Muddy Awards drinks 2025 — Image: The Little Photo Company

You voted in your thousands – and then some. The 2025 Muddy Awards reached a whopping 11 million people over eight weeks, racked up half a million votes, and saw more than 20,000 brilliant indie businesses nominated. Phew.

Muddy Awards drinks — Image: The Little Photo Company

To celebrate Wiltshire’s winners, we gathered everyone at The Duke Hotel in Hilmarton – a gorgeous spot with beautiful interiors, standout food and excellent cocktails. We couldn’t have picked a better place to raise a toast to some of the county’s finest independent businesses, and it is a genuine privilege to help the worthy winners celebrate their success. Some have been in business for years; others are newbies but each and every one is an inspiration.

Muddy Awards — Image: The Little Photo Company

Owners Brandon Marais and Matteo Romeo were certainly the hosts with the most. They pulled out all the stops, treating us to passionfruit Bellinis and lashings of incredible canapés, crafted by superchef Matteo. The mini Yorkies with roast beef and horseradish went down a treat, as did the blinis topped with whipped cod’s roe and pickled red onion. But our favourite had to be the puffed rice crackers with smoked mackerel and mango salsa. Divine.

In classic British fashion we arrived in a downpour, but thankfully the skies soon cleared and we made a dash outside for a celebratory group shot. As the afternoon unfolded, Muddy’s Olivia (Commercial Manager) and Sophie (Wiltshire Editor) enjoyed meeting all the amazing winners. It was a total joy to see everyone get stuck into the spirit of the celebrations, with a glass and canapé in hand.

Capturing every moment was the brilliant Natasha Lee-Jones of The Little Photo Company – a total whizz behind the lens. Throughout the awards she showed off her skills as she snapped all of our best moments.

A massive shout-out too to Craig Fuller Property Search, who sponsored our Wiltshire awards and of course Tide, our national sponsors. And of course, we also owe a big thank you to YOU, dear reader, who really got behind the awards this year and voted for your favourite local businesses.

But that’s enough from me. It’s time to let your official Muddy Award Winners 2025 take centre stage. Drumroll please! To see the full list of Muddy Awards winners click here. All photography by The Little Photo Company.

(L-R) Best Wellbeing goes to the wonderful Wiltshire Wild Sauna, while Best Family Attraction goes to Roves Farm, which has gorgeous animals aplenty and some exciting plans afoot. Best Bar goes to the Old Town Laundry Bar, which is serving up killer cocktails in Swindon’s hidden speakeasy.

The Best Yoga/Pilates Studio is the impeccable Precision Pilates in Corsham.

Hats off to these Wilton-based biz, which scooped four awards between them. (L-R) Happybara scooped Best Lifestyle Store, while floral supremo Pauline of Paloma Lily is Best Florist, thanks to her gorgeous bouquets and blooms. The very worthy Women’s Style winner is Wilton based Lulu & Boo Jewellery. The super stylish Claudia Winkleman is a fan. Best Farmshop or Deli is always a very hotly contested category. This year, Wilton’s Courtyard Marketplace pipped everyone to the post.

The Best Boutique Stay goes to The Duke Hotel, thanks to its chic rooms, elegant bar and innovative menu.

(L-R) Hats off to Trowbridge-based PT, Focus with Beth Brewer, who bagged Best Sport & Fitness Instructor. Meanwhile, the NuSkin Beauty Clinic won Best Beauty Salon and Parade House won Best Event Venue.

Best Children’s Business was won by Emily Chesterton Photography, thanks to her stunning shoots.

The Hop Pole Inn only opened this year, but it’s already earned a fierce reputation under Charlie and Hannah. No wonder it was voted Best Destination Pub.

Forage at Wadswick scooped Best Casual Dining, thanks to its cracking menu, great coffee and relaxed atmos.

The Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury was voted Best Hotel. Do take a peek when you can, the décor is divine (look out for the resident giraffes).

The Bunch of Grapes in Bradford on Avon won Best Restaurant, thanks to its top notch food.

Muddy Awards. Photo Credit: The Little Photo Company

Pop the corks! It’s time to celebrate the Muddy Awards Winners…

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