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

This year's Muddy Stilettos Awards are back and the finalists have been announced, with 20 businesses in Basingstoke in the finals and a total of 135 businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight chosen by their customers.

Over 500,000 people nominated over 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, while 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 finals close Wednesday June 15 at 5pm.

The finalists in Basingstoke and surrounding area are:

Art Space

THAT Gallery, Basingstoke

Bar

Duck & Tipple, Basingstoke

Beauty Salon

Beautique, Odiham

The Chineham Salon, Basingstoke

Boutique Stay

Watership Down Inn, Freefolk

Bridal Store

Olive Blossom Bridal, Overton

Children’s Business

Shoes on Theatre, Whitchurch

QWERTYkids, North Waltham

Destination Pub

Watership Down Inn, Freefolk

The Phoenix Inn, Hartley Wintney

Family Attraction

Milestones, Basingstoke

Farmshop/Deli

Newlyns, Hook

Hampshire Deli, Tadley

Fitness Instructor

Jenna Perkins, Choreofit, Basingstoke

Sarah Durrant, Rockbox with Sarah, Basingstoke

Florist

Wild Rose Floral Design, Whitchurch

Hair Salon

Alchemy Organic Salons, Basingstoke

Hotel/Inn 30+ Rooms

Heckfield Place, Heckfield

Lifestyle Store

Cashmere Goose, Hartley Wintney

Yoga/Pilates Studio

Yoga’na Flow, Basingstoke

Vote for your favourite business here: hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/vote.