A WINE bar in Bradford known for its friendly service took home the first award of the night when it won Hospitality Venue of the Year at the 2022 Telegraph and Argus Retail, Leisure and Hospitality awards on Sunday.

Martinez Wine Bar, based at Main Street, Bingley, won Hospitality Venue of the Year, sponsored by Mitie.

Jonathan Cocker, owner of Martinez Wine Bar, heaped praise on his staff who were all celebrating winning the first award of the night.

“Our win is down to real people, friendly service and hard work,” said Mr Cocker.

“We bring out our personality into our work.

“This is our seventh year in Bingley and it just keeps getting busier and busier.

“We have a very loyal customer base.”

Martinez Wines has been established over 40 years in Ilkley and is known for providing wines of value and integrity.

However it is the Martinez Wine Bar in Bingley that has been nominated and shortlisted for this award.

Located at the former Conservative club, the bar serves over 40 wines by the glass and over 400 by the bottle.

Their wines by the bottle from the adjoining shop are offered at £10.

It is not all about wine though - as there are craft and real ales, simple authentic tapas and a lovely relaxed atmosphere.

In the criteria for the award, judges were looking for the best restaurant and/or bar in the district.

They were looking for business who offer great service, keep the offer fresh, work to keep customers coming back and create a great place to visit.

Whether it is the food, the drink the entertainment or all of these, judges wanted to know what made their venue the place to visit.

Martinez Wines are recognised as an Ilkley ‘institution’ having been in business on The Grove, Ilkley for 40 years.

John Martinez and his wife Christine, established Martinez Wines in 1982.

John’s son, Julian, became involved in the business in 1984 and continued to build upon his father’s reputation for sourcing wines of unstinting quality and value for money at all price levels.

Today, the Martinez team, under the new leadership of Mr Cocker, is building on the ethos established by Julian and his father for sourcing unique and individual wines of honesty, character and integrity at all different price levels.

No wine makes it onto the shelf unless the team have tasted and approved it.

As an independent wine merchant, over the years Martinez has grown to embrace all aspects of the wine trade.