Local farm shop shortlisted in Farm Retail Association Awards
Darts Farm and its new flagship restaurant The Farm Table in Devon have been nominated as a finalist in three categories in this year’s prestigious Farm Retail Association (FRA) Awards including Large Farm Shop of the Year, Farm Café/Restaurant of the Year and Rising Star of the Year
Over 50 years ago, Ronald Dart pioneered UK pick-your-own farming. After his passing, sons Paul, Michael, and James transformed Darts Farm into a celebrated Exeter hub for farm-to-table dining, local produce, artisan goods, and sustainable practices, championing regional flavours through vibrant restaurants, a café, cheesemonger, and butchery.
New flagship restaurant, The Farm Table, delivers a true field-to-fork experience with warm hospitality and seasonal, artisan produce from the farm and food hall. Guests enjoy wood-fired pizzas, seasonal plates, and sharing feasts like whole turbot and tomahawk steaks, all crafted to showcase quality local ingredients in an immersive, open-fire setting.
The Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 12 March in Birmingham and is one of the highlights in the FRA calendar, showcasing the fantastic work which goes on around the country to promote and support real, local food.
Zoe Gresham, Head of Marketing & Events for Darts Farm said, “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for three awards this year! The FRA awards hold a particularly special place in our hearts as they celebrate the incredible family-run farm shops across the country and offer a unique chance to come together, share stories and learn from one another. There really isn’t another award ceremony like it!
Having proudly won Large Farm Shop of the year a record three times before, we are truly honoured to be shortlisted yet again. This year feels even more special, as our restaurant, The Farm Table, is finalist for both the Rising Star and Farm Shop Restaurant awards. Bring on the awards ceremony in March!”
Chair of the Farm Retail Association, Emma Mosey said: “It’s wonderful to shine a light and celebrate our farm shops and farmers markets which are often independent, family-run businesses at the heart of communities. The sector is an important bridge between field and fork, sourcing fresh and nutritious produce with low food miles, from passionate and knowledgeable retailers.
“Congratulations to everyone who is shortlisted and good luck. This is your time to shine, and we are looking forward to celebrating your achievements in March at our grand awards ceremony!”
The eight award categories include the Rising Star Award which celebrates business development and newcomers to the industry; the Farm Shop Butchery of the Year Award; Large Farm Shop of the Year (turnover over £1.5m); Small Farm Shop of the Year (turnover under £1.5m); Farmers’ Market of the Year; Farm Café/Restaurant of the Year; PYO of the Year and Associate Member of the Year.
For more information and tickets visit https://farmretail.co.uk/awards/
