Darts Farm shortlisted for Great British Food Awards 2019

Devon based Darts Farm is thrilled to be shortlisted in the Great British Food Awards 2019 in the ‘Best Independent Retailer for the West of England’ category. 

Finalists in each of the 19 categories are chosen by a panel of experts from the Great British Food magazine team.  Members of the public are now invited to vote for their favourite food and drink brands, retailers, celebrity chefs and personalities.  To vote for Darts Farm simply visit www.greatbritishfoodmagazine.com/awards. Closing date for votes is 19th August and each entrant has the opportunity to win £7,000 worth of incredible prizes!

The awards’ shortlist follows a month of celebrations at Darts Farm.  In-house florist Anna Slade was awarded a Silver in this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show “Florist of the Year”.  Comments made on BBC2 were that her exhibit was ‘exquisite’, ‘so brave, it’s couture’ with ‘gorgeous plant material, really original’.  Anna was named one of the top 16 florists in the country for this year’s ‘Florist of the Year’. 

With 68 years of service between them, Darts Farm employees Dave Collingwood and Andy Stokes were recently presented with Long Service Awards at the Devon County Show for their ongoing dedication to Darts Farm.  Dave and Andy have been integral to shaping Darts Farm into what it is today.  Whilst Darts Farm’s longstanding cider partners, Chris Coles and Nick Pring of Green Valley Cyder, have been awarded Long Service Awards for their contribution to cider making at the Royal Bath & West Show. 

Commenting on behalf of Darts Farm, Director Michael Dart says: “We’re truly honoured to be shortlisted in the Great British Food Awards.  It’s a real achievement for the Darts Farm team who work hard every day to produce exciting and engaging events and masterclasses throughout the year and make sure our Food Hall is packed with delicious delights. We’re also incredibly proud of our long service team members and florist for their recent achievements.” He continues: “We’re extremely fortunate to be surrounded by so many brilliant producers.  We’re proud of our relationships, some going back 25 years which we continue to nurture and enjoy forming relationships with new producers.”

James Dart, Director of Darts Farm, adds: “As it’s our 25th anniversary year, this couldn’t be better timed. We’re a traditional working family farm with fruit and vegetables grown in our fields and a herd of highly sought after Ruby Red Devon cattle, which graze on the banks of the River Clyst. Nearly 50 years ago our dad started Pic Fresh, he was a real pioneer, long before it was fashionable, to eat what’s in season and produced as locally as possible. From a small farm shop we have developed Darts Farm into a nationally renowned shopping destination, passionate about sustainability and supporting our local community.”

Launched in 2014 the Great British Food Awards celebrate the country’s finest home-grown ingredients, as well as the hard working producers and chefs. This year is bigger and better than ever with lots of new categories and celebrity judges including Raymond Blanc, John Torode, Monica Galetti and Michel Roux Jr who taste tested the very best in British food and drink. 

Darts Farm host an incredible line up of events throughout the year.

On Father’s Day visit Darts Farm Classic Car Show (16th June), there’s a small entrance fee (individual £3/Family ticket £6 for 2 adults and 2 children) but all money raised will be donated to a local charity, Estuary League of Friends. There’s something for all the family with a Darts Farm BBQ, a Sandford Orchards bar, live music and duck herding!  For the budding barista try a Barista Masterclass with Exe Coffee Roasters (Thursday 19th September).

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Darts Farm remains a family business run by the three Dart brothers; the retail looked after by Michael and James and the farm by Paul.  Darts Farm showcases the best food and drink the region has to offer and is home to a selection of handpicked specialist retailers.  These include The AGA Shop, Fired Earth, Orange Tree, Cotswold, RSPB, Energy Hair and the Treatment Loft.