Essex

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="664" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0064-The-House-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5177" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0064-The-House-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0064-The-House-copy-300x199.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0064-The-House-copy-768x510.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0064-The-House-copy-791x525.jpg 791w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Our 2021 Essex Muddy Stilettos Awards winners gathered together for an evening of celebration at&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Wivenhoe House (opens in a new tab)" href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/wivenhoe-house-hotel-wivenhoe-essex/" target="_blank">Wivenhoe House</a>&nbsp;this week. Located just a few miles from Colchester and set in the beautiful grounds of Wivenhoe Park, this 18th century house is quite possibly one of my favourite hotels in Essex (and I have a seriously long list). With old-time glamour and elegant lounges overlooking a restored sunken lawn, it&#8217;s pure period luxury. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="664" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0067-Gardens-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5180" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0067-Gardens-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0067-Gardens-copy-300x199.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0067-Gardens-copy-768x510.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0067-Gardens-copy-791x525.jpg 791w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



But it’s the team behind the hotel that I have an even softer spot for – they couldn’t do enough to make sure our Muddy Awards drinks went smoothly… “You&#8217;d like to move the party outside now as it&#8217;s sunny? No problem. Whisk up killer gin cocktails? Allow us…” 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="664" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0151-Certificates-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5181" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0151-Certificates-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0151-Certificates-copy-300x199.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0151-Certificates-copy-768x510.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0151-Certificates-copy-791x525.jpg 791w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



As for the party itself, it was a blast from start to finish. After all, getting to meet the inspirational, creative people behind brilliant local businesses is right at the heart of Muddy and we really do&nbsp;love&nbsp;it. 



Running a business requires great effort and to make it a successful one that brightens up our daily lives, adding to our community, is no mean feat (particularly after the last 18 months). So it’s an honour to be able to celebrate this on behalf of hard-working business owners across Essex.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1122" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0074-Cheers-House-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5191" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0074-Cheers-House-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0074-Cheers-House-copy-267x300.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0074-Cheers-House-copy-913x1024.jpg 913w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0074-Cheers-House-copy-768x862.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0074-Cheers-House-copy-468x525.jpg 468w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



And these winning businesses should feel proud. ALL the finalists were a hugely talented bunch, and the battle to reach the finals was bonkers. So to then win is an incredible achievement, with hundreds and hundreds of businesses nominated from all corners of the county, from teeny-tiny villages, to our bigger towns.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="934" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0115-Smiles-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5190" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0115-Smiles-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0115-Smiles-copy-300x280.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0115-Smiles-copy-768x717.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0115-Smiles-copy-562x525.jpg 562w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>What&#8217;s better than winning a Muddy Award? Your bezzie scooping one too! Jade of Dainty London Jewellery with her good pal, Elisha, of Olivia &amp; Gray. </figcaption></figure>



But without you lovely readers there would be no party and no awards, so it’s a big heartfelt THANK YOU from me, Katie and the rest of the Muddy team for&nbsp;taking your time to vote and give your local favourites a pat on the back. You’ve really shown how in love with local you are. Your support means everything to them.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="863" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Kate-Amy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5192" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Kate-Amy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Kate-Amy-300x259.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Kate-Amy-768x663.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Kate-Amy-608x525.jpg 608w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Best Interiors Store winner, Kate, and Best Fitness Instructor, Amy-Jo, are just two of four Muddy Award Winners in Thaxted. Must get me some of that water…</figcaption></figure>



We all enjoyed a glass (or three) of&nbsp;something chilled and bubbly, thanks to Wivenhoe House, who donated drinks and delish canapes for the night. There were also more than a few gorgeous gin cocktails indulged in, thanks to generous local indies, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Charles and Mike Distilling (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.charlesandmike.com/" target="_blank">Charles &amp; Mike Distilling</a> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="MoozeBooze (opens in a new tab)" href="https://moozebooze.com/" target="_blank">MoozeBooze</a>. Cheers, guys! 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="739" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/David-bar-man.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5182" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/David-bar-man.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/David-bar-man-300x222.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/David-bar-man-768x568.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/David-bar-man-710x525.jpg 710w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



One final thank you to our photographer&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Florence Geary (opens in a new tab)" href="https://florencegeary.co.uk/" target="_blank">Florence Geary</a> for capturing shots of all our lovely winners. She, and her sister Harriet, gave up their time for free to photograph our awards, which was incredible. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1724" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Muddy-girls-and-sisters-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5183" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Muddy-girls-and-sisters-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Muddy-girls-and-sisters-300x202.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Muddy-girls-and-sisters-1024x690.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Muddy-girls-and-sisters-768x517.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Muddy-girls-and-sisters-1536x1034.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Muddy-girls-and-sisters-2048x1379.jpg 2048w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Muddy-girls-and-sisters-780x525.jpg 780w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption>L-R: Katie and myself &#8216;researching&#8217; the gin cocktails with Florence and Harriet</figcaption></figure>



I just want to take the opportunity once more to say a
massive CONGRATS to everyone who found themselves nominated, a finalist and
eventually a winner.



