This week saw the finalists announced for the first ever Ashton Independent Business Awards which were established by the voluntary group Ashton Town Team and ourselves to support our independent traders. Throughout the following days, the winners of each category will be announced which include fresh food retail, specialist jewellers, hair, health and beauty, clothing and footwear, cafés, restaurants and takeaways, home furnishings and homewares, furniture, and tech and electrical shops.
As lead sponsors, we are delighted to present Antonio’s Pizzeria e Ristorante as the winners of the Sponsors Choice Award.
Bromleys’ Paul Westwell said: “As you can imagine, this was a tough decision as we are lucky to have such a wide array of independents in our town centre.
Antonio’s offer amazing authentic Italian food in an intimate setting and are described as “A Hidden Gem” by the Manchester Evening News, a statement which we entirely agree with.
“We have frequented the restaurant on many occasions and launched our Tameside Women in Business networking event at Antonio’s in 2018, where we have hosted the event ever since. The staff always seek to go the extra mile and the warm atmosphere adds to a very enjoyable and pleasant dining experience, whether it be for a business lunch, a networking event or family meal.
“Restaurants have really suffered during the Covid-19 crisis and Antonio’s took part in the Government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme in August and have continued with this offer to encourage people back – adapting the restaurant to ensure social distancing and that they are Covid-19 compliant.
Tony Orrell, owner of Antonio’s said: “It’s a real honour to be presented with the Sponsors Choice Award. We have worked with Bromleys for many years and once we are in a position to do so, we look forward to welcoming Bromleys networking event back. The launch of the Ashton Independents Business Awards has been a real boost for the town centre which has attracted over 1600 entries and more than 20k social media engagements which is simply fantastic. We wish all independent traders in Ashton well and indeed all those who have been shortlisted.”
To see if your favourite independent business made the shortlist please click here.
Image courtesy of Kevin Taylor – Chair of Ashton Town Team – Head Chief James Roberts, Restaurant Owner Tony Orrell and Bromleys Partner Paul Westwell