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:
1. Kings Theatre, Southsea
Kings Theatre, in Southsea, is a regional finalist in the Muddy Stilettos Awards for the best arts, culture & theatre. | Kings Theatre, Southsea
2. Fareham Live, Fareham
Fareham Live is a regional finalist in the Muddy Stilettos Awards for the best arts, culture & theatre category. | Local Library
3. Southsea Spirit, Southsea
Southsea Spirit in Southsea is a finalist for the best bar category in the Muddy Stilettos Awards. Pictured: Sisters Harriet Scutt and Charlotte Osgood, owners of Southsea Spirit Picture: Habibur Rahman | Habibur Rahman
4. The Beauty Retreat & Laser Clinic, Portsmouth
The Beauty Retreat & Laser Clinic, in Portsmouth, is a finalist for the best beauty salon category in the Muddy Stilettos Awards. | Google