The Awards, often referred to as the ‘Rural Oscars’, are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of British food & farming, enterprise and heritage. The Awards are now in their 19th year and have become the definitive rural business award to win. They are set apart from other award schemes because they are driven by public nomination, offering customers the chance spotlight their favourite businesses worthy of national acclaim. The winners are also selected by the public, and voting is now open.
Welbeck Farm Shop sits in the heart of a vibrant food community on the Welbeck Estate in Nottinghamshire. The Shop has also recently been shortlisted in Large Farm Shop of the Year categories in both the Farm Retail Association and Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards. Since opening in 2006, Welbeck Farm Shop has earned a reputation for being one of the region's best farm shops. Much of the Shop’s product range is sourced from, or prepared on, the Welbeck Estate – it stocks the Estate’s own meat and game; raw milk is sold in an in-store vending machine and is also used to make the famous Stichelton blue cheese.
Countryside Alliance Awards Director Sarah Lee commented: “We have been overwhelmed by nominations this year. The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses and not just their produce or services. They exist to sing the praises of those who work hard to keep our communities and rural economy ticking, but don’t seek the spotlight. These awards provide a cause for celebration in a time of great uncertainty in the countryside. Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition.”
Oliver Stubbins, Managing Director at Welbeck Farm Shop, commented: “We are flattered to be recognised again in these prestigious awards. Just to be shortlisted is excellent news, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Farm Shop team and our excellent suppliers. This Award is voted for by the public, and so we’d love to call on our customers to show their support and give us a vote.”
Winners will be chosen via a public vote, which opens today (2 March), and announced in April. The winners of the category will go on to represent the region at the House of Lords in the national champions’ reception in July.
