Local businesses scoop top awards

'At the heart of their community'

SIX local businesses have been named as winners in the lifestyle blog Muddy Stilettos awards.

The awards ‘celebrate the very best places, spaces and businesses across Berkshire’ and more than 20,000 people in the region voted across 30 categories for their favourite local businesses.

The Newbury pub restaurant, in Bartholomew Street, claimed more than 45 per cent of the votes in the casual dining section of the awards.

Since licensee Peter Lumber, who leases the building from Greene King, took over four years ago, The Newbury has received accolades for its food, including the West Berkshire Business Awards Best Bar/ Restaurant 2014 and the Good Pub Guide’s Best County Dining for Berkshire 2015.

It has also featured in the Good Pub Guide for the last three years, the Michelin Guide for the past two and was this year’s AA Guide.

Mr Lumber said: “We have worked hard to improve the restaurant over the past four years and we have been recognised, not just regionally, but nationally and even internationally in that time.

“We are hugely grateful to everyone that voted for us. The fact that it was the public deciding makes it extra special.”

The Hungerford Bookshop won the Best Bookshop category, while best café was The Pantry at Yattendon.

Pineapple Palace in Lower Way, Thatcham, was best emporium; Tutts Clump Cider the best local food or drink producer; and Mojo and McCoy, in Hungerford, was best boutique.

The Berkshire editor of Muddy Stilettos, Sarah Prior, said: “These plucky high street businesses are the heart of the community and the locals are saying a big ‘thank you’ to them through their support.”