Worksop farm shop snaps up awards in online ceremony

The awards were due to be held during the flagship Farm Shop and Deli Show but due to the covid-19 outbreak the plans were altered and instead the ceremony was broadcast via social media.

The Welbeck Farm Shop not only scooped ‘Farm Shop of the Year’ in the small retailers’ category but also won the overall Midlands Regional title across all categories.

The store won ‘Small Farm Shop of the Year’ in the Farm Shop and Deli Awards 2018 but it’s the first time it has won the regional title.

Oliver Stubbins, general manager of Welbeck Farm Shop, said: “We are over the moon. This is amazing news to receive during this unprecedented time. Over the last couple of weeks, we have been working around the clock to put together food orders needed by the local community.

“ The team has worked incredibly hard during this time and so to receive the award right now is not only a real honour but is a well-deserved boost for them.”

The awards were founded to recognise the best standards in speciality retail and celebrate the highest level of service and community involvement.

During the online award ceremony, host Nigel Barden paid tribute to the ‘phenomenally high’ quality of finalist.s.

He said: “Not only do they patently care about their customers but the sense of community they’ve exhibited, particularly recently, shows how fortunate we are to have such remarkable artisan food retailers, in our midst.”

Following the introduction of social distancing measures, Welbeck Farm Shop has remained open and now has a new email and contactless collect service in order to support the local community with the provision of food and essentials.

The contactless collect service means that orders are brought out to customers parked in the car park, enabling them to remain at a distance from others.

Manager Oliver added: “The team has been incredible during these changing times and we’ve all been overwhelmed by the support, kind words and continued loyalty of our customers.”