Meet the county’s 21 best businesses crowned at 2026’s prestigious Northants Life Awards

By Katie Wheatley

Senior Reporter

Published 28th Jul 2026, 14:40 BST

Meet the county’s 21 best businesses who were crowned at the prestigious Northants Life Awards 2026 earlier this month.

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.

The ceremony is a not-for-profit event and Northants Life is proud to work alongside charity partners Cynthia Spencer and Cransley Hospices, with funds raised on the evening having been donated to Sands UK.

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. Photo: Tom Jullings (onefoursix).

placeholder image — 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. Photo: Tom Jullings (onefoursix).

The winner out of the top five shortlisted nominees in each category was decided by a 50/50 split between a public vote and an independent judging panel, and the results were revealed on July 16 at The Chester House Estate.

With more than 12,000 nominations and some incredibly tight results that determined who made it to the top five, all votes made a difference to the final results.

Let’s take a look at this year’s winners at the Northants Life Awards 2026…

Best Restaurant: The Countryman Staverton

From independent retailers and restaurants to service providers, the NL Awards shine a light on the people behind the county’s most loved ventures. Photo: Tom Jullings (onefoursix).

placeholder image — From independent retailers and restaurants to service providers, the NL Awards shine a light on the people behind the county’s most loved ventures. Photo: Tom Jullings (onefoursix).

Best Hotel or B&B: The World’s End

Best B2B: NRCM Web Design

Best Charity or Community Group: Breast Friends Northampton

Best Gym or Fitness: Joanne Banham Dance Company

With more than 12,000 nominations and some incredibly tight results that determined who made it to the top five, all votes made a difference to the final results. Photo: Tom Jullings (onefoursix).

placeholder image — With more than 12,000 nominations and some incredibly tight results that determined who made it to the top five, all votes made a difference to the final results. Photo: Tom Jullings (onefoursix).

Best Small Business: Scruffy Dog Silver

Best Pub: The Old Swan, Earls Barton

Best Wellness or Spa: Healing Muscles & Co

Best Large Business: Greedy Gordons

Best New Business: Crankshaft Coffee

Best Day Out: Colready Highlands

Best Beauty Salon: The Beauty Box

Best Hair Salon: MiKo Studio

Best Indoor or Outdoor Activity: Padel Power

Best Cafe: Els Bakes

Best Retailer: The Bee Friendly Store

Best Food & Drink Producer: Duston Village Bakery

Best Wedding Venue or Supplier: Michael Calders Photography

Best Kids Activity: Music Makers

Best Takeaway: Raunds Fish Bar & Georgia’s Fish Bar (the first ever tie in the history of the Northants Life Awards)

Special Recognition: Jeyes of Earls Barton

For more information on the NL Awards 2026, visit Northants Life’s website here.

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