With over 10,000 nominations cast we have the winners for the High Street Heroes 2025

12:57, 22 Aug 2025Updated 13:01, 22 Aug 2025

The winners were announced at a ceremony in The Game of Thrones Studio(Image: Kelvin Boyes/ Press Eye)

Retail NI, in partnership with National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity, Belfast Live and Gig Grafter, is delighted to announce the winners of the High Street Heroes 2025 Awards. The celebration event took place on Thursday, 21 August at the Game of Thrones Studio, Banbridge, where finalists came together to honour this year’s champions of Northern Ireland’s independent retail sector.

Unlike many awards decided behind closed doors, High Street Heroes is driven entirely by public votes. Thousands of local people have their say in recognising the businesses that make their high streets truly special.

Coleraine has been named “High Street of the Year.” Greens of Lisburn has won the “Overall Independent Retailer” award for 2025 and Richard Kyle of Greens of Lisburn has been named “Independent Retail Employee of the Year.”

READ MORE: High Street Heroes winners 2025 pictured at ceremony in Game of Thrones Studios

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI, said: “These awards are truly powered by the public, which makes them incredibly special. Our 2025 winners represent the heart and soul of Northern Ireland’s high streets, businesses that demonstrate exceptional customer service, community spirit and entrepreneurial pride. Independent retail is the lifeblood of our towns and villages. These businesses employ people locally, support supply chains, and give communities character. Congratulations to every winner. Your success tells the story of resilience, innovation and local leadership.”

2025 Winners

  • Best Butcher – T Knox & Sons, Portadown – sponsored by KITCHTECH
  • Best Coffee Shop – Expressoo!, Lisburn – sponsored by Thompson’s Tea
  • Best Convenience Store – Greenes, MyDaily, Lurgan – sponsored by Bobby’s Foods
  • Best Deli/Bakery – Vivo Oaklands Park, Carrickfergus– sponsored by GigGrafter
  • Best Fashion Retailer – The Winsome Lady, Ballymoney – sponsored by Titanic Quarter
  • Best Forecourt – EUROSPAR Moundview, Dromore – sponsored by Euronet
  • Best Generalist Retailer – MS Mobiles, Ballymoney – sponsored by O’Reilly’s Wholesale
  • Best Healthcare Retailer – The Real Health Store, Coleraine – sponsored by Drayne’s Dairy Farm
  • Best Homeware Retailer – Rosie’s Emporium, Lisburn – sponsored by GM Marketing
  • Best Off Licence – Bin 34, Castlewellan – sponsored by Molson Coors
  • Overall Independent Retailer – Greens of Lisburn – sponsored by PRM Group
  • Independent Retail Employee of the Year – Richard Kyle, Greens of Lisburn – sponsored by SSE Airtricity
  • High Street of the Year – Coleraine – sponsored by National Lottery operator Allwyn

Andria Vidler, Chief Executive Officer at Allwyn, said: “Allwyn is proud to champion Northern Ireland’s High Street Heroes again this year. We understand the importance of high streets and their value at the heart of their communities. Allwyn works with 1,500 retail partners across Northern Ireland, the majority of which are independent stores. Selling National Lottery tickets not only creates footfall and associated sales, but it also generates millions in retail commission each year. Retailers across the UK help raise over £30 million a week for Good Causes, and since 1994, over £1.6 billion of National Lottery funding has supported 35,000 projects in Northern Ireland. We are looking forward to celebrating both the winners and nominees in this year’s awards.”

Congratulations to all the winners of the High Street Heroes 2025

Angeline Murphy, Branding and Advertising Manager at SSE Airtricity, said: “We at SSE Airtricity would like to extend our congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Retail NI High Street Heroes Awards. These awards are an important showcase of excellence across Northern Ireland, shining a spotlight on the success of local retailers who go above and beyond for their communities.

“SSE Airtricity supplies thousands of businesses right across the province, and as an established and trusted energy partner, we’re empowering our customers to switch to cleaner, greener energy supply and solutions – helping them make their businesses more sustainable and continue the road to net zero.

“Sustainability and community are at the core of what we do at SSE Airtricity. Supporting local businesses that reflect these values makes perfect sense, and we’re proud to be part of this inspiring initiative.”

Ciaran Lynch, Director at Gig Grafter, said: “We’re passionate about helping small businesses thrive, and High Street Heroes is the perfect platform to showcase the dedication, creativity and resilience that define Northern Ireland’s independent retailers. These awards shine a light on the people and businesses whose hard work not only drives their own success but also strengthens our local economies and communities. We’re thrilled to support this celebration and to champion the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps our high streets vibrant and full of character.”

The High Street Heroes campaign is a celebration of the businesses that sit at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland. Unlike traditional awards programmes, High Street Heroes is driven entirely by public votes. There are no judging panels, with local people choosing their favourites across thirteen categories.

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