‘Shock and delight’ as March dining firm scoops Retail and Hospitality Award in the Fenland Citizen Business Awards 2025

“Shocked” and “absolutely delighted” were the first words from Denise McAleese co-owner of the winner of the Retail and Hospitality category in the Fenland Citizen Business Awards 2025.

Speaking moments after collecting the accolade for her catering firm B&R Dining of March at the Braza Club on Friday night, Denise, could not hide her delight at winning the award, beating heavy competition from the Five Bells pub at Tydd St Mary and the Oliver Twist County Inn in Guyhirn.

The award, which was presented by Hayley Wilson from category sponsors Fenmarc, was open to all independent retail businesses and recogniseds “first class” customer service, market and customer engagement excellence, product, and service innovation.

Announcing the winner Hayley paid tribute B&R Dining and said they provide a service customised to meet each client’s need, taking on board what each customer needs.

The company was coincidently responsible for the fine dining three-course meal served on the night which included ham hock terrine or wild mushroom mascarpone and lemon pate for starter, slow braised feather blade steak in ale or aubergine, courgette, and kumara tiella for the main and choice of triple chocolate brownies or lemon tart for dessert.

Denise said: “We are absolutely delighted and shocked, we were up against some great competition, so it was a real surprise to be announced the winner.

“We are really pleased to have won and it is down to the team. We have good front and back of house teams, and that is really important to the success of the business. This award is really for them.

“It means so much to have won.”