AFTER a rough couple of years in and out of lockdown, businesses in Andover have fought tooth and nail to stay open, let alone win an award.

Now in its ninth year, The Muddy Stilettos Awards in association with Healthily and local sponsor Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries are back with a bang.

This year’s Muddy Stilettos Awards are back and the finalists have been announced, with several businesses in Andover and the surrounding area in the finals and a total of 135 businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight chosen by their customers.

More than 500,000 people nominated more than 75,000 businesses in the first round of the awards across 27 lifestyle categories and only the top five with the most votes in each category in each county have made it into the finals.

From now until Wednesday, June 15, all previous votes are wiped clean from the nomination round and the second round of voting begins.

Customers, friends and family are invited to the Muddy Stilettos regional website to vote in the finals for their favourite business, including two new category additions of Best Sustainable Lifestyle Business and Best Hotel/Inn 30+ rooms.

Businesses also have the chance to win a £3,000 cash prize to spend on their business and health-related benefits for their employees, in association with award sponsor, Healthily.

The finalists in Andover and surrounding area are:

Bar

SP Bar, Andover

Boutique Stay

Watership Down Inn, Freefolk

Family Attraction

Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover

Florist

Albert & Indigo, Andover

Wild Rose Floral Design, Whitchurch

Children’s Businesses

Shoes on Theatre, Whitchurch

Bridal Store

Olive Blossom Bridal, Overton

Wedding Venue

The Old Dairy at Hatherden Farm, Andover

Destination Pub

The Oak, Smannell

Watership Down Inn, Freefolk

Hero Brown, founder, said: “We now have five amazing finalists in each of our 27 lifestyle categories – and it’s time to vote to crown your local champions! Good luck everyone!”

Vote at: hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/vote. Winners will be announced on June 21.