Rotherham's top shops shortlist revealed

The Kimberworth resident, who loves shopping on the town’s High Street, joined hundreds of others in entering our 2015 Retailer Awards and telling judges about her favourite town centre businesses.

Her words won her an original painting of Rotherham Minster — where she got married — by local artist Chris Slater of Rotherham Minster.

Bev, who filled in a coupon printed in the Advertiser, said: “I married my husband John in the minster 33 years ago.

“We had four seasons in one day when we got married. I went into church in red hot sun and came out in the pitch black. People looking at the pictures thought we had got married at night.

“I’d always wanted to get married in the minster and I actually said to my husband this morning that I was going to pick my prize up and hoped it was a picture of the church. I’d always wanted one. He’ll be over the moon.”

Bev said she commented on the “unique shops bringing something different” to the town, her favourites being BitterSweet Boutique (now online only) and the Whistle Stop Sweet Shop.

Mr Slater, whose oil on canvas work depicts the scene as the Heart of Steel sculpture was unveiled last month, said: “It took me about two hours.

“This sort of painting has to be done quick as everyone is moving around and the scene is constantly changing. It’s brilliant that she can connect to it because she got married here.”

Fellow prizewinner Lisa Maltby of East Dene picked up hampers from Whistle Stop and other independent shops.

Lisa, who voted for Mesmerize as her favourite shop, said she thought Rotherham offered something different to the large retail parks and added: “It’s a great place to come. It’s clean and the shops have improved. A few years ago it was heading towards being a ghost town but now there’s lots of little independent places that offer something different so you don’t have to look like everyone else on a Saturday night.”

In addition to readers’ votes in the competition, run in conjunction with Rotherham Borough Council, retailers priding themselves on exceptional service have been mystery shopped ahead of the announcement of the business winning Best Customer Service.

Readers were also encouraged to say what they loved about the town, with the historic buildings, the range of independent retailers and the friendly nature of Rotherham people topping the list.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, advisory Cabinet member for the local economy, was delighted with the response.

She said: “The feedback was fantastic and residents clearly have a passion for their town and want to see it succeed.

“Several comments noted support for the way the town is being restored to its former glory which is really encouraging and the message was clear that Rotherham people will stand together to continue to make ours a town to be proud of.”

Shoppers’ comments included: “In the words of Dorothy, there’s no place like home”, “It’s coming back to life after a few bleak years. Maythe rejuvenation continue”, “It’s at the forefront of independent trading, making it stand out from the rest of the crowd”, and “The town is back on the map for good reason... High Street shopping at its best”, “It’s the prettiest town centre in South Yorkshire, with lots of new innovative retailers, fantastic people”, and “You can get everything you need but the quality and value for money is far better than any supermarket chain!”

Shoppers Choice Awards shortlist

Favourite Independent Retailer: Mesmerize (Wellgate), Patchwork Pig (High Street), The Makers Emporium (High Street); La Bella Lingerie (High Street).

Favourite Market Trader: Ellis Fresh Fruit & Veg (Outdoor Covered Market), Joe’s Fresh Meats (Indoor Market Hall), KD Davis & Sons (Indoor Market Hall);

Favourite Hair & Beauty Business: Chrysalis Beauty Clinic (Wellgate), Cutthroats Barber Shop (Moorgate Street), Kuttin Kru (Effingham Street), Salon 31 (Wellgate);

Favourite Food & Drink Establishment: Fitzwilliam & Hughes (Imperial Buildings), Miele Delicatessen (High Street), Sophisticakes (High Street);

Customer Service Award: Abbey Pharmacy (Howard Street), La Bella Lingerie (High Street), The Makers Emporium (High Street).

Full winners will be revealed next week.