Described as the UK’s premier lifestyle awards for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), the awards attracted nearly half a million votes last year and provide local firms with well-deserved publicity for the winners in each county and category.
Now, the 2026 finals line-up has been unveiled comprising nearly 5,000 SMEs across 21 categories in 23 regions across the UK, with only the top ten with the most nominations making the cut. That includes 210 businesses from Dorset, Somerset and Bristol.
Among them, The Dog House, in Gillingham, made it through in the ‘best loved pub’ category and Zoë Guild, director, said she was “genuinely thrilled”.
Zoë Guild and executive head chef Pascale Vickery (Image: Ed Schofield)
“To be recognised in an award that’s driven by locals means a lot to us, because they’re at the heart of everything we do. We’ve built The Dog House as a place where people feel at home, so to be nominated by the community we serve is incredibly rewarding. It’s a real testament to the team and the support we’ve had since day one.”
She added: “Our locals aren’t just customers, they’re the reason we’re here. Whether it’s a quick pint, a long lunch, or a big celebration, The Dog House is somewhere people can come, switch off, and feel like they belong.”
Interior of The Dog House (Image: Chris Terry)
Sìdà Yoga, an independent studio based on Portland, is also in the running (best yoga/pilates studio), and is the only business on the isle in the awards.
Founded and run by local teacher Victoria Boast, the studio offers modern, accessible yoga alongside sound baths, workshops, and a professional yoga teacher training programme. Since opening, it has built a strong local following, winning the Muddy Stilettos award in 2025 for Best Yoga Studio in Dorset, Somerset and Bristol.
Instructor Victoria Boast of Sìdà Yoga (Image: Victoria Boast)
Now back in the finals for a second consecutive year, the studio is rallying support from the local community in a bid to win the title again and secure a double win.
Also in Dorset, in the best farm shop/Deli category is the Washingpool farm shop, near Bridport.
Simon Holland, one of the partners at the Washingpool shop, said everyone at the business, which started life 26 years ago, was delighted to be among the finalists.
“It proves that what we are doing, we are doing well and it’s appreciated. It’s something that we are proud of – that it’s recognised in a positive way,” he said.
Washingpool farm shop near Bridport (Image: Washingpool farm shop)
Meanwhile, Upwey Wishing Well and Moonfleet Manor, both near Weymouth, the Priory in Wareham and the Summer Lodge in Evershot are all finalists in the ‘best afternoon tea’ category.
In the best artisan food and drink producer category, Langham Wine Estate, between Blandford and Dorchester, was named as a finalist.
Managing director Justin Langham said: “To be recognised alongside so many brilliant independent food and drink businesses across the region means a great deal.
“As a family-owned Dorset estate, we’re proud to represent the county and grateful to everyone who has supported us, visited us, and enjoyed our wines.”
Justin Langham at the Langham Wine Estate (Image: Langham Wine Estate)
Among other Dorset finalists were the Dorset Adventure Park near Corfe Castle and The Etches Collection at Kimmeridge in the ‘best family experience’ category.
In the ‘best florist ‘category, was Floral Couture by Jay in Weymouth, Sweetpea in Blandford, and Wild Roots in Poole.
In the ‘best restaurant’ category, Dorset finalists were ‘Catch at the Old Fishmarket’ in Weymouth, Restaurant Roots in Southbourne, and Thirteen in Poole.
The final round of voting now runs until 1pm on Tuesday, May 26. There are also five new categories this year – Fashion & Interiors, Best-Loved Pub, Best Artisan Food & Drink Producer, Best Afternoon Tea and Best Wellness Break.
People who want to vote are asked to visit https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/vote/
Here are all the Dorset finalists and their categories:
Best afternoon tea – Moonfleet Manor, Priory, The Nici, Upwey Wishing Well
Best artisan food and drink producer – Ecco Gelato, Langham Wine Estate, The Little House.
Best arts, culture and theatre – Dorset Arts Weeks, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, The Sherborne.
Best bar- Bodega
Best beauty salon / clinic – Hollie Danby, Jo Watts, Nu Face Aesthetics
Best boutique stay – The Olllerod, The Seaside Boarding House
Best cafe – F.east, Symondsbury Kitchen, The Cowshed Dorset, The Paddle.
Best casual dining – Ki-cchin Sushi Bar, Rise, Swim, The Parlour.
Best children’s business – Lollipops Café. Primary Colours, the Bubba Hub.
Best family experience – Dorset Adventure Park, Moors Valley, The Etches Ciollection.
Best farm shop / deli – Sopley farm shop, Washingpool farm shop,
Best fashion and interiors – Cleverly Wrapped, The Circus, The Hambledon Gallery
Best florist – Floral Couture by Jay, Kohana, Sweetpea, Wild Roots
Best hair solon – Robin James, Synergy, The Industry, The Natural Curl Company
Best- loved pub – The Dog House, The Old Thatch, The Pymore Inn
Best restaurant – Catch at the Old Fishmarket, Restaurant Roots, Thirteen
Best sport/fitness instructor – Lynsey Suzanne Fitness. Rebecca Jo
Best wedding and party venue – Mapperton House, Minterne House, Moonacre, The Tithe Barn
Best wellbeing specialist – Aimee Strongman: The Maternal Alchemist, Joanne Lenny Accupuncture
Best wellness break – Louma Country Hotel, The Body Retreat
Best yoga/pilates studio – Be More Betty, Charlotte Grace Pilates. Sida Yoga, Sustudio
The winners will be announced on Tuesday, June 16.
Muddy Stilettos is described as the UK’s No1 women’s lifestyle website and trusted local guide for women outside London.