In November 2020, the ‘Shop Local Gloucester Road’ Facebook group was set up to help everyone (particularly the traders) survive lockdown. To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the group – and highlight the breadth and innovation of businesses along Gloucester Road – the first Gloucester Road Business Awards were held in November 2025.
Locals and shoppers voted in droves – nearly 700 votes in all – for 65 nominees across six categories and on November 20 the Nevil Road Community Club played host to the awards ceremony attended by around 200 people. With entertainment provided by DJ Asher and the Pretend Friends band, the evening also offered a jerk BBQ and a fire pit on the sky bar roof terrace, as well as a £25 offer on a gold award-winner champagne. Raffle tickets were also available to buy for a signed print in support of the Bristol RSPCA.
The inaugural winners announced on the night were:
Best value on Gloucester Road
Books for Amnesty
Most Environmentally Sensitive Business
Scoopaway
Friendliest Business
Café Dream
Most Innovative Business
The Key Cafe
Best Customer Service
The Phone Shop
Gloucester Road Legend
Joe’s Bakery
Speaking after the event, Alice Darley, one of those who established the group, was delighted with how the evening went, saying: “Thank you to everyone who nominated and voted and who attended the awards ceremony. Thank you to Nevil Road Community Club for doing such a brilliant job of hosting us and putting on the most amazing party. Thank you Pretend Friends for the music. And most importantly, thank you to you all for shopping local.”