Newark and Sherwood businesses take top spots in Muddy Stilettos 2025 regional awards for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire

Independent businesses from across the Advertiser area have taken home top prizes in the 2025 Muddy Stilettos Regional Awards as recognition for their excellent customer service.

Winners in the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire were decided by public vote through the Muddy Stilettos website, with businesses nominated across 21 different categories.

The awards were presented to recipients in a ceremony at Fischer's Hall in Baslow, Derbyshire.

Taking home the award for Best Family Experience was White Post Farm.

This popular attraction has been a visitor staple for families across the county for the past few decades and continues to innovate and improve their appeal to this day.

The Farnsfield-based wildlife park offers wide range of animals to see including reptiles, snakes, meerkats, and birds of prey, alongside a host of domestic farm animals such a goats, pigs, donkeys, and even alpacas.

Spokesperson for White Post Farm, Morgan Wood, said: "The White Post Farm team were thrilled to win the Muddy Stilettos award for Best Family Experience.

“Every single member of the team works incredibly hard to make sure every visitor that steps through the gates has a fabulous experience at the farm.

“We are extremely proud of this achievement, and hope that we can continue to provide a great day out, whilst celebrating and educating all on animals and conservation."

The farm, located just off Mansfield Road, has both indoor and outdoor play areas, go-karts, a tearoom, gift shop and pet shop all onsite, making it a perfect day out for the whole family.

They are now gearing up for a busy summer of themed events and activities, a summer club to keep children occupied during the school summer break, and the ranger and junior ranger academy, which acts as an introduction for those working towards a career with animals or for those with a passion for wildlife.

Elsewhere, the Scented Garden Private Day Spa, Orston, won the prize for Best Wellbeing Specialist.

Founded in 2021 by owner Caroline Newton, the idea behind the business came about after she considered turning her back garden into a spa.

Since then the business has grown, employing a team of therapists and wellbeing specialists, and previously won a Muddy Stilettos award in 2023 for Best Day Spa.

Speaking about their latest win, Caroline said: “We’re beyond excited to share that The Scented Garden Private Day Spa has won, for the second time now.

“A huge thank you to everyone who voted — your support means the world to us.

“As we approach our fourth year, we can’t help but reflect on how lucky we are to have welcomed so many of you to our tranquil space in Orston.

Finally, Halam Salon, based in the picturesque village near Southwell, picked up the award for Best Salon.

​The business is a Wella Professionals salon and provides quality hair products and services, in a friendly atmosphere, at competitive prices.

Their qualified stylists offer a wide range of hairdressing services including cutting, colouring, styling, and pride themselves on a giving customers a personal service with refreshments available.

After collecting their award, salon owner Ashleigh Greaves, said: “We are thrilled to have received the prestigious muddy stiletto award this year for best hair salon in Notts & Derby.

“Thank you to everyone who supported us and voted and for the teams hard work and dedication to help make the salon what it is today.”