Cumbrian businesses have been shortlisted for the Countryside Alliance Awards – known as the rural Oscars.
The firms have been nominated in the awards to represent the region.
The awards are an annual celebration of British food and farming, enterprise and heritage through our small hard-working businesses.
The awards are now in their 19th year and have become the definitive rural business award to win.
They are set apart from other award schemes because they are driven by public nomination, offering customers the chance to say why their favourite businesses are worthy of national acclaim.
The firms shortlisted in Cumbria for the North of England awards are:
- Roast Mutton, Kendal – Butcher
- The Meat Hook, Sedbergh – Butcher
- Kendal Farmers Market – Local food/drink
- Oddfellows Arms, Caldbeck – Pub
- The Black Lion, Hethersgill
- The Crossings Inn, Roweltown
Countryside Alliance Awards director Sarah Lee said: “We have been overwhelmed by nominations this year.
“The secret to the rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses and not just their produce or services.
“They exist to sing the praises of those who work hard to keep our communities and rural economy ticking, but don’t seek the spotlight.
“These awards provide a cause for celebration in a time of great uncertainty in the countryside. Our local produce is second to none, and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition.”
Robert Unwin, owner of Roast Mutton, said: “We’re really chuffed to be shortlisted in the Butcher category of the Countryside Alliance Awards representing the North of England.
“At Roast Mutton, we are passionate about working closely with local family-run farms that share our commitment to high animal welfare, sustainability and full traceability.
“As a traditional nose-to-tail butchery specialising in 100% grass-fed British meat, we believe in respecting the whole animal and championing native breeds and environmentally responsible farming.
“Being shortlisted is a real testament to the hard work of our team and our farming partners across Cumbria, and to everyone who values quality, provenance, and properly reared meat. We’re incredibly proud to represent our region.”
Kendal Farmers Market builds on a market tradition dating back to 1189, when Richard I granted Kendal its market charter.
One of the oldest farmers’ markets in the UK, it has become a thriving hub for local food and craft, with renewed momentum in recent years driven by growing interest in quality, provenance and sustainably produced ingredients.
Now held twice monthly on alternate Fridays, the market champions local farmers, artisans and producers, creating an inclusive and sustainable marketplace in the heart of the community.
Kendal Farmers’ Market manager Marian Graveson said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted.
“To be recognised in an award that is driven by public nomination makes this especially meaningful, as it reflects the incredible support we receive from our community and the dedication of our stallholders.
Winners will be chosen via a public vote, which opens next month and is announced in April. The winners of the category will go on to represent the region at the House of Lords in the national champions’ reception in July.
