The annual awards, which are organised by the Muddy Stilettos lifestyle magazine, shine a torch on adored businesses across the country.
Categories include best restaurant, best beauty salon/ clinc, best florist and more, with the awards introducing five new categories this year:
- Best Afternoon Tea
- Fashion & Interiors
- Artisan Food & Drink Producer
- Best-Loved Local Pub
- Wellness Breaks
The regional finalists have been announced this week, with public voting open until 1pm on Tuesday, May 26. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, June 16 - for more information about voting, click here.
Here are some of the independent businesses in and around Portsmouth that have made the cut:
5. Josie's, Bishop's Waltham
Josie's, in Bishop's Waltham, is a regional finalist for the best cafe category in the Muddy Stilettos Awards. | Other 3rd Party
6. Southsea Coffee, Southsea
Southsea Coffee, in Southsea, is a finalist for the best cafe category in the Muddy Stilettos Awards. | Local Library
7. The Bumble Bee Café, Rowlands Castle
The Bumble Bee Café, in Rowlands Castle, is a regional finalist for the best cafe category in the Muddy Stilettos Awards. | Aleksandrs Muiznieks - stock.ado
8. Croxton's Kitchen, Southsea
Croxton's Kitchen, in Southsea, is a regional finalist for the best casual dining category in the Muddy Stilettos Awards. | Sophie Lewis