WHICH Warrington Market traders go above and beyond to provide excellent customer service in very challenging times?

That is what we have been asking readers for our feature, 6 of the Best, and we have been inundated with entries.

Over the coming weeks we will be celebrating Warrington’s top businesses and eateries and after appealing for your help in finding the best independent traders at the new market, you nominated 26 stall holders and street food producers.

We then had the hard task of whittling that down to six winners based on the volume of your nominations and messages with the most detail as to why a particular trader stood out.

1. Renovation Station/Moran's

Renovation Station, which specialises in cleaning, restoring and customising vintage trainers and all kinds of other footwear, received the most nominations by far.

It was launched by Ste White who also runs Moran's, a shoe repair and key cutting business, that has a 75-year history in Warrington.

Renovation Station was described as 'best of its kind in the north west' and having 'amazing service' in a relaxed environment where you can have a laugh with the team.

One comment said: "The guys and service are first class – always a smile and a chat. A customer-focused company. First rate."

Another added: "They are so polite and always willing to help. They take the tiniest details into account."

2. Jak Blak

It may be one of Warrington Market's newest traders but it has quickly become one of the favourites at the Cookhouse if voter feedback is anything to go by.

Jak Blak serves up artisan street food from steak sandwiches and 'filthy fries' to crispy garlic chicken and veggie favourites like miso braised shrooms and barbecue cauliflower.

Warrington Guardian:

A voter said: "Amazing food, friendly staff, always happy to change things up."

Another added: "The menu is always new and exciting. A definite reason to visit the market."

3. Singleton Jones

Run by longstanding market trader Gary Jones, many think this family deli sells the 'best tasting' bacon and sausage. It also now has a new hot counter and sandwich corner.

Gary's daughter Vicki O'Hare said: "Gary stayed open throughout lockdown. I say for the whole family, we are so proud of him. He works long hours and worked through lockdown while vulnerable himself.

"He worked hard on his new stall and has always been an inspiration on how hard work does really get you somewhere. Struggling through school with dyslexia, he worked hard and worked his way up through the butchers he worked at as a boy.

"He became an area manager for another firm before owning his own business. He works six days a week and still made time to be there for us growing up."

4. PJ's Jewellers

The long established jewellery and watches shop, which also specialises in restoration work, has been praised for its personal touch.

A customer said: "It has heart. Going there is like returning to the good old days when your jeweller knew you and knew what you liked. Owner Eileen Fleming is one of the kindest and most attentive traders I have ever met."

5. Warrington Fruit and Veg

If you like service with a smile and bucket loads of personality with your visit to the market, you cannot go wrong popping to see Rob Leicester.

Warrington Guardian:

Rob is a well known character and a friendly face at the market and has already proved his worth as he was crowned Young Trader of the Year 2018 by the National Market Traders' Federation.

The business's fruit and veg boxes also became a Warrington staple during the lockdown.

One comment said: "Their service during the pandemic has been fantastic, taking the worry out of shopping. The produce is always so fresh and delicious and they are really helpful whenever you need any additional help."

Another added: "Warrington Fruit and Veg responded amazingly well to lockdown and provided an excellent delivery service to the town. Their produce is always very fresh an excellent quality."

6. Dark Side of the Spoon

Eighties pop culture meets indulgent American-style desserts with the latest venture by the team behind Café at the End of the Universe.

Think waffles, ice cream, cupcakes, doughnuts and, more recently, vegan treats all presented with Dark Side's signature style.

Warrington Guardian:

One customer said: "Everyone is so nice and smiley all the time. The desserts are next level.

Another added: "The staff have always been incredibly friendly and helpful whether we've just popped in for a treat or ordered cakes for parties."