AWARD-WINNING businesses from Somerset gathered to celebrate their achievements – and were praised by the county High Sheriff.

The gathering, at North Cadbury Court, saw almost two dozen firms receive their certificates after being crowned winners in the 2025 Muddy Stilettos Awards.

High Sheriff of Somerset, Janet Montgomery, was on-hand to meet those represented and find out more about what they do.

A total of 21 independent Somerset, Dorset and Bristol lifestyle businesses were crowned winners of the awards – sponsored by Porter Dodson – after thousands took part in a public vote in categories ranging from Best Destination Pub to Best Yoga/Pilates Studio.

Now in their 12th year, the awards reached more than 11 million people across the UK in the eight-week process, with half a million votes and nominations cast nationwide.

At the celebration in Somerset, canapés were provided by Pickers Catering, wine by Vine Wine, organic pressés and ciders by King Brain Drinks, and flowers by Amber Persia.

READ MORE: Indie Somerset businesses winners in 2025 Muddy Stilettos Awards

The regional winners in Dorset, Somerset and Bristol, along with winners from the other Muddy counties, will now go through to the 2025 National Awards, which will see five businesses in each category picked by Muddy Stilettos Editors to go through to the National Finals.

The ‘Best of the Best’ Winners will be crowned later this month.

Hero Brown, founder and editor-in-chief of Muddy Stilettos, said: “I set up these awards 12 years ago to give local lifestyle indies a chance to shine. It’s been an honour to showcase these most creative, innovative lifestyle businesses across Dorset, Somerset and Bristol, in partnership with our local sponsor Porter Dodson solicitors.

“The response to this year’s Muddy Awards has been incredible with thousands voting to support an amazing array of local businesses big and small.”

The winners of the Dorset, Somerset & Bristol Muddy Stilettos Regional Awards were:

• Arts, Culture & Theatre: Artsreach (Dorchester)
• Bar: 6 O’clock Gin at The Glassboat (Bristol)
• Beauty Salon/Clinic: The Venue Beauty Salon & Clinic (Bournemouth)
• Boutique Stay: Burnworthy Retreat (near Taunton)
• Café: The Cowshed Dorset (Lytchett Minister)
• Casual Dining: Aurora Kusina (Shepton Mallet)
• Children’s Business: Kite (Poole)
• Destination Pub: The Packhorse (South Stoke)
• Event Venue: Waterside Country Barn (Bradford-on-Tone)
• Family Experience: Nothe Fort (Weymouth)
• Farm Shop/Deli: Gulliver’s Farm Shop (West Moors)
• Florist: Tied (Swanage)
• Hair Salon: Ben Russell Salon (Ilminster)
• Hotel: No 15 Bath, by GuestHouse (Bath)
• Lifestyle Store: The Country Crib (Sherborne)
• Local Food/Drink Producer: The Cherry Tree (Martock)
• Restaurant: Alfredo’s (Somerton)
• Sport & Fitness Instructor: Sean Burgess, SB Fitness (Poole)
• Wellbeing Specialist: The Body Retreat (near Dorchester)
• Women’s Style: Deadly is the Female (Frome)
• Yoga/Pilates Studio: Sìdà Yoga (Portland)

READ MORE: Business news from your Somerset Leveller