Judges have been on the streets of beautiful Barnes this week after it was shortlisted in the annual Urbanism Awards, which assess the best places to shop and live across the UK.

A team from The Academy of Urbanism visited the area this week to enjoy the fabulous character and mix of independent shops.

Specifically, the High Street is on a shortlist of three finalists in the Best High Street category of the 2023 Urbanism Awards, putting it up against locations in Leeds and Perth.

The success comes against the background of increasing worries that landlords across the country are making life increasingly difficult for small businesses with punishing increases in rents.

The Awards are the organisation's primary platform for recognising the best, most enduring or most improved urban environments across the UK, Ireland and Europe.

The scheme is designed to identify and promote the best of Britain while seeing how they can be used as a template to be followed by other town and village centres.

The area is being promoted by the Barnes Day Out and Barnes Bouncing Back campaigns, who argue: "Barnes is a brilliant place to explore.

"Whether you want to be artsy, active, enjoy our beautiful green spaces and river walks, or simply mooch around our great boutiques, food shops, restaurants and pubs, Barnes has got a lot to offer."

They point to its famous Bull' Head jazz pub, beautiful boutique Olympic cinema and the OSO dedicated art and performance venue, which are all within a 5 minute walk of the centre of the village.

Barnes is promoted as destination for foodies with its two old fashioned greengrocers, a butcher – the very trendy Ginger Pig, a fish shop, several fantastic delis including Sips & Bites, Spoonful and Sonny's Kitchen and a dedicated cheese shop.

There is also the brilliant Farmer's Market just by Barnes Pond every Saturday morning, and an M&S Food Hall.

Noteworthy restaurants include Riva, which is an Italian lauded by Heston Blumenthal, Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, Rick Stein's first London restaurant, and Sonny's Kitchen which is co-owned by Michelin starred chef Phil Howard and has been a neighbourhood favourite in Barnes for over 25 years.

The streets of Barnes are full of independent shops, which is the highest proportion of anywhere in the country, making it a great place for a spot of retail therapy.

* The winners will be announced at the awards event which is due to take place on November 23.