The owner of a wine bar in Princes Risborough said ‘lovely regulars’ and passion for the community are the secret to being named best in the region at this year’s Muddy Stilettos Awards.

Louise Rice, 53, founded Duke’s Wine Bar ten years ago both as a passion project and out of necessity when she realised her former job wasn’t covering the costs required of her as a single parent to two teenagers.

It was a leap of faith, but not one she took entirely blindly. Louise is a long-term resident of Princes Risborough and noticed a gap in the market for a casual, community-centric venue offering food, drink and a smile to those looking to expand their social circles outside of pubgoers.

It was something the 53-year-old felt she herself was lacking in her life – “a kitchen full of people and lots of smiling faces is something that makes me happy” – and, though it was a gamble, launching her own business seemed like it just might be the perfect solution.

Fast forward a decade, and Duke’s Wine Bar is an acknowledged local gem in the heart of the town, with an average Google rating of 4.7 stars from nearly 300 reviews and a wide repertoire, serving quality wines, tapas-style dishes, patisserie items and more to the delight of those from near and far.

It’s no real surprise, then, that Louise scooped the title of Best Bar across the whole Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire region at this year’s Muddy Stilettos Awards – though it marks a decade of business with aplomb, especially since the awards are customer-voted and reflect a genuine love for the hub the mum-of-two has managed to build.

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“To win an award in our tenth year really makes it feel extra special – I think it’s brilliant that our customers took the time to vote, and we’ve had so many people come in for lunch over the past few days to say they voted for us and give us their congratulations.

“I put so much into this business, I run it like my home and I’m here more than I am at home, but above all else, it’s important to make it a happy place to work.

“I think I’ve succeeded in that. It feels like a very happy place, and I have both my children working with me, which is lovely.

“Even during the COVID pandemic, we were very lucky because we had just expanded into the place next door which made social distancing easier, and we could deliver wine.

“Looking back, I’m just grateful for all the support. I’ve worked hard for the community and with the council, and this feels like a return of that belief. It really does mean the world to me.”