They came, they quaffed, they partied! The Muddy Award winners brought the sunshine to the absolutely drop-dead gorgeous Pentney Abbey last week and, frankly, we’re still buzzing. The only blot on proceedings? A bird with impeccable timing decided yours truly was fair game. Thankfully there were wet wipes to hand and, as every good event host knows, the show must go on. (Apparently it’s lucky but I am still waiting on my lottery win…).

Gladrags were donned, stilettos were strapped on and the fizz flowed as the local winners of the Muddy Awards 2026 – as voted for by you – gathered to celebrate being crowned the very best of the best in Norfolk. And let’s be honest, with the sheer calibre of independent businesses in this county, that’s no small feat.

Big cheers from Norfolk Luxury Lifestyle

If you didn’t know already, the Muddy Awards are kind of a big deal. This year more than 20,000 businesses were nominated, over half a million votes were cast nationwide, and the awards reached 11 million people across the UK. To come out as a star in your category is definitely something worth celebrating, so it was only right our winners got the chance to do just so in style.

Best Hair Salon Barry Alan Hair Salon taking in the stunning venue

And what a setting. Pentney Abbey was showing off in the best possible way.

We took over the Gatehouse and gardens, decked out in all their finery thanks to Epic Event Hire, whose gorgeous styling, lighting and spectacular flower wall transformed the space. The fizz flowed, the superb team at Origin Catering kept everyone fuelled with trayfuls of dangerously moreish canapés, and singer Will Overton provided the perfect soundtrack to a glorious summer’s evening.

Looking sharp: Phil and Bonnie Royle of Flint Homes

This year’s awards were once again proudly sponsored by bespoke property search agency Flint Homes, our go-to for anyone looking to buy a new home in Norfolk. Husband-and-wife dream team Phil and Bonnie Royle don’t just take the stress out of house hunting, they’re huge champions of Norfolk’s independent business scene too, and it’s been a joy working with them throughout this year’s awards.

As a small thank you for their support, we presented Phil and Bonnie with a beautiful dried flower arrangement from The Parsons Wreath Company and a bottle of wine hand-picked by Norfolk’s Best Bar, VinedMe. Huge thanks once again to Flint Homes for helping make this year’s awards such a success.

goody bag contents — Our lovely goody bags

Naturally, our guests didn’t leave empty-handed. Muddy goodie bags are strictly artisan-only (plastic keyrings need not apply), so a huge thank you to The Parson’s Wreath Company and Harry’s Soul Station for their generous vouchers, Edmunds Cocktails for their delicious pre-mixes martinis, The Orangery Tea Room for their beautiful cupcakes, Norfolk Luxury Lifestyle for the loveliest smelling candle, and Saffire Chocolates for the irresistible chocolate bars.

bird in flight — The feathered party crasher, perhaps the culprit behind the evening’s least glamorous moment!

And finally, hats off to our wonderful photographer Josie Tate of Love Tate Photography, who somehow manages to make everyone look relaxed, glamorous and like they definitely weren’t juggling prosecco and canapés. (Yep, all these gorgeous photos are hers).

Muddy Stilettos Norfolk Editor Claire Hool and Commercial Manager Fran Pacey — Big thanks from Norfolk Editor Claire Hool and Commercial Manager Fran Pacey

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to every single one of you who nominated, voted for and championed Norfolk’s independent businesses this year. It’s your enthusiasm and support that makes the Muddy Awards so special, so personal and such a genuine celebration of the brilliant local businesses that make this county tick.

Best Fashion & Interiors Norfolk Luxury Lifestyle, Best Café Bridgestones of Thorpe

Clockwise from top right: Best Yoga/Pilates Studio Eleanor Rose Pilates, Best Wellness Break The Norfolk Mead Hotel, The Best Local Pub Darbys Pub, Best Arts, Culture & Theatre Gorleston Pavilion.

Best Bar VinedMe and Best Artisan Food & Drink Producer Black Dog Teas

Clockwise from top right: Best Restaurant Gozo, Best Wellbeing Specialist The Practice, Best Hair Salon Barry Alan Hair Salon, Best Casual Dining Harry's Soul Station — Clockwise from top right: Best Restaurant Gozo, Best Wellbeing Specialist The Practice, Best Hair Salon Barry Alan Hair Salon, Best Casual Dining Harry’s Soul Station

Clockwise from top: Best Boutique Stay Old Hall Country Breaks, Best Yoga/Pilates Studio Eleanor Rose Pilates, Best Afternoon Tea Green Pastures Garden Centre, Best Family Experience Watatunga Wildlife, Best Sport/Fitness Instructor Simone Dungar-Holden of Sims Zumba

Best Wedding & Party Venue Hunters Hall, Best Beauty Salon/Clinic Silk Skin Beauty & Wellness

So there you have it, our worthy Norfolk champions for 2026. If you haven’t already, work your way through this fabulous bunch over the next year – we promise you won’t be disappointed.

And that’s a wrap for the Muddy Awards 2026. See you next year!

IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?

Pop the corks! Behind the scenes at the Muddy Awards party 2026

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