Alicia Kearns MP is pleased to announce the winners of her annual competition to find Rutland and Stamford’s favourite independent shop.
This year’s competition received 41,606 votes across 20 categories.
Walkers Bookshop in Stamford is the overall winner with the highest number of total votes: 1,242 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:
- Art and Antiques – Winner: St Martins Antiques Centre, Stamford. Runner Up: Uppingham Antiques Centre, Uppingham.
- Beauty, pampering and wellness - Winner: Natalie Dams Beauty, Stamford. Runner Up: Equilibrium, Stamford.
- Bookshop – Winner: Walkers Bookshop, Stamford. Runner Up: Ink and Ember, Stamford.
- Butcher – Winner: Simpsons, Stamford Garden Centre. Runner Up: Leeson Family Butchers, Oakham.
- Cafe – Winner: Central Cafe and Tea Rooms, Stamford. Runner Up: Fika, Oakham.
- Children and babies – Winner: Noughts & Crosses, Stamford. Runner Up: Stork of Stamford.
- Clothing and accessories – Winner: Bog Dog Running, Stamford. Runner Up: Energy Clothing, Stamford.
- Craft and hobby – Winner: Ewe Wool Shop, Stamford. Runner Up: The Stamford Fabric Company, Stamford.
- Farm and produce – Winner: Farmer Lou, Exton. Runner Up: Rectory Farm Shop, Great Easton.
- Florists – Winner: Stamford Flowers, Stamford. Runner Up: Mrs Bee’s Flower Company, Stamford.
- Food and drink – Winner: Hambleton Bakery, Stamford. Runner Up: Otters Fine Foods, Oakham.
- Garden centre – Winner: The Rutland Nursery, Manton. Runner Up: Stamford Botanics, Stamford.
- Gifts and stationery – Winner: You Living and Giving, Stamford. Runner Up: Quirky Bird, Oakham.
- Hairdressers – Winner: Glow, Oakham. Runner Up: Asembo, Stamford.
- Homeware – Winner: Nook, Stamford. Runner Up: Sinclairs, Stamford.
- Music and musical instrument: Winner: Stamford Music Shop, Stamford. Runner Up: Rocka-Buy Records, Oakham.
- Pets – Winner: Pets Korner, Stamford. Runner Up: Wildwood Pets, Stamford.
- Pharmacy – Winner: Rutland Late Night Pharmacy. Runner Up: Stamford Pharmacy.
- Village Shop – Winner: The Village Stores, Ryhall. Runner Up: Ketton Village Store.
- Special Commendation – Winner: Harrison and Dunn, Stamford. Runner Up: ACR Computers, Stamford.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, said:
“Our independent shops are at the heart of our high streets and communities, and the support shown for them throughout these awards has been fantastic.
“Sharing the news with this year’s winners and seeing their wonderful reactions has been a real joy, particularly at a time when so many businesses are struggling with rising costs.
“Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees – your hard work and contribution to our communities deserves to be celebrated!”
