Food & Drink
![]()
Tied for Second Place: Dockyard Brewing Company
Crafted by hand in their brewery in Dockyard, the ales and beers from Dockyard Brewing Company massively impressed our judges who appreciated the challenge involved in the process. “It’s not easy to brew beer; there is a process involved that takes time and effort,” said one judge. “The level of craftsmanship involved is impressive—they nailed it.” The judges also hailed the packaging as “perfect,” the quality as “excellent” and loved the originality of the Bermuda names for each beer.
The microbrewery currently features five different beers, totally made in Bermuda—including the light-bodied Whale of a Wheat, the smooth St. David’s Lager, the well-balanced Somers Amber Ale, the bolder Trunk Island Pale Ale which features a strong citrus and pine hop aroma, and the English style Black Anchor Porter described as medium-bodied with flavours of bitter chocolate, coffee and raisins.
The beers are all kegged using cask-like methods which means they are not heavily carbonated like mass-produced beers. Cold-stored to maintain freshness, they have no preservatives and are unpasteurised. Only two (the St. David’s Lager and Somers Amber Ale) are filtered.
The ales and beers are available at the Frog and Onion Pub in Dockyard as well as other Island Restaurant Group restaurants—The Hog Penny Pub, The Pickled Onion, Barracuda Grill and Victoria Grill. Brewery tours (available for a group of 10 or more) include either a tour-and-tasting or a 5-course food-and-beer pairing and a brew master-led tour of the brewery.
234-2900 | www.frogandonion.bm/brewery
![]()
Tied for Second Place: Bermuda Smokehouse
Founded in 2015, New Catering Concepts takes catering to a new level using quality local ingredients and meats smoked to perfection in their custom smokehouse. Owners Brendan Huttick and James Mitchell entered their Locally Smoked Charcuterie Board/ Platter in the awards and the judges ate it up—literally. “I love the range of products, including beef, fish, pork and cheese,” said one judge. “You can really appreciate the craftsmanship behind smoking. They did an excellent job.” Another commented: “The quality of the product is outstanding. Even the packaging is impressive with the simplicity of the butcher’s paper, string and stamped logo.”
The submitted charcuterie board featured their locally cured and smoked fish, meats and cheeses accompanied by a house-made Smoked Jalapeño Infused Olive Oil, Prague Sauce (horseradish and apple crème fraîche), Westover Farms Zucchini Paw-Paw Relish and Bermuda Gombey Pepper Jams—and garnished with locally cultivated microgreens and shoots.
“Every item is prepared using our proprietary brine and rub recipes, developed through years of experience of working in the curing/smoking culinary style of the Czech Republic,” explained Huttick. “Some items can take up to seven days to prepare.”
That attention to detail and their unique combinations of locally sourced and personally prepared delicacies have set New Catering Concepts apart, earning a well-deserved tie for second in this category as well as a 2017 Best of Bermuda Award.
704-9993 | info@newcateringbda.com | www.newcateringbda.com
![]()
Finalist: BermyFresh Farm
Locally grown gourmet greens and savoury mushrooms are now available at the finest restaurants and local stores thanks to the diligent efforts of urban farmer Scott Tucker and his team at BermyFresh Farms.
Housed in a concrete warehouse-turned-greenhouse in the industrial neighbourhood of Wellbottom, Southampton, Tucker has developed his own vertical farming system using LED lights and mineral rich water to cultivate his greens and a unique temperature-and-humidity-controlled room to grow shiitake and oyster mushrooms. All are grown without GMOs, herbicides or pesticides.
Each week the team harvests hundreds of pounds of healthy microgreens, shoots, sprouts, baby lettuces, shiitake and oyster mushrooms for sale at the BermyFresh Farm Market on the bottom floor of the warehouse as well as in grocery stores islandwide. A portion of their weekly growth is also used to create specialty products like freshly made BermyFresh pesto, hummus and Caesar dressing. Farm boxes are also available seasonally and feature a selection of produce, mushrooms, pesto and hummus.
15 Wellbottom, Southampton | 236-3400 | www.bermyfresh.com
![]()
Finalist: Oatbelievable
Founded in 2015 by Joanna Jackson-Smith and her husband Tyrone Smith, premium granola company Oatbelievable is quickly becoming a household name—especially since the products carry playful Bermuda-inspired ones like Spice Hill, Tempest Isles and Gombey Smash. Now with 11 different flavours and all made with gluten-free, organic oats and various combinations of dried papaya, kiwi, mango, coconut, almonds, cashews, ginger, cardamom, coffee, chocolate and more, the granola is always prepared fresh and free of preservatives. The company has also branched out recently to include four new flavours of granola bars.
