All the winners of this year’s Smiles Better Awards celebrate

Preston’s best businesses have been recognised in this year’s Smiles Better awards.

More than 128,000 votes were cast in fourteen categories recognising the top city centre restaurants, pubs and staff members who go the extra mile.

A fixture of Preston’s high street for half a century was given a special recognition award.

Ted Carter, the family fishing equipment firm in Church Street, received the special award with Nick Carter, grandson of the shop’s namesake, collecting the award.

The awards, which are organised by Preston Business Improvement District, were handed out at Evoque nightclub.

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Preston BID’s Mark Whittle said: “It’s a real privilege for us to stage this competition recognising the people and businesses who work tirelessly to make the city centre the place it is. All winners, finalists and nominees should be proud of their achievements.

“I’d also like to thank both Fishergate and St. George’s Shopping Centres for recognising the value in this competition and sponsoring the awards this year.”

A token of appreciation award was presented to Elaine Robinson who has worked at the Boots shop in Fishergate for almost 50 years.

She was presented with her prize by the evening’s host actor Jake Wood who plays Max Branning in EastEnder’s.

He said: “It was great to be in Preston to celebrate the achievements of the businesses and people who make the city centre of Preston proud.  It was fantastic to see so many happy people sharing in their success. Preston’s a lovely place; long may the Smiles Better awards continue.”

The full list of winners:
Leisure Manager of the Year – Michael Baxter, Popworld

Club of the Year – Evoque

Retail Manager of the Year – Sam Eaves, Ann Summers

Restaurant of the Year – Turtle Bay

Best Customer Service (Retail) – Sam Eaves, Ann Summers

Best Customer Service (Leisure) – Adam Ratkai Bence, Olive Tree Brasserie

Bar of the Year – Popworld

Independent Retailer of the Year – Victoria’s Vault

Pub of the Year – The Adelphi

Entertainer of the Year – DJ Ben, The Warehouse

Multiple Retailer of the Year – Specsavers

Outstanding Achievement (Retail) – Michael Halewood, Halewood & Sons. Booksellers

Outstanding Achievement (Leisure) – Leigh Sweetman, Evoque

Customer Service Champion – Tom Hanlon, Cameo & Vinyl and Evoque