GEM Awards 2025 Nominees Announced – Celebrating Lincoln’s Best in Business

Lincoln’s most outstanding businesses have been recognised as finalists in this year’s GEM Awards, which shine a spotlight on the people and places that go the extra mile to make our city sparkle.

From favourite dining spots and much-loved independent retailers to trusted professional services and exciting entertainment venues, the awards celebrate excellence across Lincoln’s thriving business community.

This year’s shortlist is the result of careful evaluation by our independent judging body, Proinsight,and it’s been an incredibly tough year to choose. So many of our businesses achieved exceptionally high scores for their customer service.

The 2025 finalists are:

National Restaurant

• Wagamama

• Ask Italian

• Turtle Bay

Independent Restaurant

• Cognito

• The Pale

• Craft

Health, Beauty & Wellness

• Martin Smith Opticians

• Simpsons

• Bodystreet

National Retailer

• Next

• Lush

• Waterstones

Independent Retailer

• Jailhouse Frock

• Cavani’s

• Top to Bottom

Café

• 200 Degrees

• YOLO Coffee and Kitchen

• Park Street Eatery at Age UK Lincolnshire

Bar, Pub or Club

• Duke William

• Lincoln Jazz Café

• Be At One

Professional Services

• Pepperells Solicitors

• Waterside Security

• Barclays

Experience & Entertainment

• Virtually Golf

• Game Saints

• Akedo

Accommodation Provider

• The Old Palace

• Holiday Inn

• The Castle Hotel

The winners will be revealed at the GEM Awards Ceremony on October 2nd 2024 , where Lincoln’s business community will come together to celebrate achievement, innovation, and the people who truly make a difference.

Danielle, Relationship and Operations Manager said:

“The GEM Awards are about recognising the businesses that make Lincoln a fantastic place to live, work and visit. This year’s shortlist is a real testament to the passion, hard work, and creativity of our local and national brands. Congratulations to all our finalists, you really are gems in our community.”