Westside BID organises the annual Wonders of Westside awards to recognise individuals and businesses that go the extra mile, and their achievements were even more special in the last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than two dozen Westside businesses and staff were recognised and accepted their awards virtually during the hour-long event which also featured a dazzling musical performance by singer Lorraine Olley. The winners were:
Community Contribution Hero’s Award – The Grosvenor Casino
The Humanitarian Award – Players Bar
The People’s Hero Award – i-Krave, Broadway Plaza
The Best Example of Corporate Responsibility Award – Park Regis
The Best Hotel Team – Hilton Garden Inn
The Best Hotel Manager – John Angus
The Best Arts and Entertainment Venue – The REP Theatre
The Best Arts and Entertainment Venue – The NEC Group
The Best Family Entertainment – The National Sea Life Centre
The Best Retail Business – Ethos Flowers, Brindleyplace
The Most Innovative Marketing Award – Pulperia/Aktar Islam, Brindleyplace
The Police Commendation Award – West Midlands Police
The Ambulance Commendation Award – Mike Duggan, West Midlands Ambulance.
The Outreach Commendation Award – Trident House and Washington Court.
The Best Pub – O’Neill’s, Broad Street
The Best Refurbishment – Del Villaggio, Broad Street
The Best Bar – Velvet Music Rooms, Broad Street
The Best Example of Legislative Adaption Award – Jurys Inn, Broad Street
The Most Courageous Reopening Award – Reflex, Broad Street
The Best Restaurant Award – Varanasi, Broad Street.
The Best Pub Manager – Paulo Jacinto
The Special Managers Award – Medi Bahram Choobin
The Best Newcomer – The Alchemist, Brindleyplace
The Best Fine Dining Award – Siamais, Brindleyplace
The Best Innovative Promoter Award – Rosanna Meyer, Vodbull UK
A True Example of Community Leadership Award – Sam Morgan

The virtual awards event was live-streamed on YouTube from Craft Birmingham and was presented by Westside BID’s general manager Mike Olley, business liaison manager Elaine Weir, and media manager Luisa Huggins.

Mike Olley said: “The team and I are thrilled with the incredible response we have received regarding the virtual WOWs.

“The fact that nearly 500 people viewed it is a true testament to the talent and community spirit we have here on Westside, and we are pleased that the numbers are still going up and people are still watching the show.”

During the live show, Luisa Huggins was monitoring live social media. She said: “It was incredible to see so many individuals looking forward to our annual award show. We were so pleased that we were able to put this on for our members and remind them of how wonderful they all are!”

The show was produced with all COVID-19 safety measures strictly adhered to by Jim Simpson of Big Bear Music, with the assistance of Cannock Sound and Studio 57.