 was a challenge for all businesses, but the feedback we received on the WOWs was truly incredible.

“I believe the WOWs awards were a great way to lift the morale of our wonderful businesses and remind them of all the things they have to look forward to in Westside.”

The WOWs recognised the following Westside businesses and staff:

Community Contribution Hero’s Award – The Grosvenor Casino
The Humanitarian Award – Players Bar
The People’s Hero Award – i-Krave, Broadway Plaza
The Best Example of Corporate Responsibility Award – Park Regis
The Best Hotel Team – Hilton Garden Inn
The Best Hotel Manager – John Angus
The Best Arts and Entertainment Venue – joint winners: The REP Theatre, and The NEC Group
The Best Family Entertainment – The National Sea Life Centre
The Best Retail Business – Ethos Flowers, Brindleyplace
The Most Innovative Marketing Award – Pulperia/Aktar Islam, Brindleyplace
The Police Commendation Award – West Midlands Police
The Ambulance Commendation Award – Mike Duggan, West Midlands Ambulance.
The Outreach Commendation Award – Trident House and Washington Court.
The Best Pub – O’Neill’s, Broad Street
The Best Refurbishment – Del Villaggio, Broad Street
The Best Bar – Velvet Music Rooms, Broad Street
The Best Example of Legislative Adaption Award – Jurys Inn, Broad Street
The Most Courageous Reopening Award – Reflex, Broad Street
The Best Restaurant Award – Varanasi, Broad Street.
The Best Pub Manager – Paulo Jacinto
The Special Managers Award – Medi Bahram Choobin
The Best Newcomer – The Alchemist, Brindleyplace
The Best Fine Dining Award – Siamais, Brindleyplace
The Best Innovative Promoter Award – Rosanna Meyer, Vodbull UK
A True Example of Community Leadership Award – Sam Morgan