The thriving heart of Nottinghamshire’s food scene, Welbeck Farm Shop and its sister, the Harley Café, are basking in the national spotlight after being named finalists in the highly esteemed Farm Retail Awards 2026. These annual awards, run by the Farm Retail Association (FRA) and sponsored by Fieldfare, are among the most sought-after honours in the world of British farm retail, recognising trail-blazing businesses that set the standard for quality, community spirit and innovation.
Welbeck Farm Shop stands proudly amongst the four finalists in the Large Farm Shop of the Year category, celebrated for its unwavering dedication to sourcing the finest local food. The shop works hand in hand with the Welbeck estate’s farmers, sourcing vegetables, dairy and livestock from the 15,000-acre estate. Beyond this, the shop champions a community of resident food producers, ensuring the shelves are stocked with bread from the estate bakehouse, craft beer from the local brewery, artisanal cheese, and raw milk dairy – all bearing the unmistakable stamp of local provenance and sustainable practice.
This focus on quality and authenticity has not only won the hearts of locals but also impressed the FRA’s judges, who carried out a rigorous three-stage assessment, including visits by fellow farm retailers. The judges sought out businesses that embody the very best of British farm retail, and Welbeck Farm Shop’s “people, provenance and pride” shone through at every stage.
Equally lauded is the Harley Café, which has clinched a spot as a finalist in the Farm Café/Restaurant of the Year category. Owned by the Harley Foundation and managed by Welbeck Farm Shop, the café is a stand-out example of the farm-to-table ethos. Diners can enjoy dishes crafted with the best local ingredients, from bread delivered fresh from the Welbeck Bakehouse and meat from the shop’s award-winning butchery, to vegetables picked from its own kitchen garden. This seamless supply chain ensures every plate is a celebration of the estate’s rich agricultural heritage and culinary expertise.
The Harley Café’s commitment to local sourcing and community connection is exactly what the FRA’s national “More Than Food” campaign seeks to highlight. The campaign shines a light on farm shops, cafés and markets as more than just places to buy and sell; they are essential community hubs offering authenticity, trust, and meaningful connection.
Winners of the Farm Retail Awards 2026 will be revealed at a glittering ceremony on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, at the Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The awards celebrate a buoyant farm retail scene with categories ranging from butchery and rising stars to small and large farm shops. The event promises to be a highlight of the industry calendar, coinciding with the FRA’s annual conference at the Great Yorkshire Showground.
Emma Mosey, Chair of the Farm Retail Association, praised the finalists: “Each of our finalists represents the very best of British farm retail, from outstanding farm shops and skilled butchers to welcoming cafés and the dedicated businesses that support them. Together, they showcase the innovation, passion and community connection that define our sector.” This recognition is both a tribute and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Welbeck team.
For Welbeck Farm Shop and the Harley Café, this shortlisting is more than just a moment of personal achievement – it is a celebration for the entire Nottinghamshire community, shining a light on the value of supporting local, sustainable food systems. Regardless of the outcome in March, their place as finalists is already a victory for everyone who believes in the importance of local food, community, and doing things the right way.
Oliver Stubbins, Welbeck Farm Shop Director, commented:
I’m delighted that the relentless hard work and passion our teams show every day have been acknowledged and recognised as the best in the UK.
To be shortlisted for both the Large Farm Shop and Cafe of the year categories is a testament to our colleagues, customers and suppliers.
In stature, the shop and cafe are tiny compared to many of the other amazing family-run Farm Shops in the UK, but these peer-judged awards acknowledge the consistency in service and quality of food offer, and the passion that goes into everything that we do.
Author: Cat Storey, Marketing Manager