Lytham optometrist Thompson and Hardwick named Fylde's best shop by public in MP Andrew Snowden's competition
“What makes the competition so special is that the winners have been chosen by the public”
Thompson and Hardwick of Lytham has been crowned Fylde’s Best Shop 2026 in a new competition introduced this year by the area’s MP Andrew Snowden.
It comes after more than 5,000 votes were cast by residents across the constituency. More than 300 local businesses were nominated, with the overall winner, area winners and runners-up all decided by the public vote.
Thompson and Hardwick, family-run optometrists offering a wide range of health care, has been at the heart of Lytham since 1994 and also takes the area title for Lytham St Annes area title.
Mabel’s, The Crafty Cottage and Fable Book Café, all of St Annes and Tomlinsons Chemist, Lytham were named as runners-up.
In Kirkham and Rural Fylde, Serendipity House gift shop in Poulton Street, Kirkham, was crowned the area winner, followed by Book Bean and Ice Cream, Second Chance, both of Kirkham, Helme's Farm Shop, Lea and Emily’s Hair Design, Warton.
In Poulton, which is also in Mr Snowden’s constituency, Three Little Piggies bakery took the top spot, with Solo Boutique, Sabroso cafe, Truly Kitchen and Tea Room and Uccello Hair and Beauty completing the runners-up.
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Mr Snowden launched the competition earlier this summer to celebrate the area’s independent shops, cafés and local businesses.
He said: “Huge congratulations to Thompson and Hardwick on being crowned Fylde’s Best Shop 2026, and to Serendipity House and Three Little Piggies on winning their respective area titles.
“The response has been fantastic, with over 300 businesses nominated and more than 5,000 votes cast by local residents.
“What makes the competition so special is that the winners have been chosen by the public, reflecting just how much these businesses are valued by their communities.
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“Congratulations also to all our runners-up and every business nominated.”
As overall winner, Thompson and Hardwick receives the competition’s historic silver trophy, originally presented in 1953 to recognise outstanding local shops and donated by local resident Margaret Race.
Andrew added: “This trophy has a wonderful history of recognising local businesses, and I’m delighted Thompson and Hardwick will now become part of that history.”
Thompson and Hardwick’s owner Drew Thompson, who received the trophy from Mr Snowden, said: “We’re delighted to have won. We try to go above and beyond and look after people’s needs and it’s lovely to get the recognition.”