Hitchin MP Congratulates Local Award-Winning Businesses 

Bim Afolami MP, Hitchin's Member of Parliament, visited local businesses who won in the Muddy Stilettos regional awards recently. 

Mr Afolami met with staff at The Wee Vinoteca and Next Page Books in Hitchin recently to congratulate them on their success in the awards.

The Wee Vinoteca were named the region's best bar, while Next Page Books won in the best bookshop category.

Other local winners included Luke's Patisserie (local producer food/drink), The Barn at the Redcoats Farmhouse (wedding venue) and Rubarb (women's fashion store). 

Mr Afolami MP said: "We all knew that Hitchin and the villages are full of amazing businesses but it is absolutely fantastic to see some of them rewarded for their great work.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my visits to The Wee Vinoteca and Next Page Books to congratulate them in person on their success – and see for myself exactly what makes them our region's best! 

"Do go and check out these great businesses – and all the other fantastic businesses that Hitchin and the villages have to offer – when you're out and about." 

Muddy Stilletos hailed The Wee Vinoteca saying that the idea behind this little gem – founded by Duncan Gammie, a sommelier at a Michelin-starred restaurant in a former life – is that you can pop in and try-before-you-buy over a bite to eat in a sociable and relaxed environment.

There's a small and ever changing selection of hand-picked wines arranged by price and style, which, along with the expert advice from Duncan and his team, makes choosing your perfect tipple a doddle. The good news is you don't have to be a wine expert, just enjoy drinking it.

Duncan Gammie at The Wee Vinoteca explained: "The team and I are over the moon to win the award for best bar in Herts and Beds for a second year in a row.

"The fact that these awards are decided by public vote makes the achievement even more special as it means our customer's feel so strongly about what we are doing that they have gone out of their way to nominate and then vote for us.

"We feel that winning this award twice is testament to our belief that focusing on a single thing that you are incredibly passionate about, is the best approach to business.

"I'm incredibly grateful to my hard working team and supportive customers."