EXCITEMENT is in the air as independent businesses from across Worcester have been shortlisted to potentially win the prestigious title of being one of the UK’s best.
Muddy Stilettos has launched its 2026 awards which shine a light on the best of the best in each area in the UK, and several places in Worcester have made the list.
Worcestershire has been paired alongside Gloucestershire in this year’s competition, and residents are now being asked to vote for who they think should take the crown.
This is broken down into 21 lifestyle categories, and only the top five with the most nominations in each category have made it into the finals.
However, Worcester companies do not feature in every category.
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The most successful categories were in the best sports or fitness instructor category, where we had two mentions.
Julie Liggins from Julie Liggins Fitness in Droitwich and Tori McCann from Torre Barre in Worcester arches were named finalists in the category.
It also features in the other sports category, best yoga and pilates instructor, with The Farm Studio in Droitwich also being shortlisted.
Three Worcester businesses, Little Guests, Doorstep Princesses and Lil and Moo Baby Massage, were also named finalists for the best children’s business.
Those with older children who may have frequented Aztec Adventure in Upton Warren, which was also shortlisted for best family experience.
It was also named a finalist in a few food categories with Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, on the outskirts of Worcester in Callow End, being named for best afternoon tea and Eckington Manor for the best restaurant.
Light was shone on some of the city’s independent lifestyle businesses too, with SWAN Boutique having a mention in the best fashion and interiors, and So Aesthetics in the best beauty salon category.
Floral Roundabout in Sidbury was named in the best florist category and Bennetts Willow Barn for the best wedding venue.
Over in Pershore, Bredon View Glamping Retreats was named the best boutique stay.
Votes for the regional award finals will close at 1pm on May 26.
