On the evening of Thursday 12th March, La Locanda was honoured with the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Award at the Red Rose Awards 2026 — one of Lancashire’s most prestigious celebrations of business excellence.
The awards ceremony took place at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, bringing together outstanding businesses from across the county for an evening hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire’s Graham Liver. Now in their 16th year, the Red Rose Awards, organised by Lancashire Business View, recognise innovation, leadership and positive impact across Lancashire’s business community.
We are proud to say that La Locanda was shortlisted in not one but two categories this year — the ESG Award, sponsored by BAE Systems, and the Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Award. To win is something we carry with real pride.
What the ESG Award means to us
For Maurizio and Cinzia, sustainability has never been a marketing message — it is simply the way they have always worked. From choosing to build relationships with trusted local producers in the Ribble Valley, to sourcing directly from small, dedicated Italian suppliers, to championing the principles of Slow Food and the Mediterranean diet, the values behind this award have been woven into La Locanda since the very beginning.
“This recognition means a great deal to us because it reflects values that have guided La Locanda since the beginning,” said Maurizio and Cinzia. “For us, sustainability is not a trend but part of Italian culture and hospitality — from respecting ingredients and producers to creating a restaurant that contributes positively to the community and environment.”
The journey behind the recognition
More than two decades of owner-operated, authentic Italian dining in Gisburn have given La Locanda a deep-rooted understanding of what responsible hospitality looks like in practice. It means using seasonal ingredients and adjusting the menu around what is genuinely at its best. It means knowing where every ingredient comes from and why that matters. It means caring as much about how food is grown and raised as how it is cooked and served.
“To be shortlisted alongside so many outstanding Lancashire businesses was already an honour,” Maurizio and Cinzia added. “To win the ESG Award at the Red Rose Awards is something we are incredibly proud of, and we thank our team, our customers and everyone who has supported our journey.”
This award belongs to all of you — the loyal guests who have shared our tables, supported our values and trusted us to cook for you, year after year.
Grazie mille.
Con affetto,
Cinzia & Maurizio