Aside from the great taste, the judges were highly impressed by Oatbelievable’s beautiful packaging and they appreciated the clever use of locally inspired names for some of the products.
Oatbelievable is available at Lindo’s Family Foods in Warwick, Luxury Gifts at Hamilton Princess, Pulp & Circumstance’s airport outlet, Sense Spa and Regali at Rosewood Tucker’s Point 335-1975 | oats@logic.bm
Clothing & Accessories
![]()
Runner UP: Dana Cooper
An official licencee of the 35th America’s Cup, designer Dana Cooper of Dana Cooper Designs showcased an official collection of scarves and beach wraps for the event and it didn’t go unnoticed. “I love that it is distinctly Bermudian without being literal,” stated one of the judges. Others commented on the “exceptional quality of the material,” her beautiful designs and the “huge customer value she offers.”
The judges were also impressed that Cooper is “100 percent behind her brand. She shows up to everything as if she is her brand.”
Cooper is also an artist and illustrator, having designed several books including My Bermuda ABC, My Bermuda 123, Bermuda Baby ABC and a selection of Bermuda Journals. She’s also a contributing designer for The Bermudian magazine and has been published in numerous publications internationally such as W Magazine and the New York Sun.
Her stunning watercolour illustrations of royal palms, bay grape leaves and nautical motifs have been translated into this luxurious Bermuda collection of scarves and wraps that can be found for sale on her website. Her collection of resort wear is available locally at A.S. Cooper & Sons and Coral Beach & Tennis Club.
www.shop.danacooper.net | www.danacooper.net | 737-8051 dana@danacooper.net
![]()
Honourable Mention: Bermuda Born Handbags
Noted by our judges for their quality construction, on-trend shape and beautiful colour range, the Bermuda Born handbag collection by designer Patrice Morgan earned an honourable mention in this category.
“I created Bermuda Born handbags out of my love for working with leather skins,” explained Morgan, who makes the sample designs and sends them to Portugal where her skilled leather craftsmen create the finished products.
Ranging from small coin purses to large totes, the bags are a standout with their gold-stamped longtail logo on the high-quality leather in shades of sandy beige, fushia pink, soft aqua blue and black. “The collection consists of six contemporary styles in fuchsia, aqua, beige and black—colours synonymous with the beautiful exteriors of Bermuda’s traditional houses,” said the designer. “Fuchsia was used to symbolise the island’s well-known pink sand beaches, and aqua was used to reflect the clear blue coastline.”
The collection also features island-inspired names such as the Horseshoe Bay Cross Body Bag, the St. David’s Boat Tote Bag and the Tobacco Bay Clutch, among others. The bags are sold online to buyers in the UK, Europe, Canada and the US as well as in boutiques in Bermuda.
“The Bermuda Born collection of women’s leather goods can be described as luxurious, yet practical and durable,” she said. “I wanted to create versatile leather goods that appeal to a modern woman’s lifestyle—a woman who is multi-faceted, and who appreciates luxury. The styles that I have designed serve a purpose for every occasion—whether it be work, vacation or handling day-to-day activities.”
www.bermudaborn.com | info@bermudaborn.com
![]()
Finalist: Coral Coast
Coral Coast Clothing was born in 2014 when two childhood friends—Adam Petty and Samuel Outerbridge—left their respective careers in the reinsurance industry to create the kind of quality yet sensible clothing they found was missing for modern businessmen working and living on the island. They started with a collection of 11 shirt designs and have since branched out to include over 150 different styles and patterns while working on perfecting the fit, fabric and quality of their original designs. Over the course of the last year, the duo opened their first bricks-and-mortar retail store on Front Street.
“We have expanded the label in order to embrace the lifestyle culture of Bermuda,” they say. “The perfect pieces added to the label have been our Elegant Performance Polos, swim trunks, hats, ties and bowties, all of which are inspired by the jaw-dropping aesthetics of our island.”
Their expansion continues with a new bespoke option available for clients who wish to build their own dress shirts from the ground up. After being measured, they can select their fabrics and choose their preferred collars and cuff designs. “The market for custom shirts bar presented itself a year ago after many outlier body types presented themselves,” they explained. “Every lad wants to look his best and just needs a little direction on colour-ways and fit.”
