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From art galleries to water truckers, our winners—landscapers, plumbers, beauticians, and more—set the standard for quality products and unparalled service.
Ever expanding, improving and changing, Brown & Co. has garnered our judges’ highest praise in this category. Building on the best ideas from overseas retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Pier 1 and Hallmark, combining them in one building and scaling them down to Bermuda-appropriate size has made the store a standout, one-stop shop since it took over the old Smith’s site. “Everything they do, they do it well,” said one judge, while others cited their “smart store layout,” “friendly staff” and “quality products at great price points.” Overall, our judges were most impressed with how fresh the store is: holiday cards and gifts are cleared and reset immediately and interesting displays are changed regularly. Although the offerings are huge, they never appear untidy. With a broad selection including home décor, perfume, cards, wrapping paper, toys, books and even the Birdcage Café for a bite to eat and cup of coffee, Brown & Co. has it all, and does it all, with excellence. Great Gifts Pulling your hair out trying to find a gift for a friend of a friend whose birthday party is tonight? Sail On (Old Cellar, Front St., and Reid St., Hamilton, 295-0808) is the place to go. As one judge put it, it’s perfect “when you don’t know what you are looking for.” Music Store If they don’t have it in stock—and chances are, they do—the affable guys at Music World (Bermudiana Arcade, 27 Queen St., Hamilton, 292-8785) are happy to order it for you. Rack after rack of the latest and greatest tunes are cleverly arranged, so you don’t waste a minute flipping through albums by Tom Jones and Tony Bennett when you are looking for T.I. Bookstore Bibliophiles get their thrills wading through the eclectic selection of current bestsellers and off-beat treasures at Bermuda Bookstore (3 Queen St., Hamilton, 295-3698). Our judges had high praise for their intimate environment and enthusiastic staff—led by quirky owner Hannah Willmot (often with multicoloured hair)—that truly remind us about the joys of reading. Art Gallery Open for over a year now, the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art (Botanical Gardens, Paget, 236-2950) has quickly become a mecca for artists and art lovers alike. Our judges deemed them the best for their enjoyable new space, interesting revolving exhibitions and excellent children’s art programs that fill up in hours, not days. Greeting Cards Finding an appropriate card for your cousin’s baby shower, your boss’s 50th birthday or your in-laws’ anniversary is not always easy. No matter the occasion, our judges all agree: Brown & Co. (Reid St., Hamilton, 295-3838) has the greatest selection of cards on the island. Gardening Gear These days, people don’t have much green—land that is. Whether you have a small garden plot or even smaller flower box, Gorham’s (62 St. Johns Rd., Pembroke, 295-1550) has the gear to create your private piece of paradise. Place to Satisfy your Sweet Tooth If you haven’t had the decadent opportunity to sample some of the Barefoot Baker’s creations, you don’t know what you’re missing. Karsten Krivenko’s cookies, bars and cakes are available daily at Rock Island Coffee, and special orders of breakfast pastries and cleverly named cupcakes (“dark and stormy,” “vanilla gorilla”) can be found online (www.thebarefootbaker.com). Pharmacy This Best of Bermuda hall-of-famer continues to preside with authority over this category. Once again our judges unanimously praised People’s Pharmacy (62 Victoria St., Hamilton, 292-7528) for their expansive selection, courteous and helpful pharmacists and general ability to keep getting it right—right staff, right parking and a “right away, ma’am” attitude. Kid's Camp Come on, mom, give us a break this summer; macaroni picture frames and friendship bracelets are so passé. Sophisticated kids like us want to do more with our free time, and Jr. Chef Central’s summer culinary camp (www.jrchefcentral.com) is a cut above, so to speak. Founded by Karla Lacey, the camp is held at International Imports throughout July and August. Pet Pampering/Supplies From pampered pooches to beloved budgies—all