A Cwmdu gym has been named Swansea’s business of the year, beating off competition from across the city’s hospitality, leisure and wellbeing scene.
Ware-house Gyms took the top prize at the AU Vodka Swansea Life Awards 2026, held at the Brangwyn Hall on Friday 12 June.
The gym, on Cwmdu Industrial Estate, also won the Healthy Lifestyle category before being handed the overall Business of the Year title on the night.
In a post on its Facebook page, the gym thanked the members who had backed it. “Thank you to every single person who voted for us, we’re so incredibly grateful and overwhelmed by the continued support,” the team wrote.
The awards celebrate businesses, organisations and people across Swansea — from restaurants and hotels to charities, community groups and the city’s cultural life.
A good night for Swansea Marina
Rasoi Waterfront was named Best Restaurant in the World Cuisine category, sponsored by Beacon Compliance.
It is the latest in a run of awards for the SA1 restaurant, which marked ten years on the marina last year.
The group was founded by brothers Suki and Jas Kullar, who opened Rasoi Indian Kitchen in Pontlliw in 2011 while still in their teens. It now runs two restaurants, a catering arm and a sister brand in the Middle East.
In the past 18 months the restaurant has also been named Indian Restaurant of the Year at the national Corporate LiveWire Prestige Awards and Hospitality Business of the Year at the Swansea Bay Business Awards.
“Three major awards in 18 months is something we’re really proud of,” said founder Suki Kullar. “But none of it happens without the hard work of an incredible team who show up and deliver every single service, and customers who have supported us since day one.”
Panto magic and a children’s charity
The Grand’s Christmas pantomime, Aladdin, was named Event of the Year.
Staged at Swansea Grand Theatre in association with Imagine Theatre, the show starred Joe Pasquale, Kevin Johns and Celyn Cartright, with a virtual appearance from Michael Sheen. The Wales Airshow and the Gower Show were both highly commended.
Tracey McNulty, the council’s head of culture, leisure and parks, said the win was a testament to the talent and creativity of everyone involved. “The production brought joy to thousands of people and created unforgettable memories for families across Swansea and beyond,” she said.
The Grand’s next pantomime, Snow White, runs from 5 December to 3 January.
Children’s charity Faith in Families won the Making a Difference category, with Anxiety Support Wales CIC and Matthew’s House Swansea both highly commended.
The full list of winners
Elsewhere, Swansea Building Society Arena took Leisure & Tourism, while community choir Valley Rock Voices won Arts & Culture.
Swansea Pride was named LGBTQ+ Champion, and reThink PR & Marketing won the Making a Noise award.
The baby and toddler group at Dyfatty Community Centre took Child Care & Early Years, Goose Island won Local Fashion, and Happy Home Furnishers took Homes & Gardens.
The View Rhossili won Cafe Culture, the Britannia Inn was named Pub of the Year and The Shed took Best Restaurant in the Contemporary Dining category.
Gower Skin Aesthetics won Beauty & Aesthetics, Morgan Lloyd Hair took the Hair award, and Bonnie Rogues Swansea won After Dark.
Morgans Hotel was named Hotel of the Year, while the King Arthur Hotel and Cariad Bridal took the wedding venue and wedding supplier titles in the Weddings in the Bay category.
The awards, run by JR Event Management, return to the Brangwyn Hall on 21 May 2027.
