Essex

Another summer, another clutch of amazing local businesses to celebrate! Last week saw our Muddy Awards’ Winner’s Drinks 2022 close this year’s awards officially, and it was awesome to meet so many inspirational Essex businesses, and hopefully help them on their way to even bigger things.



The competition was incredible this year. Are you ready for this? A whopping 75,000 businesses entered and 865,000 votes were cast across the Muddy counties. 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.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-6-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8685" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-6-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-6-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-6-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-6-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Selfie time! Cheers to the gorgeous girls from Vogels (winner of Best Hair Salon) </figcaption></figure>



Naturally, it was time to raise a glass (or several) to the BEST indie businesses in Essex 2022, as voted by YOU, at our annual Muddy Awards drinks.



And, this year (for the first time!) the Awards were sponsored nationally by the brilliant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.livehealthily.com/">Healthily</a>, the award-winning wellbeing app. 



Want to see everyone in their glad rags? Watch the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="video (opens in a new tab)" href="https://youtu.be/G4poHZKo44c" target="_blank">video</a> (shot by the great guys from <a href="https://www.thefilmboys.co.uk/wedding-films/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Film Boys (opens in a new tab)">The Film Boys</a>) and meet some of your worthy winners below, all photographed by the amazingly talented Claire of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/claire-naylor-photography/" target="_blank">Claire Naylor Photography</a>&#8230; 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-25.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8670" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-25.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-25-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-25-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-25-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Above: Girl gang! The lovely ladies from We.are.table and Number Six</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-27-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8673" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-27-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-27-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-27-copy-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-27-copy-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Above: Elly from Elly&#8217;s Flower Studio collects her certificate for Best Florist</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8674" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-5-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-5-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Above: The Muddy Essex team having a LOL with the winners</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-26-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8675" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-26-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-26-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-26-copy-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-26-copy-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Above: the team behind The Dog &amp; Pickle, winner of Best Destination Pub</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-26.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8672" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-26.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-26-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-26-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-26-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Above: Sophie from Anvil &amp; Ivy, winner of Best Jeweller</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8682" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-7-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Above: The lovely ladies from Roslin Beach Hotel, winner of Best Hotel/Inn</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/MuddyEssexAwards-16.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8683" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/MuddyEssexAwards-16.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/MuddyEssexAwards-16-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/MuddyEssexAwards-16-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/MuddyEssexAwards-16-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Party pad: the incredible Downham Hall</figcaption></figure>



This year, we were lucky enough to host the Awards at the beautiful <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/downham-hall-downham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Downham Hall</a> &#8211; a real hidden gem in the rolling (yes, there are some hills in our county!) Essex countryside. Manager Christine and her fantastic team were on hand with trays full of fizz and fabulous canapés cooked up by their brilliant new Head Chef. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8667" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Above &amp; below: delectable delights courtesy of Downham Hall&#8217;s Head Chef</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8668" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Party tunes came courtesy of the amazing <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/madsy-p-sax-musician/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Madsy Sax P</a> (aka Madhu Pike), a local saxophonist who knows who to get the party started! 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8666" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Setting the tone: Madsy Sax P keeping our winners entertained</figcaption></figure>



Not forgetting the goodie bags, which were crammed full of fab treats from some our favourite indies. A HUGE thank you to <a href="https://essexspiritsco.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Essex Spirits Co.</a>, for the gorgeous gin minis and mixers, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.hungry.tribe/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">The Hungry Tribe</a> for the delicious bespoke biscuits and <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/la-pomme-ingatestone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">La Pomme </a>for the eco-friendly goodies. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Goodie-bags.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8665" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Goodie-bags.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Goodie-bags-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Goodie-bags-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Goodie-bags-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Oh, hello: our amazing Award goodie bags</figcaption></figure>



Finally, a sincere and super-massive thank you from Team Muddy Essex to all of you who showed your support and love for local businesses in Essex this year – it’s your passion and involvement that continues to make our Awards so different, personal and relevant to our communities.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8681" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-4-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-4-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>All of our worthy winners on one table</figcaption></figure>



All that remains is to remind you of all your worthy <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/winners/" target="_blank">Essex Muddy Award Winners</a>. Print off the list, work your way through them and enjoy!

The Muddy Awards Drinks 2022 – meet your winners!

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