Warrington Guardian Best Of 2022 top seven independent shops revealed

Last Friday, we launched our latest Best of 2022 search as part of these celebrations, which will run until Independents’ Day on Sunday, July 3, and we wanted to find the best independent shop or business in Warrington.

So far in our Best of 2022 competition we’ve looked at hair, nails, beauty and fitness as well as pies, pubs, fish chips and breakfast with voting taking place in the best afternoon tea category over the weekend.

Next up, we wanted to show small business owners at the heart of our local communities some love and celebrate the best the town has to offer as they juggle increasing overheads, competition from big brand companies and the ever-increasing trend for online shopping.

With independent businesses accounting for around 65% of retail outlets in the UK, it’s a sector that has been hit hard with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

We asked you to make your favourite’s day by nominating them for our Best Independent Shop award and joining the #ukindieday promotional campaign.

After reading all of your nominations, we’ve shortlisted the top seven, who will battle it out to be named Best Independent Shop in Warrington.

Now we need your help to choose an overall winner from our shortlist.

There are three ways to vote:

1. Search for the Best Of post on our Warrington Guardian Facebook or Instagram pages and comment under the post with the name of your winner = 1 vote

2. Name your favourite in the comments section on this article via our website = 2 votes

3. Purchase a copy of this week’s Warrington Guardian (June 30 edition) and fill in the entry form = 5 votes

(*NB For newspaper entries, email a screenshot of the completed entry form to competition@nqnw.co.uk – please note that only original copies will be accepted. More than one entry can be submitted per person but you will be asked to provide your own unique reference code for each entry to avoid duplication eg if your name is Smith you may wish to write Smith123 or HS21! as your code. You will need to provide a different code for each entry submitted. For full terms and conditions go to Newsquest.co.uk/terms)

Voting officially opens today, Thursday, and closes at midnight on Monday.

We will be announcing the winner next week.

Keep an eye out for our next Best Of appeal on our social media pages on Friday.

OUR SEVEN BEST INDEPENDENT SHOPS SHORTLIST:

Snoutwood Trotters, Laburnum Lane, Great Sankey

This free-range rare breed pork farm shop, butchery and bespoke event catering company was hugely popular with readers.

Liam and Bex say they “farm it, produce it, sell it and are passionate about it” encouraging customers to #keepitsnoutwood.

The on-site butchery allows them to hand make their own produce using their unique recipes and natural ingredients.

For more details go to facebook.com/Snoutwood/

Snoutwood Trotters

Then and Now, Bruche Gardens

Full of home décor ideas, gifts and fragrance, there promises to be something for everyone at Then and Now including a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

One nomination said: “This is a fabulous shop that is full of unusual items with great customer service.”

Another added: “An absolute gem with unique gifts and lovely owners.”

For more details go to facebook.com/thennowshop/

Then and Now

Renovation Station, Warrington Market

Born from a shoe repair business more than 75 years ago, this small business specialises in cleaning, restoring and customising all kinds of footwear they promise to give all shoes a new lease of life.

Queen legend Brian May is a customer with Renovation Station working their magic on his Stella McCartney Stan Smith Adidas trainers which he wore at Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations.

One customer said: “Renovation Station is the name and redesigning trainers and rejuvenation is the game.

“These lads really know their stuff!”

For more details go to facebook.com/renovationstationUK

Renovation Station

Ruby & Harry, Bridgewater Street, Lymm

This independent gift shop sells bespoke made to order balloons, gifts and greeting cards as well as home décor and bathroom accessories – they claim to sell “anything and everything”, even sweets and ice cream.

One happy customer said: “This is an amazing shop which I could literally spend hours in!”

For more details go to facebook.com/rubyandharry/

Ruby & Harry

Peggy McCools Antiques and Vintage, The Stables, Town Centre

They claim to be the home of “beautiful vintage loveliness” and their customers couldn’t agree more.

This small business is the place to go if you want to bring character to your home and steer clear of flat packed furniture.

They are passionate about sourcing vintage furniture and home décor which will bring timeless pieces into new homes to be loved and enjoyed once again.

One nomination said: “Not just antiques but also quirky little gifts and vintage clothes – a hit!”

For more details go to facebook.com/peggymccools/

Peggy McCools Antiques and Vintage

Lizard Inc Records, Legh Street, Town Centre

This treasure trove of vinyl records is like an Aladdin’s Cave for music lovers who like to browse through their extensive catalogues of hits.

One nomination said: “It’s a great place to go and spend half an hour – you never know what you might find!”

For more details go to facebook.com/lizardincrecords/

Lizard Inc Records

Steven Rogers Wood Flooring, Padgate Lane

This family-run business has a combined 50 years of experience and expertise covering all types of flooring and carpeting.

One happy customer said: “Steve has fitted every floor in our house and the service is second to none.”

One review on their Facebook page said Steve and his team had restored a 20-year-old oak floor and it looked better than it had done initially.

They added: “Everyone is professional, takes real pride in their work and they’re a credit to the company.”

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063541839734

Steven Rogers Wood Flooring