Welbeck farm shop named East Midlands' best retailer for 2020 in Great Food Club awards

The shop, on the Welbeck estate just off the A60, was named food shop of the year in the Great Food Club awards on Monday, November 2.

Almost 6,000 votes were cast online when Great Food Club members and readers were invited to vote for the one food or drink independent business in the East Midlands that had brought them the most joy over the past 12 months.

Shop manager Oliver Stubbins said: “It meant a lot to us to know that we were nominated for the award by our customers.

“We were overwhelmed that they even put us forward for this award.”

The news came as a been a great boost for the team as they prepared for the start of the second national lockdown.

The farm shop will be staying open throughout this month with Covid-secure measures in place to allow for a contactless collections service, which was introduced earlier this year.

Oliver said: "It’s obviously been a challenging year for everyone and the team has worked really hard to maintain our normal levels of service for our customers.”

Summing up their final decision, the award judges wrote: “This sumptuously stocked shop would be a treat even if it didn’t showcase produce from the food and drink hub that is the Welbeck estate.

"The fact it does – notably Stichelton cheese, beers from Welbeck Abbey Brewery, raw milk from the Welbeck Dairy, and bread from Welbeck Bakehouse – makes it extra special.”

The shop, which opened in 2006, received a three-star rating in the prestigious Guild of Fine Food Great Taste awards last month and in March was named farm shop of the year in the Farm Shop & Deli Awards.

The business prides itself on providing quality fresh, food and drink and works closely with local producers. To place an order, go to www.welbeckfarmshop.co.uk.

Other Nottinghamshire award winners included café of the year All Mine Cakes by the Lake in Maythorne, pub of the year the Marquis of Granby, and fine dining restaurant of the year Alchemilla in Nottingham.