are welcome at Noah’s Ark Feed & Supply (3 Marsh Lane, Devonshire, 236-1533), the family-run store with a passion for pets. Day Care While there were several excellent day-care facilities that had our judges debating, Kiddie Academy (7 Laffan St., Hamilton, 292-4124) made the grade this year. Working parents love their great opening hours and few closed days, while happy kids love the warm and welcoming teachers. Grocery Store Local and organic produce, the freshest cuts of meat and fish, and aisle after scrupulously clean aisle of necessary and special products give Lindo’s Family Foods (128 Middle Rd., Warwick, 236-1344) the edge over the competition. Warehouse Shopping In today’s economy, buying in bulk makes cents. Necessary items like diapers, detergent and deodorant can be found in large quantities for smaller prices, while party supplies, unique gift sets and frozen foods round out the generous offerings at Hunt’s Food and Supplies (5 Quarry Lane, Khyber Pass, Warwick, 236-6343). Kitchenware Culinary cats all agree that the top shop for the greatest gadgets is International Imports (Par-la-Ville Rd., Hamilton, 292-1661). The shelves are packed high with everything from cupcake trees to Le Creuset cast-iron cookware. Of course, purely practical items (mixing bowls, baking pans, measuring cups, storage tins) are in abundance, too, as are sleek chef’s knives and showoff espresso machines. Home Accessories So you have finally found the perfect apartment. Time to accessorize! Gorgeous pillows, funky wall art, elegant diffusers and more are in ample supply at Brown & Co. (Reid St., Hamilton, 295-3838). Computer Sales When your old workhorse is ready to retire, the guys and gals at Complete Office (Kenwood Building, 17 Reid St., Hamilton, 292-4333) will get you back up and running with the MAC or PC of your choice. Our judges praised their excellent service and well-versed salespeople. Computer Service We love to award diligent young people who go above and beyond in their chosen field. When a young man like Quinton Grant of QG Computer Consultant (335-7846) can come to your home at any (reasonable) hour, rebuild your computer and leave you smiling, how could we not award him? Gas Station When a judge of ours needed a light bulb changed in their car only to find they had left their wallet home, the kind attendant at Esso Collectors Hill Tigermarket (65 South Rd., Devonshire, 236-6574) told them not to worry, come back and pay later. Now that’s the kind of service that makes this gas station the best! Landscaper Pulling off gardens that appear natural, rather than designed, is a tough job, but Bobby Baron’s creations end up looking like Mother Nature’s own (only neater). After many years at Aberfeldy, the owner of Land Care & Gardening (16 Astwood Road, Paget, 236-3817) certainly knows his stuff. Electrician The only thing scarier than a short in your electrical wires is not having an experienced electrician to call! Our judges gave an enthusiastic thumbs up to Victor Thompson of VT Electrical (799-4008 or 238-2835), who will leave his bed to change a light bulb (but please don’t ask him to just because we said so!). Boat Repair For 30 years the byes at Bermuda Marine Supply & Services (72 Pitts Bay Rd., Pembroke, 295-7901) have, as they themselves say, the “tools, the talent, the parts and the desire to put you in the water with efficiency and reliability.” We couldn’t agree more. Plumber Why is it that you always need a plumber at 9:00 p.m. after your 3-year-old flushes Batman down the toilet—again? No matter the time or day, superhero plumber Delton Outerbridge of After Hours Plumbing (236-6815, 504-2105 or 535-2591) will fly to your rescue. Water Trucking Service Everyone hates running out of water—especially in the shower with a head full of shampoo. When the tank gets low, call the responsive guys at James Water Services (238-0046, 238-0311 or 238-1666), who can always manage to find water for the stranded homeowner. Car Mechanic Looking for a simple tuneup for TCD or a complete body repair and repainting? Cardoza’s Garage (22 Mission Rd., Paget, 236-1221) is the best place to call. In business since 1941, the experienced mechanics will get your baby back on the road in no time flat. Bike Mechanic Bermuda might be small, but without our “trans” we are