A popular Wimborne deli is in line for a top national award.

The East Street Deli has been shortlisted for the High Street Hero award at this year’s Small Awards.

Now in their seventh year, the Small Awards are organised annually by Small Business Britain.

The organisation champions, inspires and accelerates the nation’s 5.5 million small firms.

The East Street Deli was founded by Claire and Simon Warren in June 2020.

It has been chosen as one of eight finalists for the UK High Street Hero award for the best high street business.

Sponsored by TSB, the award celebrates the nation’s standout independents that play a key role on their local high streets and within their communities.

Judged by a panel of industry experts, the winners will be announced at a glittering awards night in London on May 18.

Michelle Ovens CBE, pictured left, Founder of Small Business Britain, said: “The Small Awards is all about celebrating the incredible small business owners who are at the heart of the economy and communities.

“They are an opportunity to recognise and applaud the passion and tenacity of the nation’s small firms, particularly during such turbulent times.

“Claire and Simon from The East Street Deli should be incredibly proud of being shortlisted for this award and we can’t wait to celebrate with them in May.”

The East Street Deli in Wimborne was opened by Claire and Simon in the middle of the 2020 lockdown with a world of uncertainty surrounding the retail sector.

It offers a wide range of cheeses, meats, wines, craft beers and ciders, coffee and many other treats.

The deli also has an eco-friendly refill section where customers can fill their own bottles with various household cleaning products.

Its product range is a mix of local, national and continental foods and wines with more than 50 cheeses crammed into the cheese counter at any one time.

Plans are afoot to launch a new website in the coming weeks which will have information on the suppliers, partners and products that fill the deli’s shelves.

In 2022 the East Street Deli won two awards at the inaugural Wimborne Business Awards – Independent Business of the Year and the prestigious Overall Business of the Year.

Commenting on their Small Awards shortlisting, the couple said: “It’s incredible to have been shortlisted for such an award.

“The UK is full of inspirational, independent businesses and contrary to popular belief the high street is alive and kicking.

“We are so proud of what we have built in our community and are so grateful for the support of all our customers and the people of Wimborne.

“We’re looking forward to the awards in May and getting to meet all of the other finalists.”