Independent businesses from across Nantwich were celebrated at a glamorous Shop Local Nantwich Awards ceremony held at the Wychwood Park Hotel on Saturday 31 January.

Applestump Records, Oatmarket, was crowned Best Local Business at the annual Shop Local Nantwich Awards, in recognition of its passion, personality and commitment to the local community. The award was sponsored by The Weston Biltong Company.

The independent record shop, which specialises in new and second-hand vinyl, has become a much-loved hub for music fans.

Alongside its carefully curated record selection, Applestump Records regularly hosts in-store gigs, artist Q&As and special events, championing grassroots live music in the town.

Recent months have seen a string of high-profile successes for the Oatmarket store. Tickets for pop icon Mel C (Melanie Chisholm) performing at St Mary's Church in Nantwich this April sold out in just nine minutes, while the shop has hosted packed-out signing events with Blue and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Toast Haus, Pillory Street, operated by Mitchell Green and Mitchel Hodges, won Start-Up of the Yea (Photo: Toast Haus).

During Independent Venue Week, Applestump welcomed large crowds for a series of live performances at the shop.

Other winners on the night included:

• The Pilates Studio Cheshire – Health and Beauty Award
• Daisy Blossom Children's Wear – Young Entrepreneur of the Year
• Toast Haus – Start-Up of the Year
• Nantwich Food Festival – Best Event Organiser
• Inside Paradise – Best Retailer
• Bear and Boost – Community Award
• Twinkle Textiles – Best Market Trader
• Bondies Bagels – Best Food and Drink
• Bunbury Hair – Best Customer Service
• The Cheshire Dog Lady – Paws Award

Owner of Applestump Records, Steve Cook, said: "Winning this award means the world to us. Nantwich has an incredible independent business community, and to be recognised by local people is truly special.

"We're proud to be part of this town and grateful to everyone who supports the shop, comes to our events and keeps live music thriving here."

Sponsors supporting the awards included Nantwich Clinic, Balloon Marketing, Florish Foundry, EweMove, Nantwich Town Council, KASE Projects, Thrive Together Financial, Vu Da Je Accountancy, JDL Mini Markets and Weston Biltong Company.

Organised by Shop Local Cheshire Ltd, the Shop Local Nantwich Awards were created to celebrate the independent businesses that give the town its distinctive character.

Through public nominations and voting, the awards shine a spotlight on the hard work, creativity and resilience of local traders, while reinforcing the importance of shopping locally and supporting the town's vibrant high street.

READ MORE: 'Sporty Spice' sells out Nantwich church gig in nine minutes.

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Nantwich Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Please consider following Nantwich Nub News on Facebook.