Meet the businesses fighting for top spots across 20 categories at well-renowned Northants Life Awards
Meet the popular businesses fighting it out for the top spots across 20 categories at the well-renowned Northants Life Awards.
Now in its fourth year, the ceremony is an annual celebration of the best of Northamptonshire – recognising the businesses, individuals and venues that make the county a special place to live, work and visit.
From independent retailers and restaurants to service providers, the NL Awards shine a light on the people behind the county’s most loved ventures.
This year has seen the addition of two brand new categories, ‘Best Hotel or B&B’ and ‘Best Wellness or Spa’, and all the shortlisted nominees are listed below besides for the prestigious ‘Special Recognition Award’.
The NL Awards are a not-for-profit event and Northants Life is proud to work alongside charity partners Cynthia Spencer and Cransley Hospices, with any funds raised on the night to be donated to Sands UK.
The winner out of the top five shortlisted nominees in each category will be decided by a 50/50 split between a public vote and an independent judging panel, and the results will be revealed on July 16 at Chester House.
With more than 12,000 nominations and some incredibly tight results that determined who made it to the top five, all votes make a difference and you can find a link to have your say at the bottom of this story.
Let’s take a look at the shortlisted nominees at the Northants Life Awards 2026…
Best Restaurant
The Palmichael
The Folk House
The Countryman Staverton
La Famiglia Rushden
Red Lion East Haddon
Best Hotel or B&B
Oscar Lodge
The World’s End
Church Farm Lodge
Kettering Park Hotel
York Cottage Spa
Best B2B
Clear Brew Northants
Candid Cove
Bee Bakes
Hireful
NRCM Web Design
Best Charity or Community Group
Kelly’s Heroes
Broken Society Run Club
Wellingborough & Rushden Cats Protection
The Never Alone Project
Breast Friends Northampton
Swish
Best Gym or Fitness
Urban Gym Wellingborough
Joanne Banham Dance Company
Northampton Netball
Active Mummies
Foundry Gym
Best Small Business
Scruffy Dog Silver
CBrownies
IFoodsUK
Azalea Healthcare
Joanne Banham Dance Company
Retro Mania
Best Pub
The Ale Pub
Early Doors
The Old Swan, Earls Barton
The Goat
The Countryman Staverton
Best Wellness or Spa
Peak Performance Clinic
The Luxury Head Spa
Zen with Clem
Flo Wellbeing
Healing Muscles & Co
ASMR Treatment Bar
Best Large Business
Greedy Gordons
In Town Automotive
Moorgate Finance
Kettering Park Hotel
Acorn Analytical Services
Best New Business
LCT Creativ
Gooey Spoon
The Adored Dog Spa
Crankshaft Coffee
Bee Bakes
Sip and Olive
Best Day Out
West Lodge Farm Park
Colready Highlands
Wicksteed Park
Hideaway Wood Farm
Catanger Llamas
Best Beauty Salon
Beauty by Gemma
The Treatment Room
The Beauty Box
Blink & Sculpt
The Beauty House
The Browhouse
Best Hair Salon
Khaos
Palm and Wave
Hair by Isla
Bella Gracie
MiKo Studio
The Barber Shed
Best Indoor or Outdoor Activity
Padel Power
The Sweat & Glow Club
AB Events
Play Padel Grendon
TBV Axemasters
Best Cafe
Hidden Gem
Nourish
The Loft
Daveys
Els Bakes
Best Retailer
Kitsch Mitch
The Bee Friendly Store
Binkys Boutique
Passenger Outfitters
Voni Blu
Best Food & Drink Business
Duston Village Bakery
CBrownies
Jeyes of Earls Barton
Baker Benjy
Bakeworks Co
Best Wedding Venue or Supplier
The Event Man
Abigail Maynard Makeup
Michael Calders Photography
Sculpt by Sophia
Bespoke Bridal Bliss
Best Kids Activity
NCAAC
Joanne Banham Dance Company
Music Makers
Baby Sensory Northampton
The Storybook Play Cafe
Born 2 Dance
Best Takeaway
Raunds Fish Bar
Burger Boulevard
Pizza @ 75
The Kentucky Cookout
Georgia’s Fish Bar