Residents and visitors are being invited to show their support for their favourite independent businesses as the Love Elmbridge Awards 2026 open again this summer.
The much-loved annual awards give people the chance to vote for the independent shops, cafés, restaurants, salons and businesses that make Elmbridge’s towns and villages so special.
Voting for the 2026 awards opened on Wednesday 1 July 2026, with residents encouraged to vote for the businesses that go above and beyond for their customers.
Celebrating local businesses
The Love Elmbridge Awards shine a spotlight on the independent businesses that are at the heart of local communities.
Last year’s winners showcased the breadth and quality of local businesses across Elmbridge, including:
- Best Claygate Independent 2025: Williams & Bunkell Fishmongers
- Best Cobham Independent 2025: Evie Loves Toast
- Best Esher Independent 2025: The Water Gallery
- Best Hersham Independent 2025: Sparkle with Beauty
- Best Hinchley Wood Independent 2025: Georgie’s Coffee House
- Best Long Ditton Independent 2025: The Pottery & Craft Studio
- Best Molesey Independent 2025: The Vet Station
- Best Oxshott Independent 2025: Mint Salon
- Best Stoke D’Abernon Independent 2025: Café Barbera
- Best Thames Ditton Independent 2025: K Barber
- Best Walton-on-Thames Independent 2025: Niki Bakes
- Best Weybridge Independent 2025: AROMAS
Each winner demonstrated a shared commitment to excellent customer service and quality, helping make Elmbridge’s high streets vibrant places to shop and visit.
Councillor Kirsty Hewens, Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Parking and Local Economy, said:
The Love Elmbridge Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the businesses that go the extra mile every day. I encourage everyone to get involved and show their support for the businesses they love.
Calling all local businesses
Independent businesses are also encouraged to get involved by promoting the awards to their customers, staff and supporters. Businesses can download a free social media graphic and poster to help spread the word online and in their premises.
To download the free promotional materials, click the links below to open the poster or social media asset > Right click > Save as > Save
Love Elmbridge 2026 social media asset download
Taking part is a great way to raise your profile, showcase your achievements, attract new customers and demonstrate your commitment to the local community. Encouraging nominations can help businesses gain valuable recognition and celebrate the role they play in making Elmbridge’s high streets and neighbourhoods thrive.
Have your say
Residents can vote for any independent business, whether it’s their go-to coffee spot, trusted hairdresser or favourite local shop.
Votes will determine the winning businesses across Elmbridge’s towns and villages, with winners to be announced in September.
Voting is open from 1 to 31 July
Voting open: Vote for your favourite local independent business
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