The warmth, friendliness and camaraderie at the drinks really hit home to me how much talent, character and good-feeling there is here in Essex. I’m not sure my blithering speech did you justice, but the sentiment is definitely there!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="571" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Pic-Monkey-winners-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5184" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Pic-Monkey-winners-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Pic-Monkey-winners-1-300x171.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Pic-Monkey-winners-1-768x439.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/Pic-Monkey-winners-1-900x514.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Winners from top left, clockwise: Best… Jeweller: Dainty London Jewellery; Florist: Scent; Book Shop: Hart&#8217;s Books; Restaurant: Square 1 Restaurant; Hair Salon: The Wild Hare; Fitness Instructor: Amy-Jo Simpson; Food / Drink Producer: The Saffron Ice Cream Company.</figcaption></figure>



Here are some pics of our amazing winners, clutching their certificates (we even gave them window stickers too – the lucky sausages…) What a glamorous, joyous group of individuals they all are.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1050" height="600" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/New-Sue-and-Elisha-pic-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5265" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/New-Sue-and-Elisha-pic-1.jpg 1050w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/New-Sue-and-Elisha-pic-1-300x171.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/New-Sue-and-Elisha-pic-1-1024x585.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/New-Sue-and-Elisha-pic-1-768x439.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/New-Sue-and-Elisha-pic-1-900x514.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1050px) 100vw, 1050px" /><figcaption>Winners from top left, clockwise: Best… Interiors Store: Vintage Style Living; Boutique Stay: Maison Talbooth; Art Gallery: Hayletts Gallery; Women&#8217;s Fashion: Olivia &amp; Gray; Theatre / Art Venue: Mercury Theatre; New Business Covid Start-Up: Lemonpeel London; Photographer: Ralu Chase Photography.</figcaption></figure>



It’s all over now for another year, but we’ll see you in 2022 for the 6th year of the Awards. Until then, huge congrats to the Muddy Awards Winners 2021!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="664" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0345-Feet-up-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5187" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0345-Feet-up-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0345-Feet-up-copy-300x199.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0345-Feet-up-copy-768x510.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/09/DSC0345-Feet-up-copy-791x525.jpg 791w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Katie and I enjoying a final (honest it was) nightcap after a thoroughly fun night with Essex&#8217;s finest. Keep doing what you&#8217;re doing – you&#8217;re brilliant!</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Our wonderful winners! Say hello to the BEST… </h2>



ART GALLERY: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.haylettsgallery.com/" target="_blank">Hayletts Gallery</a> (Maldon) BAR: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cornerclublos.com/" target="_blank">Corner Club</a> (Leigh on Sea) BEAUTY SALON: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.beautyatthebay.co.uk/" target="_blank">Beauty at the Bay</a> (Colchester) BOOKSHOP: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://hartsbooks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hart’s Books</a> (Saffron Walden) BOUTIQUE STAY: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.milsomhotels.com/maison-talbooth/" target="_blank">Maison Talbooth</a> (Dedham) BRIDAL STORE: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rockthefrockbridal.co.uk/pages/rtf-pre-loved-essex" target="_blank">Rock the Frock Preloved Essex (Rawreth)</a> CAFÉ: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.cafecoucou.co.uk/" target="_blank">Café Cou Cou (Saffron Walden)</a> CHILDREN’S BUSINESS: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.mrwolfkids.com/" target="_blank">Mr Wolf Kids</a> (Leigh on Sea) DAY SPA: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.lifehouse.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lifehouse Spa</a> (Thorpe Le Soken) DESTINATION PUB: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.thehoop.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Hoop</a> (Stock) FAMILY ATTRACTION: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.colchester-zoo.com/" target="_blank">Colchester Zoo</a> (Colchester) FARMSHOP / DELI: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.abigails.co.uk/delicatessenandcatering" target="_blank">Abigail’s Delicatessen</a> (Ingatestone) FITNESS INSTRUCTOR: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.amyjosimpson.co.uk/" target="_blank">Amy-Jo Simpson</a> (Thaxted) FLORIST: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.scentleighonsea.co.uk/" target="_blank">Scent</a> (Leigh on Sea) FOOD / DRINK PRODUCER: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.saffronicecream.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Saffron Ice Cream Company</a> (Saffron Walden) GIFT SHOP: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.giftedweb.co.uk/" target="_blank">Gifted</a> (Thaxted) GARDEN DESIGNER: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://thegardengirlsessex.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Garden Girls Essex</a> (Witham) HAIR SALON: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://thewild-hare.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Wild Hare</a> (Westcliff on Sea) INTERIORS STORE: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://vintagestyleliving.co.uk/" target="_blank">Vintage Style Living</a> (Thaxted) JEWELLER: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.daintylondon.com/" target="_blank">Dainty London Jewellery</a> (Chelmsford) PHOTOGRAPHER: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://raluchase.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ralu Chase Photography</a> (Colchester) RESTAURANT: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.square1restaurant.co.uk/home.htm" target="_blank">Square 1 Restaurant</a> (Dunmow) NEW BUSINESS COVID START UP: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.lemonpeellondon.com/" target="_blank">Lemonpeel London</a> (Uttlesford) THEATRE / ART VENUE: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAjwgISIBhBfEiwALE19SV_6mzId3PX3cwAKcDrzTSWtZz3V1syQnKXeO_iKVg0-tgE4_l6NfxoCaIIQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Mercury Theatre</a> (Colchester) WEDDING VENUE: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.aptonhall.co.uk/" target="_blank">Apton Hall</a> (Rochford) WOMEN’S FASHION: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.oliviaandgray.co.uk/" target="_blank">Olivia &amp; Gray</a> (Chelmsford) YOGA / PILATES STUDIO: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.thaxtedyoga.co.uk/" target="_blank">Thaxted Yoga</a> (Thaxted)

Clink! It’s the Muddy Awards drinks…

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