Three independent Malvern businesses have won prestigious local lifestyle awards.

The winners of the Muddy Stiletto Awards 2021 for Worcestershire and Gloucestershire were announced on Thursday July 29, and Malvern is well-represented.

This year was unlike any other and as such Muddy Stiletto’s regional editor Sophie Tweedale believes the awards are the perfect way to “celebrate the creativity, uniqueness and sheer stick-it-out bravery” of rural businesses.

With over 75,000 businesses nominated and three-quarter of a million votes cast, competition was fierce.

Belle Beauty picked up the award for best beauty salon and proprietor Lucy Watkins couldn’t be happier.

She said: “We are absolutely thrilled and over the mood. The last 18 months have been so tough for all businesses, so winning such a great award is not only fabulous for the salon but to recognise the hard work by all the staff. We love what we do and really thank everyone that voted for us.”

Manager at The Malvern Spa Nikki Scoffin said staff are in celebration mode after being named best day spa across the region.

Manager Nikki Scoffin said: “It’s no secret that this past year has been difficult for the hospitality industry, but our spa team truly rose to the challenge and continued to deliver exceptional customer service. This award is a wonderful recognition of all their hard work.

“Despite the challenges of the past year, our occupancy is fortunately very high at the moment with both new and returning guests enjoying all the spa has to offer. We’d like to thank everyone for their ongoing support during this time and look forward to continuing to welcome people back this summer and beyond.”

The best photographer award went to Jim Collier and Kerri Auckland of Dearest Love Photography.

“It’s been such an incredibly hard year or so for our clients and the wedding industry, so it’s an awesome feeling!

“Our couples have been amazing through the pandemic under really stressful circumstances, and we’ve managed to work together to reschedule so many weddings for them.

“We really didn’t expect to win as we were up against some really amazing photographers!”