We won a national “Quirky Loo” award (and honestly… we couldn’t be prouder)
There are some moments in life where you pause and think: yes — this is exactly the sort of thing we’d love to be known for.
So, here it is: The Sherborne has just won the “Quirky Award” at the Loo of the Year Awards 2026 ceremony — a national celebration of the very best “away-from-home” washrooms across the UK and Ireland.
And before you ask: yes, it’s as joyful as it sounds.
What is Loo of the Year?
The Loo of the Year Awards is a long-running national scheme that inspects and grades toilets from a real user perspective — with unannounced visits and a detailed scoring system that covers everything from cleanliness and customer care to accessibility, signage and design.
In other words: it’s not just about looking pretty (although we do enjoy that part). It’s about being genuinely excellent, welcoming and well looked-after — for everyone.
What did we win?
At the Awards ceremony on 14 January 2026, The Sherborne received the Quirky Award — recognising loos that bring something original, characterful and delightfully unexpected to the experience.
We were also named England’s National Category Award winner for Category 63: Quirky.
(A tiny note for fellow detail-lovers: the awards year is listed as 2025 on the Loo of the Year site, and certificates show the following year — so 2025 winners’ certificates read 2026. That’s why you’ll see both years referenced.)
Diamond grading (the serious bit behind the sparkle)
Alongside the Quirky Loo award, The Sherborne also achieved a Diamond grade in the 2025 Loo of the Year Awards— a commendable reflection of our continued commitment to excellence.
“Congratulations on achieving your grading in the 2025 Loo of the Year Awards. We are delighted to inform you that your entries for The Sherborne have been awarded a Diamond grade — a commendable reflection of your continued commitment to excellence.”
This is exactly the kind of line that speaks to the behind-the-scenes care: consistency, standards, and pride in visitor experience.
A very ‘The Sherborne’ sort of detail…
The best bit? This award doesn’t just celebrate a “facility” — it celebrates the care and creativity that runs through the whole building.
Our interiors include bespoke wallpaper by Adam Ellis Studio, created especially for The Sherborne — and if you’ve ever popped in and thought “this is ridiculously lovely for a loo,” you can blame (and thank) Adam.
A shout-out to Sally and Michael Cannon
We also want to share something that feels especially meaningful: our founders, Sally and the late Michael Cannon, were advocates for good toilets — the kind that are clean, thoughtful, beautifully finished, and dignified for every visitor.
It’s such a small thing on paper… but in real life, it’s part of what makes a place feel welcoming. Their vision for The Sherborne has always been about care, quality and experience — right down to the details.
Thank you (you know who you are)
Awards like this are won in the everyday:
the checks that happen without fuss
the standards held quietly, consistently
the pride taken in the details
So this one goes to the team — and to every visitor who’s ever walked out and said: “Well… that was unexpectedly gorgeous.”
Come and see what the fuss is about
Next time you visit The Sherborne — whether for an exhibition, a wander, a coffee, or a long lunch — consider this your official invitation to take a tiny detour and enjoy our award-winning quirky loos.
Yes, really.
