Eight at Gazegill: Finalist in the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2025

Eight at Gazegill is proud to announce that it has been named a national finalist in the New Tourism Business of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025—making it the only Lancashire-based business to reach the national stage this year.

Recognised as one of the country’s highest accolades in tourism, the awards celebrate quality, innovation, and outstanding visitor experiences. With over 350 local winners from 21 regional competitions competing across 16 categories, the competition has been fierce, making this achievement even more significant for both Eight at Gazegill and Lancashire’s vibrant food scene.

As a finalist, Eight at Gazegill is guaranteed to receive a bronze, silver, or gold award, which will be officially announced at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence ceremony on Wednesday 4 June 2025, held at the Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange. "To be the only Lancashire finalist in such a prestigious national competition is a huge honour," said Ian O’Reilly, MD and owner of Eight at Gazegill and Gazegill Organics Farm.

"From the very beginning, our mission has been to create a truly unique, sustainable, and locally rooted dining experience, showcasing our produce from the farm and promoting the connection between land and food. Being recognised at this level reinforces that we are on the right path, and we couldn’t have achieved this without the dedication of our team and the support of our wonderful guests."

A Landmark Achievement for Lancashire’s Food Scene Not only is this recognition a milestone for Eight at Gazegill, but it also highlights the strength of Lancashire’s hospitality industry, proving that small, independent businesses can make a national impact.

The winners’ announcement in June will mark a pivotal moment for Eight at Gazegill as it competes for the highest national honours in English tourism. Regardless of the final result, this achievement firmly cements the restaurant’s place among the country’s most outstanding hospitality businesses.