Weymouth restaurants win Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice Awards

The consumer website ranks hospitality businesses according to customer reviews - winners were determined by looking at visitor opinions and popularity over the last year.

The awards scheme is brand new for 2020, and recognised a long list of Weymouth winners.

In no particular order, here is a selection of businesses to have scooped a Travellers Choice 2020 Award.

Shalim's Balti House, Commercial Road

Owner Shalim Abs said: “It’s always good to be recognised for the positive reviews we are getting. The reviews we get are important in showing that we are providing the best possible food and service in our establishment.

"We were very apprehensive in opening back up our restaurant after lockdown. We were worried whether we had enough Covid-19 precautions in place and if our customers felt safe enough to dine with us.

"The post-lockdown reviews we got were very reassuring in the fact that a lot of people commented on the safety measures we have implemented and that they felt safe in our restaurant. That is currently more important to us than anything else."

The Crows Nest in the Square was also awarded Travellers Choice status.

Barry Whettingsteel, who owns the Crow's Nest with partner Emma Farnworth, said: "Emma and I are both absolutely delighted to receive our new Travellers Choice Award. We're so lucky to not only have a great team but to also have such fantastic and supportive customers too."

Thai restaurant Mona's in St Mary Street was also recognised. Delicious food is cooked by Mona Saowaros Leewanun, served by Pat Phatcharat Khusurangkhananon (front of house).

Mona said: "We’re so excited because it’s our first business and this is happened to us.

"We're also glad that most of the people enjoyed our food and service. That’s the thing we're most happy and proud of about what we’re doing."

On The Esplanade, Italian restaurant Al Molo is delighted to have received the award.

Fresh pasta being made at Al Molo

Owner Tim Newton said: "We are extremely pleased to be recognised by TripAdvisor with their Travellers Choice Award 2020. It’s nice to have the team at Al Molo recognised for all their hard work."

Fish and chip shop Fish 'n' Fritz is a winner, too:

Owner Paul Hay said: "It was an absolute privilege to receive the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice award for 2020.

"Each year we try to do better within Fish n Fritz, to give good customer service and serve excellent quality food.

The Gloucester pub on Weymouth Esplanade also won the award.

Owner Mike Richards said: "With the comments we have received from loyal customers, to visitors from around the globe, we are aiming for that perfection all the time. A very big thank you to all who have voted for us."

‘We are delighted to be awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2020. The Gloucester staff work tirelessly to ensure we maintain a great reputation with our locals and holiday makers. We are renowned for having a warm and friendly welcome, ensuring all the family is catered for with our wide variety of choice; everything from dad-sized Steak Hot Rock Grills to ice creams for the children - all of which is considered by our customers to be great value for money.

"I am especially pleased as this award is testament to the hard work and passion shown by the team at The Gloucester’.

Cafe Blue on Weymouth Esplanade was also recognised.

Suzanne Richmond at Cafe Blue said: "We were really chuffed to get the email this morning. We have a lot of custom off the back of these reviews and a lot of repeat business. To reopen after the terrible time we have all been having and get this award is just a real boost.

"We appreciate all of the people that have left us fabulous reviews over the years. Like everyone else in this industry we work really hard and it's nice to be appreciated in this way. It's lovely."

Emma at The Dorset Burger Company, King Street, is also celebrating the win.

Emma said: "We’re thrilled to have achieved the Traveller’s Choice Award - it’s always lovely to receive good feedback from people who come in and eat with us and it is recognition for our brilliant staff team’s hard work."

Over on the harbourside, The George Bar and Grill is also on the list of winners.

Owner Ali Record said: "We are super proud and extremely surprised, this means a lot to us, especially in these trying times where things are so much more difficult than usual... really very happy to have received this award for our lovely town."

"We love Weymouth and are very happy that travellers love it too ,we’re so thankful of the travellers choice award 😀 this is a great for the staff to receive after such hard work."

Chinese restaurant Ming Wah, St Thomas Street, also made the cut.

A spokesman said: "We are extremely grateful for this award and although we have always been very humble, this award we feel is well deserved for all the hard work, time and effort our staff put in to provide only the very best service.

"We’d like to offer many kind thanks to our loyal customers in choosing us and look forward to welcoming them again as well as any new customers."

James Kay of Tripadvisor said: "The Traveller’s Choice awards are based on millions of reviews and opinions collected on Tripadvisor over the past year, and so they are a true testament to the outstanding service and quality that winners consistently provide to their guests.

"It’s been an incredibly tough year for the UK’s hospitality industry, but with doors opening again to hotels and restaurants across the country, now is the right time to celebrate those businesses that have delivered consistently outstanding service and quality over the last year."

Other Weymouth hospitality businesses that received the Traveller's Choice Award include:

Chilli's

Hamiltons

Marlboro Fish and Chips

Marquis of Granby

The Springhead

Good Life Cafe

Quayside Bar & Kitchen

Handmade Pie & Ale House

Pascal's Brasserie

Enzo

King Edward's Fish & Chips

Tugabar

Weymouth Tandoori

Weymouth Beefeater

The Turk's Head

The Old Ship (Upwey)

The Ship Inn

Delicious Cheese and Wine

Bridge Inn

Les Enfants Terrible

The T Shop

The Somerset

Crab House Café