Derbyshire farm shop Croots is celebrating after being name-checked in a prestigious national foodie award.
The farm shop near Duffield was runner-up in the Best UK Independent Food Retailer 2010 category of the Observer Food Monthly Awards.
Readers of the national newspaper’s monthly food supplement voted for their favourite independent food retailer – and Croots was one of just nine shops in the UK to be named a runner-up.
It was one of only two in the Midlands to be given the accolade. A further five online independent retailers were also named as runners up.
“To be effectively named as one of the top ten independent food shops in the UK is an absolutely amazing tribute to the staff and everyone at Croots Farm Shop & Kitchen,” said owner Steve Croot, who opened the store at Farnah House Farm, Wirksworth Road, in June 2008.
“We are thrilled that our customers rate us so highly that they are willing to go to the effort of voting for us in such a prestigious award. We can’t thank them enough for this. It’s a true honour and we are absolutely chuffed to bits to get it. I’d like to thank the hard-working staff at Croots for all their efforts in helping to make the shop what it is today.”
The accolade in the Observer Food Monthly Awards 2010 is the latest to be presented to Croots Farm Shop. It has previously been a finalist in the Derbyshire Business Awards 2010 in the Most Promising New Business Category and in the FARMA (National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association) for Best New Farm Shop Award.
Last November it was also named in The Independent’s top 50 best food shops, when one of the judges said: “Croots is more than a shop, it’s a destination. It’s the perfect place to buy everything you need for a special dinner and literally cook from plot to plate.”
Recently it won a One Star Gold Great Taste Award from the Guild of Fine Food for its Cow Juice ale, having scooped a Gold Star Great Taste Award for its Black Pudding Sausage in 2009.
The description of Croots Farm Shop in the Observer Food Monthly Awards stated: “Fabulous meat and vegetables, much of which is grown or reared by the owners. Also lovely local Stilton and pates.”
The farm shop is renowned for its home-made sausages and other fresh meat, and has recently extended its fresh meat counter to cater for demand. Croots also features a popular deli counter selling dozens of different cheeses.
It is a passionate supporter of local producers and sells items from 40 suppliers within a 50-mile radius of the shop.
Croots Farm Shop is open 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays (closed on Mondays). Visit www.croots.co.uk for more information.
