LNOF Supplier Award Winners 2019
As 2019 nears to a close, it's the time of year that we like to express our gratitude to all our suppliers for their hard work and dedication in helping us put on the thousands of epic, unforgettable weekends that we've arranged for our groups.
From our accommodation suppliers that allow us to match all of our customers' varied needs and stay requirements, to our ever dependable overseas ground operators, and on to our hugely varied stable of activity suppliers that put on all kinds of events from the wild and wacky to the wonderful, we couldn't do it without these outstanding companies and individuals. As well as an excuse for a seriously big shindig, it's also an opportunity for us to recognise those that have truly excelled and gone above and beyond by handing out our hugely sought after Supplier Awards.
We kicked things off in style with a swanky sparkling reception at the Vaulkhard Group's flagship venue Bealim House. We even put on a pour-your-own pint station to get our guests in the mood - nothing breaks the ice like a keg or two of crisp, chilled beer. Located in the shadow of Newcastle United's famous St James' Park stadium, this elegant bar & restaurant was the perfect backdrop for a spot of networking and for the much anticipated LNOF 2019 awards presentation.
First up was the hotly contested award for Best Overseas Supplier - with some of our longest-serving suppliers up for the gong the competition was fierce, with a shortlist including Ultimate Stag / Infinity Weekends, Solisol Travel, Stag Republic / Hen Nation and Plan A, but in the end it was Prague Weekends who took gold.
Next up was the award for Best National Supplier, a category made up of some of our most frequently booked activity suppliers from across the UK. Shortlisted here were some strong contenders in the form of Hen & Stag Events, Revolution Bars, Sashay Dance and Xtreme Events, but it was Casual Dining Group who finished in top spot.
The Best Independent Supplier category allows us to recognise those suppliers that provide the unique venues and activities that add real depth, quality and local know-how to our portfolio of UK destinations. A strong shortlist was made up of Vaulkhard Group, Dublin Pedal Tours, Crafted Projects and Spot White, but it was Newcastle-based venue, activity and nightlife supplier Apartment Group that took top billing here.
With our vast range of accommodation options across all the locations we offer, from hotels and apartments, to hostels and resorts, the competition is steep for our Best Accommodation Supplier award. The shortlist here was contested by Travelodge, Easylet Apartments, the Dalata Group / Maldron Hotels and last year's winner, Dublin's Harcourt Hotel - but taking the gong in style for 2019 was Jurys Inn.
With groups always on the look out to try something unique and memorable as part of their celebrations, the fast-paced world of hen and stag events does not stand still, and as such the Most Innovative Supplier title is a chance for LNOF to reward those suppliers that are constantly developing new and exciting activities and experiences. Up for the award this year were Xtreme Events, Bling My Bits / Bonnie Affair, Laugh & Let Die and Casual Dining Group, but it was Hen & Stag Events whose name was up in lights and went home as worthy winners.
The final award of the night was the prestigious Outstanding Achievment trophy, for those suppliers that have consistently excelled and delivered top-notch activities, weekends and experiences for our groups over an extended period of time. This hotly contested category saw Solisol Travel, Prague Weekends, Ultimate Stag / Infinity Weekends and Barcelona De Noche come head to head, but it was Revolution Bars, who have set the benchmark for quality in the ever popular world of cocktail workshops, that took home the top gong on the night.
Before our award winners had even had a chance to admire their shiny new trophies, we had whisked everybody away and onto a party bus to head to the surprise second venue of the night, the Apartment Group's stylish Florita's bar, where it was time to take the celebrations up another notch.
With cheeky butlers and hula girls handing out exotic cocktails and Hawaiian leis on arrival, and with the venue decked out with inflatable palm trees, flamingos and even a limbo stick, it was impossible not to get swept up in the tropical vibes and feel-good atmosphere. We also had a glitter bar to add some shimmer, a furiously contested beer pong table and an incredible saxophonist to add to the carnival-esque melee.
With the party in full flow, we then descended into the atmospheric basement club, Madame Koo, where confetti cannon explosions and an incredible balloon drop accompanied a sax solo of the Geordie anthem 'Local Hero' that filled the dancefloor and took the party full thrust into the small hours.
Want to see everyone get progressively more drunk as the night wore on? It's all right here in our gallery: