ROMSEY and Winchester businesses made their mark in this year’s Muddy Stilettos Awards.

Woman’s lifestyle publisher, Muddy Stilettos, revealed its Hampshire and Isle of Wight winners across 27 categories, with Romsey and Winchester independent businesses taking eight of the top spots.

The winners were decided by ‘Muddy’ readers who voted for their regional favourites ahead of the awards ceremony next month.

Claiming the title for best art gallery was Bell Street business Forest and Cove, in Romsey. Owner and founder, Rebecca Barley, 34, said: “It’s amazing. It’s lovely to know we have such wonderful support and we’re so lucky to have our customers.

READ MORE: Forest and Cove launches children’s art workshops in Romsey

Hampshire Chronicle: Forest and Cove team, Rebecca Barley (centre)Forest and Cove team, Rebecca Barley (centre) (Image: Forest and Cove)

“We love what we do and will continue to keep offering the best handmade treasures and art classes we can.

“It’s also fantastic for Romsey – we’ve done so well. We’re so lucky to have such wonderful indie business in our little town and all the Romsey winners are locally sourced which proves what people want to see. It’s nice to know that all that extra work is valued by customers.”

Fellow Romsey business 108 The Bakery, in Latimer Walk, beat a host of foodies to be crowned best local food and drink producer, while Winchester’s Beechcroft Farm Shop and Tea Barn, on Sarum Road, reigned supreme for number one farm shop or deli.

Hampshire Chronicle: 108 The Bakery team108 The Bakery team (Image: Liz Trueman)

Liz Trueman, of 108 The Bakery, said: “We're really delighted to have won in such a wide ranging category with so many amazing food and drink producers in the county. 

“What we do is pretty unique in our area - bringing together the best of local ingredients to create delicious, seasonal, locally and sustainably sourced bread, sandwiches and treats, all baked on the premises in full view of our customers so this award is such lovely recognition of what we do.”

Keeping up their winning streak for best sustainable business was Lemon and Jinja, which recently celebrated its fourth birthday and successful move from Basepoint to Belbins Business Park.

SEE ALSO: City deli expands to larger unit up the road to provide the produce consumers want

Hampshire Chronicle: Lemon and Jinja founder Jesse Dugdale and manager Sophie RoeLemon and Jinja founder Jesse Dugdale and manager Sophie Roe (Image: Contributed)

Manager of the eco-refill shop, Sophie Roe, said: “It feels really good that all the work we’ve put in since moving has come together. Everyone’s really proud. Our customers are so loyal and we can’t thank them enough but it’s also thanks to the passion of the team who’ve kept pushing to do so well.”

Kimbridge Barn also sustained its title as best wedding venue. Winning best hair salon for the second time was LORD Hair Salon in Winchester, while Sass and Edge, in Market Street, came out on top for the women’s fashion store category.

Hampshire Chronicle: LORD hair salon director Jamie Holder and his partnerLORD hair salon director Jamie Holder and his partner (Image: Jamie Holder)

Director of the hair salon in Southgate Street, which last won three years ago, Jamie Holder said: “The competition has hotted up since we last won, it’s really fierce so it feels really good to win for the whole team. It’s a massive well done to all our staff and just goes to show that we love our customers and they love us.

“We’ll be having a celebration for the team and an enormous salon party for all our clients just to say thank you.”

Independent florists serving Romsey, Totton, Salisbury and the New Forest, Fig and Bramble in Whitenap, were also victorious, winning best florist in Wiltshire.

For more go to hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/winners/.