East Ayrshire local businesses nominated as UK’s most loved

Thousands of nominations have been submitted from over 200 towns and cities for the event that is championed by local shopping and high street advocates ShopAppy.com.

The thirteen East Ayrshire businesses are:

Stewarton: The Cup and Saucer, William Allan Butchers, The Village Balti, Happy Panda

Dunlop: Idle Hands Shop and Bakery

Kilmaurs: The Cracked Olive, Beth Brownings

Cumnock: Donsport, Emma’s, Presents and Correct

Kilmarnock: Holistica, KP Fishmonger, Rock Diner & Aces

The Cup and Saucer in Stewarton gained the most nominations in the area, with customers praising the business for helping them lift their spirits through numerous lockdowns, and for knowing every name of their customers.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council, said: “This is well-deserved recognition for so many of our local businesses who provide excellent customer service with a real personal touch. What makes these nominations even more special is that they’ve come from local residents who have made the effort to vote due to the genuine appreciation they have for the shops, restaurants and cafes in their communities. Many of these businesses will have experienced difficult times over the last two years, so I’m sure they are over the moon to hear this good news.”

Dr Jackie Mulligan, Founder of Love Local Day, ShopAppy and expert on the Government’s High Street Task Force said: “We have been overwhelmed by the nominations this year from all over the UK. We can see a growing emotional connection to local businesses following the pandemic. The content of nominations is more focused on the social role of high street businesses beyond products to their ethical and community values. 

“We have also seen an increase in nominations for cafes too which is a positive sign of the economy opening up and the experience economy becoming ever more important for high streets and town and city centres.”

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