A FARM shop is celebrating after being crowned the best in the region.
The Lambing Shed in Knutsford has been named the 2022 north west regional winner at the Farm Shop & Deli Show.
It comes just weeks after the business was hailed the UK’s Farm Shop Café of the Year in the Farm Retail Awards.
The café is housed in a building where farmer Arnold Mitchell and son Michael reared their sheep more than 60 years ago.
The family opened The Lambing Shed at Moseley Hall Farm on Chelford Road in 2015 to showcase their award-winning home reared beef and lamb.
Owners Sue and Michael Mitchell and daughter and director Kathryn went to Birmingham to visit the show.
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The family is bowled over to win this second prestigious award.
Kathryn said: “Wow, wow. Another amazing achievement.
“We are over the moon. Our staff have worked their socks off, go team.
"We are absolutely delighted to be North West regional winners for The Farm Shop and Deli Awards 2022.
“Our staff have worked so hard across all departments and we are so very proud of this accolade.
“It's great to see so many new faces as well as hearing from new suppliers that want to stock their lovely local produce in our shop.
“After winning the UK's Best Farm Cafe of the Year in March and this most recent award we are excited for what the future brings.
“Thank you to our lovely customers for your continued support."
“We are excited for what the future brings.”
The team has been commended for their passion, dedication and commitment.
One judge said: “The Lambing Shed sounds superb, ticking all the boxes in terms of looking after staff, sustainability, innovation during the pandemic and being a community hub.”
Another added:“Looks like the team were quick to respond to the pandemic, with the results being they are a much more successful business.
“Excellent looking place and can’t wait to drop in.”
A third judge said: “Really nice looking business, can see where it is looking to reduce its carbon footprint and really like the investment in its people.
“Nice website and social feeds too. Looks like somewhere I’d like to visit.”
Customers and suppliers were invited to nominate their favourite farm shop earlier this year.
More than 100 entries were received.
Nigel Barden, chairman of the judges, said: “We had some fabulous entries, many reflecting how resourceful retailers have been in the food and drink sector, as they faced another very different and challenging year.
“Our judges had a difficult task drawing up the regional shortlists and winners as there were some remarkable entries reflecting how resourceful many in the food and drink sector are, particularly with the emphasis being focused on recycling, waste and sustainability.
“It is heartening to see how much these talented, resourceful and diligent entrants care about their businesses and it was a privilege to read about them and celebrate them.”
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