Returning to celebrate the very best of Barrow town centre, the Barrow Buzz Awards recognised the dedication, creativity, and everyday commitment of local businesses and individuals. From hospitality and retail to leadership, customer service, and community impact, the awards highlighted the people who help our town thrive and grow.
The awards ceremony took place at Barrow Town Hall on Friday 30th January 2026, delivering an evening of celebration, inspiration and recognition.
With 15 award categories, there was something for every type of business and individual contribution - see our winners and runners up below.
We would like to extend a special thank you to our category sponsors, RF Miller and Furness College, for their valued support in making the event possible.
| Category | 2026 Winner | Runner Up |
|---|---|---|
| Bar, Pub or Club of The Year | The Meeting Place | Tailors Bar and Lounge |
| Best Restaurant of The Year | Francesca's Italian Restaurant | Salvana's Restaurant |
| Best Takeaway Service | Fully Loaded @ Waffle Time | Smiler's |
| Breakthrough Business | Barrow Bullseye Club | South Lakes Game Exchange |
| Café of The Year | Costa Coffee | Coffee D'Ash |
| Employee Excellence Award | Jennifer Owen-Amacna | Shannon Smyth |
| Environmental Sustainability Award | Furness Media | Boss Hair Studio |
| Excellence in Customer Service Award | Max Spielmann | Greggs |
| Excellence in Hair, Beauty & Barbering | Tina's Nails | The Local |
| Independent Retail Excellence Award | Jenny Stitches | Tech Lab |
| Manager of The Year | Horizont Pllana | Brian Clarke |
| Outstanding Business Contribution to The Community | Holiday Inn Express | Cando FM |
| Outstanding Multi-Location Retailer Award | New Look | Poole Townsend |
| Professional Services Excellence Award | Specsavers | Denby & Co Solicitors |
| Young Person of The Year | Mia Hadwin | Jasmine Whaley |
"A wonderful night of celebrating local heroes! Thanks to the Barrow BID team for putting this all together for us."
- S Bell
Whether travelling South from Carlisle or West from Lancaster, the railway lines offer a scenic coastal journey into Barrow in Furness with stunning views and varied wildlife to see on the way. Visit www.northernrailway.co.uk for information on timetables and tickets. For details of all public transport in Cumbria contact the National Traveline on 0871 200 2233 (national rate) or visit Cumbria County Council’s Travel & Transport pages
There is a daily National Express Coach service to Kendal with a link via X6 to Barrow. Stagecoach in Cumbria and other Operators operate a comprehensive bus service between local towns and the Lake District. For details visit www.nationalexpress.com
Alternatively call National Traveline on: 0871 200 22 33 (national rate).
Local bus services in Barrow are provided by Stagecoach. You can download their timetables as PDF files from the Stagecoach site: www.stagecoachbus.com
From the M6 motorway, exit the M6 at junction 36 and continue along the A590 signposted Barrow.
Pass through the market town of Ulverston and through the village of Lindal in Furness, then take the 2nd exit at the roundabout prior to Dalton in Furness to by-pass the town. (to the right you will see Dalton Zoo).
At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit straight-on and head down the hill. At the next roundabout take the 1st exit along Park Road, which take you the scenic route into Barrow in Furness. Now take the 2nd exit and head along Abbey Road, past the Abbey House Hotel and into the town centre.
For information regarding parking in Barrow Town Centre, please visit this link.
Barrow-in-Furness offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget, with excellent weekend value compared to nearby Lake District venues. Just 25 minutes from Lake District National Park, including Coniston and Windermere, it’s an ideal base for local event or exploring the area.
Ranked number one in England for natural heritage, Barrow boasts 60km of coastline, sandy beaches, nature reserves, a grey seal colony, and Piel Island. Choose from town centre hotels, B&Bs, self-catering apartments, stays near Furness Abbey, or on Walney Island—all with a warm welcome.
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