Best Farm Shop in UK – Darts Farm wins prestigious award

Darts Farm are delighted to announce that they have been named Best Farm Shop in the UK for a record-breaking 4th time in this year’s Farm Retail Association (FRA) Awards. It was an extra special night, with the team also picking up the award for Best Farm Restaurant for The Farm Table, adding to their ever-growing list of accolades!

Darts Farm is a unique food, drink and lifestyle destination with a working farm and farm shop at the heart. With one of the most diverse independent artisan produce selections in the country, a nose-to-tail butchery, cheesemonger and deli, multiple eateries, small batch cidery, wellness spa, vineyard, in-house chocolatier and over 300 local suppliers, it really is a remarkable foodie haven. It is the whole experience sets them apart; from a warm welcome and delicious tastings on arrival, to the buzz around the food hall and eateries, delivered by the amazing, passionate team – it really is an immersive foodie experience.

“It was a real honour to pick up two awards at this year’s ceremony” says Michael Dart, co-founder of Darts Farm “These awards celebrate the very best in farm retail across the UK, and recognise those who champion real local food, support local economies and forge meaningful connections with community and landscapes. Thank you to our wonderful community, loyal customers and brilliant suppliers for supporting us and being part of our journey, we truly appreciate you all.”

The Awards ceremony took 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.

Chair of the FRA, Emma Mosey said: “Every year it is an honour to celebrate the farm shops, farmers markets and PYO businesses that belong to the FRA. These businesses are often independent and family-run sitting at the very heart of our communities, bridging the gap between field and fork, sourcing fresh and nutritious produce with low food miles, which is something we passionately believe. Congratulations to all our winners this year.”

The FRA’s Patron Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall commented, “These awards are a true testament to the passion, drive, and sheer excitement about good local food, that all the winners and finalists bring to their respective businesses. It is a wonderful opportunity to have everyone together under the same roof, celebrating the values and ethos of the farming community and the FRA. Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who took part.”

The eight award categories included 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.