Alicia Kearns MP has announced the winners of her annual competition to find Rutland and Stamford’s favourite independent shop. This year’s competition received 20,425 votes across 16 different categories.
Harrison and Dunn was the overall winner with the highest number of total votes.
The awards seek not just to celebrate but to also help raise the profile of local independent businesses across Rutland, Stamford, South Kesteven and the Harborough villages.
Category winners and runner ups are as follows:
- Beauty, pampering and wellness – Winner: Sunset Beach Tanning Studio, Stamford. Runner Up: Glow, Oakham.
- Bookshop – Winner: Walkers Bookshop, Oakham. Runner Up: St Mary’s Books, Stamford.
- Butcher – Winner: Mill Farm, Manthorpe. Runner Up: Farmer Lou, Barnsdale Avenue.
- Cafe – Winner: Stamford Garden Centre Cafe, Casterton Road. Runner Up: Central Cafe and Tea Rooms, Stamford.
- Clothing and accessories – Winner: Energy Clothing, Stamford. Runner Up: B Boutique by Rebecca, Stamford.
- Children and babies – Winner: Noughts & Crosses, Stamford. Runner Up: Stork of Stamford.
- Craft and hobby – Winner: The Place, Stamford. Runner Up: Wool Zone, Oakham.
- Farm and produce – Winner: Farmer Lou, Barnsdale Avenue. Runner Up: Rectory Farm Shop, Great Easton.
- Food and drink – Winner: Hambleton Bakery, Oakham. Runner Up: Askers Bakery, Stamford.
- Garden Centre – Winner: Rassell’s Nurseries, Little Bytham. Runner Up: Waterside Garden Centre, Baston.
- Gifts and Stationery – Winner: Love It, Stamford. Runner Up: Quirky Bird, Oakham.
- Homeware – Winner: Country Traditionals, Stamford. Runner Up: Knights of Oakham.
- Pharmacy – Winner: Rutland Late Night Pharmacy. Runner Up: Stamford Pharmacy.
- Village Shop – Winner: The Village Stores, Ryhall. Runner Up: Bytham’s Community Shop, Castle Bytham.
- Special Commendation – Winner: Harrison and Dunn, Stamford. Runner Up: EDEN Tattoo and Piercing Studio, Stamford.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, said:
“It has been such a joy to celebrate all of our wonderful independent shops over the past few weeks and read all of your lovely comments about your favourites.
“These shops really do make our high streets and communities what they are, so thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and show your support for them, especially at this slower time of the year.
“Congratulations to all of our winners whose hard work and contribution to our communities had been deservedly recognised!”
