The London Lifestyle Awards

The London Lifestyle Awards were established in 2010. They were designed to reward a number of publicly nominated businesses who have been deemed to be successfully contributing to the lifestyle of the city. After an initial nomination period, a short list is announced from which members of the public can vote for their winner. This voting period culminates in an event (GeneRally held in October) in which the winners are announced. The Awards are currently in their fifth year and are the brain child of Jason Gale.

History

The London Lifestyle Awards were created in 2010 by Jason Gale. The mission was to honour those whose work has been understood as making a noticeable contribution to London and improving the lives of Londoners. In previous years the Awards have taken place at venues such as the Hurlingham Club in Fulham and the Troxy in East London. From 2010 to 2012 the Awards were hosted by Capital FM DJ Greg Burns, and in 2013 were hosted by Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills. Each year the awards in different categories are presented to the winners by famous FACES that support the event; in the past this has included Dame Kelly Holmes, Christopher Biggins, Michelle Heaton, Vanessa Feltz, David Seaman and Sinitta. Initially the Awards had 16 categories, but this has expanded over the course of the four years and in 2014 businesses will compete in 19 categories. Whilst original categories including ‘Best Green Contribution’ and ‘Sports Attraction of the Year’ are no longer a part of the Awards; new categories including ‘Hospitality Group of the Year’, ‘Concierge Company of the Year’ and ‘Members Club of the Year’ have been added.

The Trophy

The London Lifestyle trophy has evolved over the years. In 2013, an engraved glass placard which displays the classic London Lifestyle Awards logo, the nominated category and the winning company's name was used. The trophy's were supplied by Gaudio, a bespoke awards and trophy manufacturer.

Nomination Process

Both businesses and the general public are welcome to nominate. Nominations are made online on the London Lifestyle Awards website. Once a form is submitted, they are all logged onto a database handled by Director Jason Gale, to determine whether the business is eligible and entered in the correct category for official nomination. After nominees have been determined, judges including Director Jason Gale, Sinitta and Akashia Carswell (London Talent) sit down to decide the short list. Each year a short list party is held to announce those who have progressed through the initial stage. The day after the short list is announced voting re-opens to the public on the London Lifestyle Awards website. Following this stage, the shortlist is trimmed down to finalists and the winners are announced at the London Lifestyle Awards' annual ceremony.

In 2012 4,127 businesses and personalities were initially nominated, with this being trimmed down to 202 for the final stage of the competition. In total 207,006 votes were cast during the 2012 voting period.

Venue

The 2010 Awards were held at the Riverbank Park Plaza and the following year moved to the exclusive Hurlingham Club in Fulham, West London. The Awards were held here for two consecutive years. In 2013 the Awards ceremony moved east to The Troxy. This move followed in the footsteps of other Awards ceremonies to move east including the NME Awards and Kerrang! This art deco building was originally a cinema when it opened in 1933, today it is a versatile venue that allows the Awards to host a sit down dinner for guests, whilst utilizing the balcony seating for After Party tickets to watch entertainment acts.

The Awards Ceremony

The Ceremony begins with a drinks reception, allowing the guests to mingle and network with other people in the industry. Once everyone has arrived guests sit down for a three course meal; guests can either buy an entire table for their company or if a smaller company they can purchase seats at a table with others. Following dinner the Awards Ceremony begins. Winners are announced by different celebrities who support the event and are invited onto stage to collect their award. They are then taken back stage to film an acceptance speech which they will later be able to share on their website and social media pages. Once the Ceremony has wrapped up guests are treated to live entertainment. In 2013 the night was ended with a 35 minute set by girl band Stooshe. Speaking of the event the girls said “We're so excited to be involved in the London Lifestyle awards. We're London girls born and bred & we think it's great that the best places around town are congratulated. Where would we be without them!” The 2014 Awards Ceremony will take place on the 8th of October at The Troxy. This year’s host and acts are yet to be announced.

2014 Categories

London Restaurant of the Year

London Bar of the Year

London Coffee Shop of the Year

Theatre Show of the Year

London Fashion Retailer of the Year

London Cultural Attraction of the Year

London Live Music Venue of the Year

London Club of the Year

London Health & Beauty Facility of the Year

London Fitness Facility of the Year

London Hairdressing Salon of the Year

London Hotel of the Year

London Concierge Company of the Year

London Members Club of the Year

London Hospitality Group of the Year

London Street Food Vendor of the Year

Outstanding Contribution to London

London Personality of the Year

London Lifestyle Legend

Previous Winners