Herts &amp; Beds

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Outside-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Monks Barn at Ashridge House" class="wp-image-90877" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Outside-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Outside-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Outside-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The Muddy Awards celebrate local excellence and this year 20,000 businesses were nominated and over half a million votes cast. So to reach the finals and scoop an award was definitely something worth celebrating! And celebrate we did.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guests2-1000x667.jpg" alt="Guests at Monks Barn" class="wp-image-90882" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guests2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guests2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guests2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guests1-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90880" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guests1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guests1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guests1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Fizz-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Guests at Monks Barn" class="wp-image-90876" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Fizz-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Fizz-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Fizz-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



It was wonderful to see so many business owners shining with joy as they mingled inside stunning <a href="https://www.ashridgehouse.org.uk/weddings/wedding-packages/monks-barn/">Monks Barn at Ashridge House</a>. New connections were made, music played, the fizz flowed and everyone remarked on the beautiful flowers provided by Ellen at <a href="https://www.fullofgraceflowers.com/">Full of Grace</a>. Delightful canapés followed and the team at Monks Barn kept things slick and stylish.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Pourfizz-1000x667.jpg" alt="drinks at Monks Barn" class="wp-image-90884" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Pourfizz-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Pourfizz-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Pourfizz.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Canapes-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Canapes" class="wp-image-90883" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Canapes-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Canapes-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Canapes-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/FullofGraceflowers-1000x667.jpg" alt="Full of Grace flowers" class="wp-image-90837" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/FullofGraceflowers-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/FullofGraceflowers-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/FullofGraceflowers.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



We wanted to keep things pacey, so when the rain stopped we moved outside to the Dry Garden for spontaneous speeches by Muddy Herts &amp; Beds Editor, Kate and Commercial Manager Jo. And then it was over to the winners. They collected their shiny certificates, had their photographs taken to applause by Dominic at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wdg_photography/">WDGPhotography</a> and celebrated with another glass of fizz.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Speech-1000x667.jpg" alt="speech" class="wp-image-90875" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Speech-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Speech-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Speech.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Finally, the sun finally broke out, so it was off to Monks Garden for some serious insta-worthy snaps. Kings, Queens and Hollywood royalty have walked these Grade II* gardens so it seemed a fitting place for one last pic of everyone together.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/groupPic-1000x667.jpg" alt="Muddy winners in Monks Barn" class="wp-image-90868" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/groupPic-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/groupPic-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/groupPic.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/gardenphone-1000x667.jpg" alt="guests in Monks Garden" class="wp-image-90866" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/gardenphone-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/gardenphone-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/gardenphone.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/gARDEN-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90870" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/gARDEN-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/gARDEN-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/gARDEN.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Towards the end, there was a moment of madness over the cupcakes provided by <a href="https://rachelclarecakedesign.co.uk/">Rachel Clare Cake Design</a> in Aston Clinton (they were delicious!) and giggles as our pink Muddy stilettos were road-tested and then it was time for home.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/cupcakes-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Cupcakes and stilettos" class="wp-image-90873" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/cupcakes-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/cupcakes-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/cupcakes-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



We love these awards because of the charm, wit and charisma of all the local business owners. A big thank you to all who took part. You are brilliant. Finally, here’s a reminder of the Herts and Beds champions for 2025.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/winner1-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90885" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/winner1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/winner1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/winner1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Best Children&#8217;s Business: <a href="https://beourguestprincesses.co.uk/">Be Our Guest Princesses</a> and Best Family Experience: <a href="https://jordansmill.com/">Jordans Mill</a></figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner2-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90887" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Best Casual Dining: <a href="https://www.bbpizza.online/">BB Pizza</a> and Best Florist: <a href="https://www.fullofgraceflowers.com/">Full of Grace</a></figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner3-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90889" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner3-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner3-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner3-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Best Destination Pub: <a href="https://alfordarms.co.uk/">The Alford Arms</a> and Best Sport &amp; Fitness Instructor: <a href="https://lmvfitness.com/">Laurence Vaughan, LMV Fitness</a></figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner5-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90891" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner5-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner5-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner5-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Best Boutique Stay: <a href="https://www.farmhouseatredcoats.co.uk/">The Farmhouse at Redcoats </a>and Best Hair Salon: <a href="https://www.no10hairandbeauty.co.uk/">No.10 Hair &amp; Beauty</a></figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner6-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90893" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner6-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner6-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Winner6-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Best Local Food/Drink Producer: <a href="https://veesdreams.co.uk/">Vee&#8217;s Dreams</a> and Best Wellbeing Specialist: <a href="https://sanchiaaronbergtherapy.co.uk/">Sanchia Aronberg, Mind + Body</a></figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guest10-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90894" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guest10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guest10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guest10.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Best Lifestyle Store: <a href="https://www.clayandburn.co.uk/">Clay &amp; Burn</a> and Best Farm Shop/Deli: <a href="https://battlersgreenfarm.co.uk/">Battlers Green Farm</a></figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guests11-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90895" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guests11-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guests11-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guests11.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Best Beauty Salon Clinic: <a href="https://regentsparkaesthetics.co.uk/">Regents Park Aesthetics</a> and Best Bar: <a href="https://www.thewineryleightonbuzzard.co.uk/">The Winery</a></figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guest12-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90897" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guest12-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guest12-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guest12.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Best Yoga/Pilates Studio: <a href="https://thepilatesworkshop.co.uk/dunstable/">The Pilates Workshop</a> and Best Event Venue: <a href="https://www.bunkersbarn.co.uk/">Bunkers Barn</a></figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guestfinal-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90899" style="aspect-ratio:1.4992503748125936;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guestfinal-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guestfinal-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Guestfinal.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Best Arts, Culture &amp; Theatre: <a href="https://therexberkhamsted.com/">The Rex</a> and Muddy Commercial Manager, Jo and Muddy Herts &amp; Beds Editor, Kate</figcaption></figure>

Here’s to you! It’s the Muddy Awards drinks 2025

You may also like