lost. When your two wheels have broken down, Eugene Calder of South Shore Cycle Repairs (111 South Shore Rd., Warwick, 236-9382) will set you straight. Upholsterer All good upholsterers can re-cover your couch and stitch up some beautiful draperies, most can replace your bike, car and boat seats in a jiffy and some can even pick up and deliver. But with the best, like Creative Upholstery (100 Middle Rd., Warwick, 236-6424 or 236-9135), it’s the little things that stand out—like giving one desperate judge a needle and thread and another some leftover foam for a children’s art project. Furniture Store More than just a store with furniture, Hamma Galleries (One Lane Hill, Hamilton, 292-8500) is a design centre focusing on coordinating all the fabrics, furniture and accessories one would need for any project, big or small. The only thing better than the exclusive lines from Habersham Plantation, Diva Collection, Metalarte and Manuel Canovas are the experienced interior designers who can help you put it all together. Interior Designer When you have a taste for the exotic or a desire for urban elegance but don’t know how to pull it together, our judges recommend the exceptional design team of Patti Crouch and Jill Henneburger of By Design (75 Reid St., Hamilton, 292-6041) to whip your home into an award-worthy state. Health Club For gym rats who take their sweating seriously, row after row of cardio machines, treadmills, cycles, rowers, dumbbells and more can be found at Magnum Powerforce Gym (70 Church St. East, Hamilton, 292-7007), where the only thing harder than the bodies is the boot-camp class. Underwater Delight It’s like being in your own private aquarium: the nooks and crannies in the rocks around Tobacco Bay are teaming with stunning sea life, making it a snorkeler’s dream. Marketing Material If you aren’t a member of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (shame on you!), then you may not have had the privilege of flipping through one of Bermuda’s best new local publications—the Bermuda Zoological Society’s new magazine, WILD. Designed by Brimstone Media, it’s as beautiful as it is educational. Local Website Founded in 2001 to help people find long-term rental accommodation, www.e-moo.com has evolved into the most visited website (3.25 million page views per month) by Bermudians (25,000 registered users) looking for secondhand everything (1,200 ads per day). Private Party Charter If the ocean is calling but the smell of a day’s catch isn’t exactly your thing, a relaxing sailing, snorkelling or sunset charter on board Restless Native (734-8149) may be more your speed. Run by Captain Brett and Tanis Michelson and managed by Maureen Sullivan, the pink 50-foot catamaran has enough snorkelling equipment and flotation devices for 50 guests. And we hear the baked-on-board cookies are fantastic! Diligent Real-Estate Agent Have you been keeping up with the latest news? If there was ever a time to have an experienced real-estate agent, it’s now. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or rent, you can trust Fiona Hatfield of Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty (292-1793) to lead you in the right direction—even in these turbulent times. Investment Advice Find a really thick mattress. Barber When it comes to the perfect clip, Gillian Cleave is a cut above. The Cutting Room (The Armoury Building, 37 Reid St., Hamilton, 292-0577) barber has over 30 years of experience in the business and it shows—mostly on the heads of the well-coiffed businessmen who leave with their ears, and mood, lifted. Hair Salon It only took two years and half a dozen stylists to make a big impression with our judges. Co-owned by Caroline Lines and Susan McIlhinney, Salon 27 (LOM Building, 27 Reid St., Hamilton, 295-2727) has proven its crisp, clean environment and cutting-edge style to be truly award worthy. Healthcare Professional With two experienced doctors on staff (Dr. Stephen West and Dr. Ryan Bates), the irreplaceable nurse Debbie and the genial reception staff, our judges felt compelled to give this award to the entire group at Wee Care Pediatrics (7 Elliott St., Hamilton, 236-3032). We also appreciate the 24-hour access to physicians and a fun play area to distract the kiddies while we wait. Caterer For the last 10 years, owner Peter Jovetic and his