15 Front Street, Hamilton | 400-5030 | info@coralcoastclothing.com www.coralcoastclothing.com
![]()
Finalist: 1609 Designs
Taking the leap into entrepreneurship has been an adventure, says Joanna Stapff who started 1609 Design only two years ago. “I’m grateful to be doing something I love, creating unique jewellery and crafts daily,” said the multi-talented artist. “I started in craft fairs, while distributing my products in a couple of shops until I was able to find a charming spot and to open 1609 Design and establish my brand. There I have been creating jewellery and a diverse range of products like bags, coasters and pictures, all showcasing my photography of Bermuda.”
Stapff’s jewellery features island-influences like triangles, soft pastels and vibrant tropical colours while her coasters and tote bags have a distinctly vintage vibe. Her handmade cards feature clever and humorous island slang typed over her photography and illustrations.
The judges definitely took notice, saying that Stapff has done a great job building her brand and they recognised her creativity, quality packaging and logo design. “I love everything she does—especially the vibrant colours and stones in each piece,” stated one judge.
“I believe I’ve been able to deliver a brand which represents Bermuda from a fresh angle, avoiding the typical tourist clichés, whilst embracing my passion for the island,” said the designer, whose jewellery and cards are created by hand. Her totes are designed here but sewn abroad. “I’m constantly expanding the product-line and coming up with new ideas. I’ve seen my jewellery designs becoming more and more sophisticated, and I embrace my customers’ ideas when they suggest designs they would like to see.
“I do keep true to my art but love finding ways to twist my perspective and push myself into uncharted waters.”
Old Cellar Lane, 47 Front Street, Hamilton | 336-1326 | jojostapff@gmail.com
![]()
Finalist: La Garza Lionfish Jewellery
In Bermuda waters, lionfish are known as a dangerously invasive species and efforts are continuously underway to diminish their population before they further damage our delicate reef eco-system. Jewellery artist/environmental designer Tara Cassidy has created a Pterois Lionfish collection to assist in the cause by repurposing the predator’s beautiful fins into unique pendants, earrings, cuff links and hair accessories.
Similar to butterfly wings, the fragile fins are sealed with a plant-based bio-resin to give them a glossy just-pulled-from-the-sea appearance. Each piece is completely unique as there is considerable variation from fin to fin.
“La Garza’s core goal is to raise awareness and produce sustainable island-inspired products,” said Cassidy who also creates jewellery from beach plastics, pink sand and coral items washed up on shore after hurricanes. “We do this through in-depth research and experimentation into our fabrication process and materials, as well as teaching workshops about how to up-cycle and promote a cause utilising the arts as a medium.”
5 Bridge Street, Block House, St. George’s | 705-2787 lagarzabermuda@gmail.com | www.lagarzabermuda.com
Home
![]()
Finalist: NettleInk
Nettleink’s custom textiles pay homage to Bermudian culture “without being tacky or garish” according to our judges who were impressed by their creative and contemporary designs.
“We create bespoke, Bermudian-infused products with a unique, innovative approach to style and sensibility,” explained owner Andrea Lopes. “We pay homage with pronounced reverence to our natural surroundings, culture, history and the people who grace our shores.”
Fabric designs include prints made from their personal archives of vintage Bermuda images, graffiti-inspired Bermuda “verds,” watercolour impressions of local architecture and organic prints of island flora. Exclusive to Nettleink and sold at Urban Cottage on Front Street, custom pillows and tea towels are all designed in-studio and printed on high-quality fabrics with tailored finishes.
The company’s latest venture, entitled Rebourn, repurposes select vintage furniture and reupholsters it with the custom Nettleink fabrics blending old and new to create a uniquely custom piece of furniture.
Urban Cottage, Front Street, Hamilton | nettleinkbda@logic.bm www.nettleinkbda.com
![]()
Finalist: Tidewrack
Compulsive beachcomber Carol Gracie spends hours hunting for washed-up treasures on Bermuda beaches to create her impressive driftwood sculptures. “Hours spent hunting for ocean and beach treasures brings me joy,” said Gracie. “Once I begin, I always seem to find that perfect piece that is needed! It’s like completing a wonderful huge puzzle as it slowly comes to life.”
