Three Salisbury independents have been named the best in Wiltshire.

Fisherton Mill Café, Salisbury Playhouse and OSOboutique have beaten businesses across the county to win Muddy Stiletto Awards.

OSOboutique, on High Street, was named Best Women’s Fashion Store in Wiltshire.

Salisbury's gallery and café Fisherton Mill was nominated in three categories, winning the prize for Best Café.

There was also good news for Salisbury Playhouse, which was named Best Arts/Theatre Venue at the awards.

Deborah Fox, owner of Fisherton Mill, said: “Achieving this is such a boost to our wonderful team who have all been amazing throughout the upheavals and uncertainties that the virus has brought upon us.

“This award comes at a great time to reflect on all the hard work that has gone into keeping our lovely Gallery Cafe going during these very challenging times and we look forward to developing the business further and serving you even more amazing dishes and cakes over the coming months.”

Helen Taylor, External Relations Director for Wiltshire Creative, said: “We are over the moon that Salisbury Playhouse has received Best Arts/Theatre Venue in Wiltshire as well as Salisbury Arts Centre being shortlisted in the finals for Best Art Gallery.

“After a tumultuous 18 months full of so much uncertainty, we are so grateful that our audiences have voted for us in these awards.

"We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to Salisbury Arts Centre during August for free live family shows every Saturday, and back into the Playhouse in September for our jam-packed autumn season.”

OSOboutique's co-owner, Jan Ashton, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award, and to know that so many of our wonderful customers took the time to vote for us.

"We would like to say a big thank you to you all for your continued and valued support.”

The Muddy Awards 2021 was organised by Muddy Stilettos, the biggest lifestyle site for women outside London.

The awards have been running since 2013 and this year was their biggest yet, with 75,000 businesses nominated and 750,000 votes cast across the country.

Readers nominated their favourite businesses for different categories, and those with the most votes won.

The three wins at the Muddy Stiletto Awards come after a survey from Ipsos Mori named Salisbury as the top bounce-back city in the UK.

Their figures show Salisbury has seen the biggest recovery across the country since non-essential retail was allowed to reopen on April 12.

Robin McGowan, Chief Executive of Salisbury BID, said: “These Muddy Award wins are fantastic news for Salisbury.

"Our three local winners show the high standard of business we have in the city centre and we are very proud of their achievements. Salisbury has shown its resilience through a pandemic and our businesses deserve the recognition.

“Being named top bounce-back city shows that not only do we have a great offering in Salisbury but residents are really getting behind our indies by shopping local.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported Salisbury businesses and voted for them in the Muddy Awards. The future is looking bright.”

 

 

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