12 of the best independent businesses as chosen by Guardian readers

THIS week is Independents’ Week – a whole week dedicated to promoting independent retail businesses across the UK.

Last Friday, we launched our latest Best of 2024 search as part of these celebrations and we wanted to find the best independent shop or business in Mid Cheshire.

So far in our Best of 2024 competition we’ve given out ten coveted awards.

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

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 12, who will battle it out to be named Mid Cheshire’s Best Independent Shop or Business 2024.

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

There are three ways to vote:

1. Search for the Best Independent Shop shortlist post on our Northwich and Winsford Guardian or Knutsford Guardian Facebook or X (Twitter) 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 Northwich and Winsford Guardian or Knutsford Guardian (Thursday, July 4 edition) and fill in the entry form = 5 votes

(*NB For newspaper entries, email a screenshot of the completed entry form to heidi.summerfield@newsquest.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 different coupon submitted. For full terms and conditions go to Newsquest.co.uk/terms-conditions)

Voting officially opens today, Thursday, and closes at midnight on Sunday, July 7 and 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 12 BEST INDEPENDENT SHOP / BUSINESS SHORTLIST:

Pulse of Perfumery

Pulse of Perfumery, King Street, Knutsford

One review on their Facebook page said: “The perfect place for a couple’s experience.

“The go to place for any special occasion or just a change of smell.

“A fantastic nasal journey!”

They added: “What you would expect from a five star retail experience in up market London street, but in Knutsford.”

For more details go to facebook.com/pulseofperfumery

Dante's Boutique

Dante’s Boutique, Witton Street, Northwich

A one-stop shop for all your magical needs.

For more details go to facebook.com/dantesboutique

The Vinyl Cafe (Image: supplied)

The Vinyl Café, Northwich

One nomination said: “This is a fabulous café for anyone who loves music and vinyl.

“As well as enjoying a slice of cake, you will find an amazing range of music on vinyl to listen to.

“It’s a little gem of a place.”

For more details go to thevinylcafe.co.uk

Sheen's Sew 2 Kit

Sheens Sew2Knit, High Street, Winsford

One regular customer said: “Sheen’s is an Aladdin’s cave for the crafty – you feel like a kid in a sweet shop.

“There’s so much choice and everyone is so friendly.”

For more details go to facebook.com/sheenssew2knit

Millennium Comics

Millennium Comics, Church Road, Northwich

One nomination said: “The quality of service, personal recommendations and customer service is second to none.”

Another said: “There’s a great selection of comics, manga and many other things.”

For more details go to facebook.com/millenniumcomicsUK

CMD Tutoring

CMD Tutoring

A popular modern foreign language tuition service with classes across Mid Cheshire.

One client said: “The lady who runs this works so hard, produces training materials and has been securing funding from businesses so that children from lower income families can attend a summer school for free.”

For more details go to facebook.com/CMDTutoring

Northwich Art Shop

Northwich Art Shop, Witton Street, Northwich

Quality art supplies and materials for artists.

One customer said: “A community spirited business – really welcoming and friendly.

“Very few independent art shops still exists and Northwich is lucky to still have one.”

For more details go to facebook.com/NorthwichArtShop

Weaverham Hardware

Weaverham Hardware, Lime Avenue, Weaverham

One review on their Facebook page said: “What a wonderful, helpful shop!

“The staff went out of their way to sort a problem for me when I couldn’t remove a screw to change a battery.

“Great place with all kinds of hardware related items.

“Why got to a bigger store when such excellent service is available from an independent retailer?”

For more details go to facebook.com/WeaverhamHardwareLtd

The Style Hut

The Style Hut, Northwich Indoor Market

A ladies boutique stocking the latest in ladies fashion and accessories that won last year’s Best Independent Shop award.

Can they take this year’s title?

For more details go to facebook.com/thehair.hut.56

Chapel Gifts & Home

Chapel Gifts and Home, Witton Street, Northwich

One nomination said: “I cannot recommend this place enough.

“They’re immensely helpful and have the most amazing stock in the shop.

“If I’m ever in need of a gift, this is the first place I go and I’m never disappointed.”

For more details go to facebook.com/ChapelGiftCompany

Gwen's Bridal

Gwen’s Bridal, Winnington Lane, Northwich

One review on their Facebook page said: “So much fun at Gwen’s from start to finish.

“Gwen makes the whole experience easy and efficient with lots of giggles.

“Plenty of choice for dresses and lots of good advice.”

For more details go to facebook.com/gwenbridal1

Delamere Furniture and Gifts

Delamere Furniture and Gifts, Navigation Road, Northwich

One happy customer said: “Lovely items and it’s nice to buy local.

“Very polite, helpful and nice staff - we will be back!

“Five stars!”

For more details go to facebook.com/delamerefurniture