12 of the best independent shops as chosen by Warrington 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 Warrington.

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 town 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 Best Independent Shop or Business 2024 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 Independent Shop shortlist post on our Warrington Guardian Facebook or 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 Warrington 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:

Renovation Station

Renovation Station, Warrington Market

Specialists in repairing and restoring footwear.

One happy customer said: “Definitely the best – can’t recommend them enough.”

For more details go to facebook.com/renovationstationUK

Mamars

Mamars, Sankey Street

One nomination said: “The best service from the loveliest staff.

“Delicious food locally sourced and top quality products.

“Definitely the best in Warrington!”

For more details go to facebook.com/MamarsatTheOldBank

HanMade for Kids

HanMade for Kids, central Warrington

Personalised products for children.

One nomination said: “A brilliant independent local business.

“Always super friendly and fab service.”

For more details go to facebook.com/HanMadeforkids

Warrington Fruit and Veg

Warrington Fruit and Veg, Warrington Market

One regular said: “A great selection of fruit and veg, fantastic service and they even entered the Krazy Races dressed as a bunny!”

For more details go to facebook.com/warringtonfruit

Manic Minors Toy Store

Manic Minors Toy Store, Orford Lane

Happy customers say this is a great store with a good selection of retro and modern toys and games.

One said: “Toy shops in local towns are few and far between and should be protected at all costs.”

For more details go to facebook.com/ManicMinorsToyStore

Kingswood Candle Company

Kingswood Candle Company, Warrington

One nomination said: “I always have to stop and have a look every time we pass the stall.”

Another said: “I can’t walk past these guys without buying something – my house always smells amazing!”

For more details go to facebook.com/KingswoodCandleCo

Snoutwood Trotters

Snoutwood Trotters, Great Sankey

Independent rare breed pork farm, butchery and bespoke catering for special events.

One nomination said: “What a great local business.

“Once you’ve tasted their sausages and burgers – especially on the barbecue – there’s no going back.

“Absolutely delicious!”

For more details go to facebook.com/Snoutwood

Presto Music School

Presto Music School, Crosfield Street

One nomination said: “Fantastic at engaging with people of all ages so they can learn to play musical instruments.

“Ready to celebrate their 20th anniversary and they just get better every year.”

For more details go to facebook.com/PrestoMusicUK

Dolly Daydream

Dolly Daydream

One happy customer said: “A brilliant little business and it’s family-run.

“Fantastic choice and great customer service.”

For more details go to facebook.com/cheshireboutique

Rowswood Timber

Rowswood Timber, Hatto Lane, Hatton

Timber and landscaping suppliers to trade and the public.

One nomination said: “Great customer service and very impressed with the quality of the products.”

Another said: “A great place to go for any wood products – staff are so welcoming and helpful.”

For more details go to facebook.com/RowswoodTimber

Helen Horne Funeral Directors

Helen Horne Funeral Directors, Longford Street

One review on their Facebook said: “The moment we met with Helen and her team, there was no doubt in our mind that this was the person to look after us at such a difficult time.

“She showed nothing but respect and we can’t thank her enough.”

For more details go to facebook.com/Helenhornefunerals

Hancock and Wood

Hancock and Wood, Bridge Street

Warrington’s oldest independent department store that’s been open for 110 years.

One nomination said: “Beautiful clothes and accessories – always so much choice.

“I’ve been going here since I was a little girl – 60 years of shopping in the same place!”

For more details go to facebook.com/hancockandwood