There’s nothing like an excuse to get dolled up! And last week it was our Number One day of the year as Team Northants, Leicestershire and Rutland, aka Emma (that’s me) and Suzanne (my ride or die) got to pull on our frocks (slash jumpsuits) and head over to the fantabulous No. 13 Bar in Wellingborough for the official Northants, Leics and Rutland Muddy Awards 2024, sponsored by our wonderful partners, Tollers Solicitors.

Peach Bellinis and the 2024 Muddy Awards winners drinks

The brilliant team at No. 13 were the hosts with the most. It’s a chic boutique venue where they really pulled out all the stops for a fun-filled afternoon, liberally serving up peach Bellinis to all the guests and the most delicious canapés.

Pulled Pork Canapes by Ember restaurant Muddy Awards 2024

Canapes by Ember restaurant Muddy Awards 2024

It’s no exaggeration to say the honey drizzled corn bread was to die for and I cannot express how thankful we are to all the staff, from the chefs to front of house, at No. 13 their and sister biz Ember Restaurant for really spoiling us.

Stiletto cake by Emily Armstrong The Mill House Tea Rooms Holdenby Northampton

We had a show stopper of a cake, created by Emily Armstrong of Mill House Tea Rooms, complete with a chocolate stiletto cake-topper and decorated with wildflowers. It was a sin to cut into it but we couldn’t help ourselves. It tasted divine and was heartily devoured by our guests. Brava Emily!

Emma Firth at the 2024 Muddy Awards — Emma Firth chatting to the Tollers crew

Our amazing photographer Becky Kerr was our very own in-house paparazzi and spent the afternoon snapping away all the best bits. Becky specialises in capturing the real moments that bring boutique businesses and special events to life, so be sure to give her a shout when you need some gorgeous pics of your own.

Tim and Becci from S.O.A.K. Cocktail Co. chatting from Adam and Sean from Fourwards restaurant

Once again, I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped make the coveted Muddy Award drinks a fabulous night and, if you’re a business owner, don’t be shy about putting yourself up for a 2025 award (it’s free to enter, as ever). This year’s Awards reached a staggering 10 million people nationally over eight weeks and more than 500,000 votes were cast. It’s still as thrilling as ever to shine a light on brilliant lifestyle indies that make our lives so much more fun and vibrant.

Emma at the Muddy Awards in Wellingborough — Emma with a Bellini

Of course, a big thank you to YOU, the reader, who really got behind the awards this year and helped support onto our much-loved local businesses. We really wouldn’t be able to do this without you.

Emma giving a speech at the Muddy Awards party at No 13 Bar

Suzanne and Jade from Forge Coffee, winners of the 2024 Muddy Award for Best Cafe in Northants, Leicestershire and Rutland — Suzanne with Jade from Forge Coffee

The whole event was a blast from beginning to end. It’s a privilege getting to meet so many inspirational, creative people – after all finding brilliant local businesses is right at the heart of Muddy and we really do love it. It was a joy to see lots of our Winners getting to know each other and hatching new plans.

So enough from me. Without further ado, let me remind you of your official Muddy Award Winners 2024. Cue the music.

Rob from Duston Mill — Robert Prentice from Duston Mill with Suzanne and Emma

Laura Elliott and Michael Mayhew of The Food library chatting with Emma — Laura Elliott and Michael Mayhew of The Food Library chatting with Emma

Clockwise from top left: Abi and Niah from The Pop Up Place; Ellen Saunders PT; Jade and Mollie from Forge Coffee; Harry Hewetson from Optimum You Yoga

Suzanne and Emma flanked by Adam and Sean of Fourwards Restaurant

Tim Garratt of S.O.A.K. Cocktail Co. with Suzanne and Emma

Clockwise from top left: Kim, Luke and Suzy from the Castle Theatre; Amy and Gabby from Tollers Solictors; Kerry and Laura from LK Wedding Studio; Emma Firth from Emma Firth Beauty and Education.

Michael and Laura from The Food Library pick up their certificate

Find out all about our 2024 Award Winners over here and see you again for next year’s Muddy Awards!

Love, Emma and Suzanne xx

Pour the fizz – it’s the Muddy Awards drinks 2024!

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