We asked. You voted. And voted. And voted… The competition was incredible this year. Are you ready for this? Reaching over 10 million people nationally in 8 weeks, over 515,000 votes and nominations were cast nationwide! So, to win a Muddy Award (and one that’s entirely based on the public vote at that) is definitely something to shout from the rooftops.

Naturally, it was time to raise a glass (or several) to the BEST indie businesses in Herts and Beds 2024, as voted by YOU, at our annual Muddy Awards drinks.

Muddy Stilettos Awards — Ellen from Full of Grace Flowers with Anna and Emily from Serenity

The sun gods were on our side for the big event, which took place on 20 May at Tewinbury Farm Hotel – a stunning 700 acre estate and working farm on a nature reserve, which is home to a four-star hotel, with restaurants, co-working spaces, lake-side huts, a wedding barn, its own cookery school and a vibrant wellbeing and live events offering.

Muddy Awards 2024 — Clockwise from top left: Megan and Lynne from Lindy Lou’s Adventures in Music; Anna from Serenity Beauty Salon; The stunning flowers from Full of Grace; certificates; canapés

Muddy Awards — Amy and Emily from Mosaic Hair Salon

We sipped bubbles and scoffed canapés on the terrace of the Tythe Barn, with the babbling River running alongside, surrounded by some stunning floral creations from Muddy Award-winning florist, Ellen from Full of Gr ace Flowers. And whilst chatting, giggling (it wouldn’t be Muddy without a bit of naughtiness now, would it?!) and mingling with our brilliant local winners new friendships were forged and new partnerships hatched. Ooh we do love a local biz collab!

Muddy Awards — Getting ready for the toasts

From left: Scott from Crockers, Dom from The Wee Vinoteca, Julie and David from Daisy & Co, Charlie from The Wee Vinoteca.

Muddy’s Commercial Manager, Jo and I (Katrina, Muddy Editor) presented the certificates, while the drinks and conversation flowed. Fab local photographer, Lorna Newman, snapped away throughout (yep, these are her awesome pics you’re looking at!) and everyone took home some fabulous brownies, courtesy of the talented Betsabe from Bacanas – Argentian speciality food producer and baker of delicious sweet treats.

Brownies muddy awards — Tasty treats from Bacanas for all the winners

Muddy stilettos awards — Andrew and Charlotte from The Meadows at Polehanger

Muddy Awards 2024 — Charlotte and Charlie from The Farmhouse Redcoats coming to collect their award.

After months of awards craziness, it was such a treat to meet all of the wonderful winners who have put their hearts and souls into their home-grown local businesses over the past year and beyond. To see the pride on everyone’s faces as they clutched their hard-earned and well-deserved certificates, was a joy and a privilege.

Muddy Awards — Clockwise from top left: Emily and Helena from Neighbourhood Bakes; Robert and Jagz from Hertfordshire Zoo; Emily and Lissy from The Place Bedford; David and Julie from Daisy & Co; Nick and Donna from &by Donna Reeves; Adam and Sarah from DRINK.

Muddy Awards — Clockwise from top left: Scott from Crockers; Megan and Lynne from Lindy Lou’s; JJ and Peter from The Sun Inn; Lucy from Love from Lucy; Ellen from Full of Grace Flowers; Charlotte Philo from Philo Fit.

Muddy Awards — Clockwise from top left: Emma from The Pilates Corner; Donna from &by Donna Reeves; Charlie and Charlotte from The Farmhouse Redcoats; Muddy’s Jo in conversation; Muddy’s Katrina presenting the awards; Anna from Serenity.

Three businesses: Disco-licious (Best Farmshop/Deli); The Meadows at Polehanger (Best Boutique Stay) and The Wee Vinoteca (Best Bar) all celebrated a hattrick in the Muddy Awards this year, having won their categories three years on the trot. While Sopwell House (Best Hotel), Serenity in Potters Bar (Best Beauty Salon), Mosaic Hair (Hair Salon) and were delighted to celebrate reclaim the top spots for again having won in 2017, 2019 and 2021 respectively.

Muddy Awards — Hattrick heroes (top row): Graham and Jo from Disco-licious; Andrew and Charlotte from The Meadows at Polehanger; Dom and Charlie from The Wee Vinoteca. Former winners (bottom row): David from Sopwell House; Anna and Emily from Serenity; Amy and Emily from Mosaic.

Muddy Stilettos awards woman in blue stilettos — Stilettos on!

Here’s the full list of winning businesses. Now you know who they are make sure you go and say hi!

Muddy Awards — All the happy Muddy winners

A little last word from me… from the nominees, to the readers who loyally voted and supported, (not once but twice), to the amazing finalists who fended off the competition to reach the top five in each category, and, of course the incredible 2024 winners, you are all AMAZING! THANK YOU for making this year’s Muddy Awards the best yet.

Jo and katrina Muddy awards — Jo and I getting in touch with our inner farmers!

Jo and katrina Muddy awards — That’s a wrap… Cheers to all the winners!

CONGRATULATIONS you fabulous lot! Same again next year?!

All photography by Lorna Newman.

Pop the corks – it’s the Muddy Awards drinks!

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