COVENTRY’S HMV Empire managed to scoop two trophies at the West Midlands Tourism Awards just months after reopening.
The venue won gold awards in the New Tourism and Accessible and Inclusive categories at the second annual ceremony.
It was the only entrant to claim the top award in each of its nominated categories and it was the sole nominee to claim more than one prize.
The HMV Empire will now be entered into the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence taking place this summer.
The ceremony rewards the region’s finest accommodation, arts, food and drink, visitor attraction and heritage destinations.
There are 13 categories for West Midlands businesses within those sectors.
Coventry Empire originally opened on Gosford Street, before moving to its new home in the city centre in July last year.
The new venue now has a 1,300 capacity in the main room and boasts two stages, a balcony bar and state-of-the-art sound and lighting.
The impressive list of upcoming shows include Brit Award winner Emeli Sande, 2 Tone legends The Selecter and ‘Hold Back the River’ singer James Bay.
Phil Rooney, operations director at HMV Empire, said: “We have overcome incredible challenges to build this venue and open successfully in the wake of a pandemic.
“It is a great testament to our team and acknowledgement of their efforts to be recognised in this way.
“We were all especially honoured to be given the ‘Accessible & Inclusive’ Gold Award as we are dedicated to making the venue available to everyone in the West Midlands and beyond.”
Andrew Lovett, chair of the West Midlands Regional Board for Tourism, added: “The tourism community has shown remarkable resilience and ingenuity in the way it has responded to and come through the pandemic.
“With restrictions and rules now removed, I hope that more people choose to visit the West Midlands and enjoy the once-in-a-generation summer of great festivals and events.”