Over the last few years, Gracie has been making and selling her Bermuda driftwood Christmas trees on Facebook and from her studio. Ranging in size from two- to seven-feet tall, each is unique and numbered. Recently she has branched out to create other large décor items such as sailfish, an eight-foot mermaid and a six-foot seahorse. Finished pieces are often embellished with patinated brass and copper trinkets she finds in the ocean—including old bent ship nails, army uniform buttons and bullet casings. Shells are also used in her designs.
The judges appreciated her use of reclaimed wood and were impressed by the size and scale of Gracie’s work, calling it “intricate and impressive” and “really creative.”
Tidewrack by carolgracie on Facebook | tidewrackcg@gmail.com | 238-8058
![]()
Runner Up: LaraLo Sew Fab
Praised for being “absolutely adorable” and “extremely well crafted” by our judges, the Bermuda mermaid and fairy handmade dolls by Cindy Patterson of LaraLo Sew Fab earned a runner-up award for their exceptional attention to detail.
“Locals and tourists who purchase my dolls are looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind, handmade in Bermuda gift or souvenir,” said Patterson. “I use fabrics that reflect the bold and vivid colours associated with Bermuda’s pink sands and colourful pastel houses.”
The dolls come in three different skin tones to reflect “the melting pot of our cultures and diversity in our people.” The faces are hand-painted with cheerful expressions and Patterson says that since most are bought as loveys for little ones, safety in her finished craftsmanship is paramount.
“Every doll is carefully inspected to ensure the highest of quality and that nothing is out of place. Since the majority of these dolls are purchased for young people, all limbs and hair accessories are triple stitched to ensure a product that will survive lots of cuddles and kisses ensuring a long lasting relationship.”
The doll maker also accepts custom requests and makes other dolls such as elephants, ninjas, dinosaurs, pirates and more. Her creations are available at Harbour Nights during the summer months and seen on her Facebook and Instagram accounts under LaraLo Sew Fab.
laralosewfab@icloud.com
![]()
Finalist: Studio 8 Glass
Commended for their innovative use of discarded glass to create stunning new pieces of art, the talented artists of Studio 8 Glass received heaps of praise from the judges in their category. The studio, located inside Dockyard Glassworks, has a two-pronged mission: to create new glass products for sale themselves and to teach people how to make fused-glass items in their custom workshops using the by-products of glass blowing.
Using the pieces of broken glass and a mixture of specialty tools, crushed glasses and powders, everything from pendants to ornaments and sun catchers can be created by assembling the various pieces on a ceramic slab before fusing them together in one of their six glass kilns. After five hours of cooling time, the pieces are ready to be finished by hanging them on a necklace or mounting them on a ring, for example, and wrapped up to take home. Cost for the class is $120 and special group rates are available.
1 Maritime Lane, Dockyard | 704 4216 | info@studio8.glass | www.studio8.glass
![]()
Honourable Mention: YART by Stratton Hatfield
Bermudian artist and designer Stratton Hatfield creates unique, custom-made sculptures of local flora using white cement and quarry sand he calls YART.
With a BFA in industrial design, Hatfield takes impressions of natural banana leaves, palmetto fronds and bay grape leaves, among others, and transforms them into concrete pieces of art, designed for the outdoors and made to weather in elements. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and prices range from $100 to $1,000 depending on size.
Appreciating the superb level of craftsmanship in Hatfield’s sculptures, the judges described his work as “unique,” “impressive” and “of high quality.”
www.strativist.com/yart
![]()
Finalist: Something Special by Michele
As a cancer survivor, Michele Cassin found she needed a creative outlet for her recovery and began creating household décor out of recycled pallet wood in the last few years. Recently she began creating nautically themed magnets and selling them at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo.
“Once the magnets started selling at the Bermuda Aquarium, I realised that I couldn’t cut them fast enough so I enlisted the help of Rick at CNC Automated Carpentry,” said Cassin. “I give Rick my templates and he cuts them out for me. Unfortunately, he doesn’t sand them! A lot of time is spent sanding each piece. I hand paint each magnet and everyone is different. The first time I delivered my magnets I felt like I was giving up my children!” The artist also creates hand-cut larger specialty items like her 19-inch seahorse and whale tail wall hangings.
With a desire to give back to the community, the artist used a portion of her earnings this summer to purchase gift cards for school uniforms through The English Sports Shop to help families working with the Coalition for the Protection of Children.
BZS Shop, Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, Flatt’s | nelly72@live.com
