The owners of three small businesses in one town are celebrating after being named the best in the whole of Notts and Derbyshire. Last Night I Dreamt won best jeweller, Real Clothing won best womenswear and The Old Theatre Deli won best cafe.
The trio will now go through to the national finals of the Muddy Stilettos Awards, which are considered the most coveted awards for small independent lifestyle businesses across the country. Not only are the three businesses in the same town, they are in a triangle which they have nicknamed the 'golden muddy triangle'
Rebecca Gibbions, owner of Last Night I Dreamt in King Street, said: "We hear allot of negativity about the high street struggling but sometimes it’s nice to hear a positive success story. Southwell is one of the most vibrant towns in Nottinghamshire and celebrates independents."
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A panel of judges from the world of retail will rate the finalists. The Old Theatre Deli is a family-run deli and licenced eatery in Market Place, serving breakfast, lunch and homemade cakes. It is owned by Sarah Elliott and Laura Tinley. Real Clothing, also in Market Place, is run by Rupert and Lucy Adams.
A total of 77,000 businesses across 28 counties were nominated in the 2023 awards and 800,000 votes were cast in the tenth annual awards. Other regional winners are The Book Case, Lowdham (bookshop); White Post Farm, Farnsfield (family attraction); Spring Lane Farm Shop, Mapperley (farm shop/deli); and Escabeche, West Bridgford (restaurant).
Lorna Marie Fitness in Lowdham was named best fitness instructor and an award for the best yoga/pilates studio went to Yoga Squad in Newark.
The Renaissance at Kelham Hall scooped the prize for best wedding venue, while Esther Louise Triffitt was honoured for best wedding photographer. The Scented Garden, in Orston, was named best day spa.
