Customer Service Awards celebrate the best Chester businesses. #Blog

Victoria Hayes
17th October 2023

BUSINESSES that demonstrated exceptional customer service received awards at a ceremony held at Chester’s The Guild.
In their seventh year, the Chester BID Customer Services Awards honour Chester’s independent retailers, eateries, bars, and service providers who go above and beyond for their patrons.

The public can submit nominations for the awards online in 14 different categories, such as Best Independent Business, Best Small Business, and Best Restaurant. A mystery shopper visited the companies that had the most public votes in order to identify the overall winner.

Geoff Hughes Family Butchers, which won “Best Chester Market Trader,” and Boots, which took home the title of “Best Large Retailer” (with more than 20 employees in-store), were among the winners on the evening. Suzie K, a holistic lifestyle business, won the title of “Best Independent Retailer.”

Brow HQ was named “Best Health and Beauty Services,” Deva Tours and Travel earned “Best Travel and Leisure” for the second year in a straight, and Lloyds Bank was named “Best Professional Services” in the city.

Companies of different sizes received recognition for their commitment to providing excellent customer service. Jigsaw won the “Best of Grosvenor Shopping Centre” award, Lush won “Best Small Retailer” (less than 20 employees in shop), and Dr Martens won “Best Small Fashion Retailer.”

In addition to Artezzan being voted “Best Restaurant,” Chalk on Watergate Street received “Best Coffee Shop and Cafe,” and Bar Lounge won “Best Pub, Bar and Club” for the second year in a row. As in 2022, Chatwins emerged victorious in the category of “Best Food On The Go,” while The Coach House secured the title of “Best Hotel/B&B.”

Jim Dorrington, operations director at Artezzan said: “Chester has become a destination with some of the best businesses in Cheshire and the North West. “This isn’t by chance or luck, it’s simply because of the fantastic people who own, run, and work in them. I believe that we are a city with a true focus on excellent service, and the Customer Service Awards night highlights just that!”

Carl Critchlow, chief executive of Chester BID added: “Congratulations to the outstanding winners of the Customer Service Awards 2023! Your unwavering commitment to exceptional service has not only set a benchmark for excellence but has also contributed significantly to the overall appeal of our city.

“Your dedication is the driving force behind the success of our local businesses, making Chester an even more welcoming and memorable place for everyone. Well done, and thank you for your remarkable contributions.”

The winners:

• Best Coffee Shop/Café – Chalk (2nd Jaunty Goat / 3rd The Rainbow Tearooms)
• Best Food on the Go – Chatwins (2nd Jaunty Goat Bakery / Pret A Manger)
• Best Restaurant – Artezzan (2nd Chez Jules / 3rd Shrub)
• Best Pub / Bar – Barlounge (2nd Paysan / 3rd The Coach House)
• Best Small Retailer – Lush (2nd Oliver Bonas / 3rd Waterstones)
• Best Small Fashion Retailer – Dr. Martens (2nd The White Company / 3rd FatFace)
• Best Independent Retailer – Suzie K (2nd Chester Boutique / 3rd Styled Boutique)
• Best Large Retailer – Boots (2nd Marks & Spencer / 3rd Wilko)
• Best Health and Beauty Service – Brow HQ (2nd The Scented Garden / 3rd Lush)
• Best Professional Service – Lloyds Bank (2nd Halifax / 3rd Natwest)
• Best Travel and Leisure – Deva Travel (2nd Breakout Chester / 3rd Storyhouse)
• Best Chester Market Trader – Geoff Hughes Family Butcher (2nd Thai By Thai / 3rd Cheshire Farm Ice Cream)
• Best Hotel/B&B – The Coach House (2nd The Pied Bull / 3rd The Chester Grosvenor)
• Best of the Grosvenor Shopping Centre – Jigsaw (2nd Kayes Jewellers / 3rd Jewellery By Design)