staff at Food 4 Thought Caterers (www.food4thoughtcaterers.bm, 293-7892) have cooked up delicious menus for intimate dinner parties, elegant cocktail soireés and enormous Bermudian weddings. Government Service We can hardly believe it ourselves, but our judges had high praise for the revamped Transport Control Department. Of course, it might be because now you can do online in minutes what you used to have to use a vacation day for. Best Place for a Mani/Pedi One gentleman judge (who wishes to remain anonymous) admitted that he was once blindfolded by his girls and dropped off at La Serena Spa (The Reefs, 56 South Shore Rd., Southampton, 239-0184) for a desperately needed pedicure—and he has been back three times since. His experience is just one of many testaments to the talent of top therapist Anna, who will scrub, paraffin wax and polish your cares—and calluses—away. Day Spa Your computer is on the fritz. Your boss is on a tear. Your daughter is in a malignant teenage funk. Find your happy place at the brand new Samadhi Spa (Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa, 27 Harbour Rd., Paget, 236-6060). The name means “a quiet place of blissful awareness,” and Samadhi has enough highly trained hands to scrub, rub, knead, slather, wrap, mist, oil and otherwise drive your tension away, leaving skin glowing and sanity restored. Travel Agent No one is as good at finding rock-bottom airline deals or the perfect Manhattan hotel room as a good travel agent is. When you’re ready to make your next travel plans, our judges recommend a tête-à-tête with Rebecca Corday (Global Travel, Park House, 31 Middle Rd., Smith’s, 296-7900), who’s sure to send you on your way without a worry. Taxi Driver You’ve been up since 3:00 a.m. and stuck on the runway for hours. You finally arrive at L. Frederick Wade International Airport to a packed arrivals hall and loooong customs line. The only thing that will get you out of your funk is a ride home with comedian-cum-taxi-driver Nadanja Bailey—a two-time “Best of” winner. Sports Equipment From in-line hockey skates to cricket bats and so much more, the International Sports Shop (Bermudiana Rd., Hamilton, 295-4183) is chock full of all the sports equipment any athlete could desire. That alone would be enough to deserve this award, but their new owners and newer renovations have taken the store to the next level. Friendliest Customer Service He treats his staff like family and his customers like old friends. Art Riviere of Bull’s Head Car Wash (5 Jackson Way, Hamilton, 295-1916) is one of the good ones. He’s been known to change tires in the rain, assist stranded travelers in the car park and, of course, service his customers’ cars to the highest standard. Fresh Flowers Sorry sweetheart, but you won’t score any points by showing up with droopy carnations or half-dead roses. A truly thoughtful gesture calls for Flowers by GiMi’s (www.flowersbygimi.com, 297-4464) contemporary bespoke creations. Pick them up at Miles Market or order online to keep your romance in full bloom. Toystore The votes are in and local children all agree: Tammy Richardson is one hip mama. In the family business since she was a tot herself (7 to be exact), the Little People’s Toys (People’s Pharmacy, 62 Victoria St., Hamilton, 292-7527) buyer consistently stocks the shelves with an award-worthy selection of the most unique and contemporary toys on the market. Helpful Hardware Store If you’ve got the project, Smooth & Easy (1 Middle Rd., Warwick, 236-5317) has the product. Die-hard DIYers—and those who just need a hammer—appreciate the exceptional service, quality equipment and Sunday opening hours. Fishing Charter We can’t say which is more fun: reeling in the big one or bantering with hyper captain James Robinson on board his 37-foot Wound Up (737-9985). With a spectacular 2008 season—setting the Bermuda record for most wahoo in a day on May 20, High Point Boat in the Bacardi Tournament, a $49,000 win in the Billfish Blast and catching a blue marlin weighing 1,049 pounds (the first “grander” ever caught by a woman in Bermuda)—it’s easy to see why our judges chose Robinson for this award. The Judges Christine Rickards, senior development control planner, Department of Planning |
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Award of Excellence – Brown & Co.