Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-5.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley cake" class="wp-image-40702" /><figcaption>Cake by Emily Armstrong of Mill House Tea Rooms</figcaption></figure>



We asked. You voted. And voted. And voted… The competition was incredible this year. Are you ready for this? A whopping 77,000 businesses entered, 800,000 nominations and votes cast, and 1.6 million people interacting with the Awards across the Muddy counties. So, to win a Muddy Award (and one that’s entirely based on the public vote at that!) is definitely something to shout from the rooftops.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-3.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley champagne" class="wp-image-40703" /><figcaption>The essentials</figcaption></figure>



Naturally, it was time to raise a glass (or several) to the BEST indie businesses in Northants 2023, as voted by YOU, at our annual Muddy Awards drinks.



We were thrilled to host our big event at the utterly gorgeous <a href="https://www.granary-weddings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Granary at Fawsley</a>, a boutique wedding venue nestled deep in the picturesque Northamptonshire countryside. Huge thanks to Donna, Glenn and their brilliant team for taking such wonderful care of us and helping to make our day so fabulous. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-7.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley flowers from garden to vase" class="wp-image-40706" /><figcaption>Flowers by Suzy Cubbitt of From Garden To Vase</figcaption></figure>



We sipped bubbles and scoffed canapés in The Barn, which was adorned with fresh Northants-grown flowers from the amazingly talented Suzy Cubbitt of <a href="https://www.fromgardentovase.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">From Garden to Vase</a>, whilst chatting and mingling with our brilliant local winners – there were a few familiar faces to be seen as well as some lovely new ones. And, as new friends were made, we heard murmurings of plans being hatched and partnerships made – ooh we do love a local biz collab!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-16.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley Tollers solicitors" class="wp-image-40705" /><figcaption>Canapés for the Tollers team</figcaption></figure>



Our brilliant sponsors, <a href="https://www.tollers.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tollers Solicitors</a>, came along to celebrate with us and meet the winners. Hopefully they didn’t have to talk shop&nbsp;tooo&nbsp;much to all those local businesses nobbling them for legal advice!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-99.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley Kolaine Beauty Lounge" class="wp-image-40707" /></figure>



&nbsp;While the drinks and conversation flowed, our incredible photographer, <a href="https://www.beckykerrphotography.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Becky Kerr</a>, snapped away throughout (yep, these are her awesome pics you’re looking at &#8211; she doesn&#8217;t only do events but commercial and personal branding shoots too!) and everyone tucked into a slice of the heavenly and absolutely show stopping Muddy cake, courtesy of the supremely talented Emily from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MillHouseTrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mill House Tea Rooms</a> &#8211; she also runs <a href="https://www.holdenby.com/visiting/the-old-stableyard-tearoom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Stableyard Tea Room</a> at Holdenby House, so be sure to pay a visit!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-2.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley abraxas " class="wp-image-40708" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-42.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley pop up place" class="wp-image-40717" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-41.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley the cottages at cottesbrooke and forge coffee" class="wp-image-40716" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-38.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley the lighthouse theatre" class="wp-image-40715" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-28-1.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley Your cool ice cream and green machine" class="wp-image-40714" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-27.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley By Clemmie and Abraxas" class="wp-image-40713" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-22.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley Silver Sixpence bridal and Beauty Works" class="wp-image-40712" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-20.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley Forge Coffee and the old fire station brackley" class="wp-image-40711" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-17.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley the old fire station brackley" class="wp-image-40710" /></figure>



After months of awards craziness, it was such a treat to meet all of the wonderful winners who have put their hearts and souls into their home-grown local businesses over the past year and beyond. To see the pride on everyone’s faces as they clutched their hard-earned and well-deserved certificates, was a joy and a privilege. I’m coming over a bit emosh just thinking about it!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-89.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley Soo yoga" class="wp-image-40738" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-88.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley forge coffee" class="wp-image-40737" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-94.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley heseltine gallery" class="wp-image-40739" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-85.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley beauty works" class="wp-image-40736" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-83.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley lighthouse theatre" class="wp-image-40735" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-82.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley old fire station brackley" class="wp-image-40734" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-80.jpg" alt="the italian shop northampton" class="wp-image-40733" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-79.jpg" alt="Abraxas cookshop northampton" class="wp-image-40732" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-77.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley the pop up place long buckby" class="wp-image-40731" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-75.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley green machine towcester" class="wp-image-40730" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-74.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley whittlebury park hotel and spa" class="wp-image-40729" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-72.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley BE fitness" class="wp-image-40728" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-68.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley the cottages at cottesbrooke" class="wp-image-40727" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-67.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40726" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-64.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley by clemmie jewellery" class="wp-image-40725" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-63.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley ember restaurant wellingborough" class="wp-image-40724" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-62.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley Samantha Alice photography" class="wp-image-40723" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-58.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley Stanwick Lakes" class="wp-image-40722" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-56.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley Sammy's Socceroos" class="wp-image-40721" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-54.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley Heidi Boutique" class="wp-image-40720" /></figure>



And finally… from the nominees, to the readers who loyally voted and supported, (not once but twice), to the amazing finalists who fended off the competition to reach the top five in each category, and, of course the incredible 2023 winners, you are all AMAZING! THANK YOU from me (Emma) and my partner in crime Suzanne for making this year’s Muddy Awards the best yet.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-43.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley Emma " class="wp-image-40718" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/Becky_Kerr_Photography_Muddy_Stilettos-103.jpg" alt="Muddy Northants Award 2023 The Granary Fawsley emma and suzanne" class="wp-image-40719" /></figure>



CONGRATULATIONS you fabulous lot! Same again next year?!



All photography by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beckykerrphotography.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Becky Kerr</a>.

Pop the corks – it’s the Muddy Awards drinks!

You may also like