Finalists named in MP's independent shop awards

THE finalists in this year’s Independent Shop Awards have been announced.

It marks the second year for the awards which Stratford-on-Avon MP Nadhim Zahawi, launched last year.

He said: “Independent shops are what makes the constituency of Stratford so great. Following the success of last year’s Independent Shop Awards, I wanted everyone to have an opportunity once again to show their appreciation for their favourite independent business.

"I’d like to thank the nearly 2,000 people who took part, but mostly I want to celebrate the excellence and quality of the independent businesses we have throughout this area.

“These independent businesses are the lifeblood of our towns and villages and it has been a fantastic opportunity to say thank you, whether they’re in Stratford or Shipston, Welford or Alcester, Long Compton or Henley.

“I can speak on behalf of all of the judges and say it was a tough job narrowing it down to these finalists, and we all wish them the best of luck.”

The finalists have all been invited to an awards ceremony on the 29th April at the RSC’s Other Place, where the winners and runners-up will be announced.

Best Independent Shop:

• Gemini, Wood Street, Stratford
• The Parlour Pet Boutique, Yew Tree Shopping Village, Wootton Wawen
• Boho Bride, Stratford Garden Centre, Clifford Chambers
• Jacksons Jewellery, Priory Road, Alcester
• Poppy Galore, Stratford Garden Centre, Clifford Chambers
• A Fine Tattoo Establishment, Shrieves Walk, Stratford

Best Café:

• Hooray’s Gelato Kitchen, High Street, Stratford
• Huffkins, Old Red Lion Court, Stratford-upon-Avon
• Henley Ice Cream, High Street, Henley
• The Fourteas, Sheep Street, Stratford.

Best Hotel or B&B:

• Avonlea Guesthouse, Shipston Road, Stratford
• The Bell, Shipston Road, Alderminster
• The Red Lion Inn, Main Street, Long Compton
• The Stratford Limes Hotel, Main Street, Tiddington.

Best Pub:

• The Bell, Shipston Road, Alderminster
• The Red Lion Inn, Main Street, Long Compton
• The Shakespeare Inn, Chapel Street, Welford-on-Avon
• The Stratford Alehouse, Greenhill Street, Stratford.

Best Restaurant:

• Aladdin’s Indian Dining, Main Street, Tiddington
• 33 The Scullery, Greenhill Street, Stratford
• Naya, High Street, Henley-in-Arden
• The Bell, Alderminster, Stratford.

Best Village Shop:

• Ilmington Community Shop, Grump Street, Ilmington
• Spar, Main Street, Tiddington
• Snitterfield Village Stores, Smiths Lane, Snitterfield
• The Wardrobe, Church Street, Welford-on-Avon.