DORSET businesses are celebrating being the best in the region at an esteemed awards ceremony.

The Muddy Stilettos Local Business Awards 2023 regional winners have been announced, and several of those victorious are from the area. 

Across the country, 77,000 businesses were nominated in the first round of voting and a total of 800,000 votes cast. The awards were broken down to 28 counties in the UK. 

Each regional winner will now be put forward for the National Muddy Awards to find the ‘best of the best’ across all 28 Muddy counties.

The national winners will be announced later this month.

The awards celebrate the best businesses in the country across a range of different categories, with Dorset firms placed in the Dorset, Somerset and Bristol region.

The Highbrow Skin & Laser Clinic, in Copper Street, Dorchester, won in the 'best beauty salon' category.

Writing on social media, it said: "Thank you so much to each and every one of you for voting for us and supporting our small (but mighty) business. We are so grateful."

The Oyster & Fish House, in Lister Gardens, Lyme Regis, won in the 'best restaurant' category. 

Owned by celebrity chef Mark Hix, the high-end eatery enjoys impressive views of Dorset's Jurassic Coast.

"It's been one hell of a journey this year for all of us, so this really is the best tonic for us all as we head into the busy summer," said Mr Hix. 

Lyme Regis Stays, which offers a selection of holiday cottages in the seaside town and based in Sherborne Lane, won in the 'best boutique stay' category.

"Wow, thank you everyone who voted for us. We are incredibly grateful and super chuffed. Just taking it all in right now and can’t stop smiling," said owners Mike Hamer and Anna Garrod.

Salon on the Square, in Beaminster, picked up the 'best hair salon' award in the region, and said it was 'absolutely thrilled'.

"This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our amazing guests and local community," it added on social media. 

"This award is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of our entire team, who consistently go above and beyond."

Bridport was also represented on the list by Electric Palace, a performance art theatre which was victorious in the 'best theatre/arts venue' category.

It said: "Thank you ever so much to everyone that voted for our little gem of a theatre, we are very grateful."

Café D’Urberville, a coffee shop in Sherborne, said it was 'shellshocked' to have won in the 'best cafe' category.

"I cannot thank the countless people who have voted for us for this award enough, your support and encouragement and love means the absolute world to us," it added.

The award for 'best bar' went to Ginger Viking in East Street, Blandford Forum, which told its followers it was 'super proud' of the achievement.

"This isn't possible without your support - as a thank you make your way to the bar this weekend and try our new summer menu for £5 per cocktail - I promise you won't be disappointed," it said. 

Gullivers Bookshop, in Wimborne High Street, was recognised at the awards for the second year running for being the 'best bookshop' in the region, telling its customers on social media that 'we literally could not have done it without you'.

Also in Wimborne, The East Street Deli, won 'best farmshop/deli'. 

It added: "Thank you so much for your incredible support. To everyone that voted or has supported since we opened, we are eternally grateful.

"We’re so proud of our shop and love how you’ve made it part of this amazing community."

The Brace of Pheasants pub, a 16th century watering hole in the village of Plush, about 10 miles from Dorchester in mid-Dorset, won the 'best destination pub' group. 

Visit dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/winners/ to view the full list of regional winners.