Retailer of the Year 2011: Food and Drink category (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Hunt is on to find best retailer is St Albans

11:15am Monday 4th April 2011 in News

LAST year an Italian deli broke A & C Meats stranglehold in the Retailer of the Year Food and Drink category.

Buongiorno Italia, a family-run business established in St Albans more than 30 years ago, was named winner of the category, knocking reigning champions A & C Meats off the top spot.

The award, which had been held by the butchers since the gala evening's conception in 2008, was presented by committee member Salih Gaygusuz at the third annual St Albans Retailer of the Year.

Manager Antonio Picciuto said: "We are really honoured and ecstatic - it makes all the hard work worth it.

"We were up against some difficult competition and I'm honoured to be nominated and considered, especially in such great company.

"I want to thank all my customers for all their support and my great team. We have been here for 30 years as a family-run business and it's really nice to know that we are doing things right. Hopefully we will be able to go on from here to provide better food and better quality."

You can nominate retailers in one of six categories - fashion and accessories; specialist shops; markets trader; restaurants and cafes, food and drink and hair and beauty.

All nominations should be received by midnight on May 13. After this date our team of mystery shoppers will hit the streets, putting each and every retailer to the test. All nominated retailers will also be sent a window poster so they can blow their own trumpets.

The competition is a joint initiative between the Review, St Albans District Council, St Albans Civic Society and St Albans District Chamber of Commerce.

The gala awards evening will once again be held at the Alban Arena on June 20.

To nominate a retailer simply fill in the form on this page and send it to the specified address. You can also text the name of the trader you want to nominate by texting the word ‘retailer’ followed by the name and address of the business to 80360. Texts cost 50p.

You can also nominate by filling out the form in this week’s Review or by clicking here and filling out our online nomination form: Nomination form You can also email your entry to revieweditor@london.newsquest.co.uk Nominated retailers (as of April 4)

Markets Trader

Green Grocer (near BHS)

Green Fisheries (by Spencer Street)

Fruit and veg stall (outside Tesco)

Fruit and veg stall (outside Marks & Spencer)

Jewellery stall (near Carphone Warehouse)

Grove Fruits

Clothes stall (outside Jack Wills)

Green Lane Fisheries (Pat’s fish stall outside Dolland & Aitchison)

Julie’s glass stall (outside BHS)

John Silverstein (Pins and Things)

Chicken Run Farm Shop

Filippo Volpe, cheese stall

Steve’s Fresh fish stall (outside BHS)

Food and Drink

Simmons The Bakery, French Row

Whittards, French Row

Tesco, St Peters Street

Marks & Spencer, St Peters Street

A&C Meats, Catherine Street

Santino’s, Hatfield Road

Olio & Farina, The Maltings

W Ellis, Victoria Street

Courtyard Cafe, Hatfield Road

Specialist Shops

Game, The Maltings

Currency Exchange Corporation, Holywell Hill

Pound World, St Peters Street

Flowers, Christopher Place

Springfield Pharmacy, St Peters Street

Dusty Violet, George Street

Kall Kwik, Chequer Street

Waterstone’s, St Peters Street

Panda Cards, Waddington Road

Shree News, Victoria Street

Quench, Holywell Hill

Wilkinson, The Maltings

Waterers, High Street

Chaos City Comics, Heritage Close

Café & Restaurants

Secret Garden Café, George Street

Barrisimo, St Peter’s Street

Bellissimo café, French Row

Courtyard Café, Hatfield Road

Café Paprika, Catherine Street

Lussmanns, Waxhouse Gate

Bar Espresso, Victoria Street

Albany Restaurant, George Street

Darcy's, Hatfield Road

Hair and Beauty

Hairscene, St Peters Street

Sanrizz, Maltings

Greys, Christopher Place

Alternative Barbering Co, George Street

Chaps, Catherine Street

Jo Banks Salon & Spa, Chequer Street

Glamourize, Hatfield Road

Clipso, The Maltings

Elle-Es Hair, Victoria Street

Village Barbers, Village Arcade

Fashion and Accessories

Jack Wills, Market Place

Strides, George Street

Gladrags, Heritage Close

Reiss, Market Place

Mistral, Market Place

Jane and Dada, George St

LK Bennett, Christopher Place

Simply French, Holywell Hill