Here’s what they said.

1 Beautiful Betty, Hexham

Several readers, including Kathryn Davidson Armstrong and James Shotton, voted for Beautiful Betty, which is a sustainable and ethical beauty brand based in the centre of town. The business strives to minimise its environmental impact and all products are vegan and cruelty-free.  

2 Fresh ‘N’ Thyme Mobile Fruit and Vegetables, Hexham

Mary Ann Rogers recommended Fresh ‘N’ Thyme Mobile Fruit and Vegetables as the business delivers year-round, no matter the weather.

3 Stage Fright C.I.C, Hexham

Linda Ferris said: “Stage Fright C.I.C is currently providing workshops in drama, photography and avenues to wellness, including art and woodcraft, building confidence and bringing smiles to our community.”

Angela Wilson, owner of Small World Cafe in Hexham, another of the businesses which was mentioned by readers as a great small business (Image: Wil Cheung)

4 Northumberland Christmas Trees, Hexham

Janie French said: “Northumberland Christmas Trees as they are based in Hexham, deliver for free and their trees are grown in Northumberland. Fresh as a daisy.”

5 Crystal Clean, Bellingham

Eileen Little voted for Crystal Clean cleaning business, which offers a range of cleaning services. 

One Facebook review said: “Amazing service today by Claire, my oven looks brand new and I can literally see my face in the glass. 100 per cent recommend.”

6 Sarah Hickey Jewellery, Hexham

Zoe Reay voted for Sarah Hickey Jewellery. The business sells handcrafted artisanal jewellery featuring gemstones, freshwater pearls and corals. 

A Facebook review said: “Beautiful work and so helpful to be willing to create something for me in a very short space of time.”

7 The Yellow Bird Café, Haltwhistle

Greg Irwin voted for the cafe, which describes itself as an ‘eclectic café serving fresh sandwiches, baked goods, and American sweets and drinks’.

A Facebook review said: “Best sarnies in Haltwhistle. Great coffee while you wait. Delicious.”

8 The Hemmel Cafe, Allenheads

Sami Nash recommended The Hemmel Cafe, which serves homemade food including cakes, pies and cheesecakes.

Afternoon tea at The Hemmel Cafe, Allenheads (Image: Tripadvisor)

A Facebook review said: “Stopped there today on a bike ride. It’s in a great quiet location and the food is top-notch.”

9 Luna Studios, Prudhoe

Stu Armstrong recommended the tattoo business based in Prudhoe. One happy reviewer said: “Zoe was amazing, it was my first tattoo and she couldn’t have done a better job. Would recommend her to anyone.” 

10 Wilde Bakes, Haltwhistle

Greg Irwin also voted for the independent bakery, which provides homebaked cakes and traybake selection boxes and can be hired for events.