A Kendal butchers has been named North West Regional winner at the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards.
Roast Mutton Butchers were crowned winners alongside others earlier this week at the NEC Birmingham on Monday 13 April during the Farm Shop & Deli Show.
There were nine category finalists from the North West this year, which alongside Roast Mutton Butchers included:
- Low Sizergh Bar, a farm shop near Kendal, Cumbria
- Mama’s Fire, an online business from Preston, Lancashire
- Roast Mutton Farm Shop from Dalton in Furness
- Cumbria and Robinsons Ltd, a farm Shop from the Isle of Man
- Birkdale Cheese Co, a cheesemongers from Southport, Merseyside
- Butcher Farrell’s Meat Emporium, a butchers from Ormskirk, Lancashire
- Cakeologyco Ltd, a bakery from Bolton, Manchester
- Kenyon Hall Farm Shop, from Warrington, Cheshire
This year’s event, delivered in partnership with The Grocer and championed by Fieldfare, brought together the finest examples of independent retail across the UK and Northern Ireland.
Ten category winners and nine regional champions were honoured, along with special achievements, including highly commended distinctions and the sought-after Newcomer of the Year award.
Enthusiastic crowds of finalists, exhibitors, and attendees cheered on as Nigel Barden, chair of judges, announced the winners.
Roast Mutton Kendal Butchers were praised by the judges for their passion, knowledge and dedication.
They added that it was an ‘incredible, cool and young business’ that had ‘fantastic social media’.
The judges also added that the butchers were a ‘fantastic entry in an extremely strong category this year.’
Robert Unwin, owner of Roast Mutton Kendal and Roast Mutton Farm Shop Dalton, said: ‘’Winning North West Regional Winner is an incredible honour for the whole Roast Mutton team.
“We’ve all worked incredibly hard to build something that champions locally sourced, sustainable meat, while keeping traditional butchery skills alive in a modern way. To have that recognised by the judges means a huge amount to us.
“This award is really for our team and our customers, whose support allows us to keep pushing the business forward and doing what we love every day. Thank you to everyone who’s supported us in our journey.”
Businesses are awarded following an extensive evaluation process. Entries undergo a detailed online assessment by industry experts, followed by an in-person judging session to determine the shortlist in November.
Secret visits are then carried out in January and February, helping judges get an inside look at each business to help shape the list of this year’s winners.
Nigel Barden, chairman of judges and food and drink journalist and broadcaster, says: “Even in a year where many retailers have approached things carefully, the Farm Shop & Deli Awards have continued to thrive.
“We’ve been hugely encouraged by the exceptional standard of entries, and we truly appreciate every retailer who made space in their busy schedules to get involved.
“Our outstanding judging panel remains a major strength of the awards, and welcoming new judges added even more expertise to the process.
“To ensure our results reflected real excellence, we carried out additional visits – including assessments of online retailers – so every winner was chosen with absolute clarity.
“Alongside our category honours, we were delighted to celebrate regional winners, an impressive newcomer, and several Highly Commended businesses in tightly contested areas.
“Our retailer of the year, Aubrey Allen in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, showcases what dedication over 46 years can achieve.
“The diversity of opportunities they offer their team, and the lengths they go to in supporting and retaining their staff, play a huge part in what makes them such an outstanding business.
“Dunston Hall Estate Food Hall in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, earned best newcomer, demonstrating exactly what a modern, forward-thinking food retailer can be.
“Their rapid growth, clear vision, commitment to quality, and strong customer appeal make it evident why they stand out as an exceptional new addition to the industry.
“It has been incredibly uplifting to see the creativity, determination, talent and graft of so many remarkable retailers recognised and celebrated.”
2026 winners
- Anglia Regional Winner: Goat Shed, Norwich
- Baker of the Year: Nice Buns NI, Craigavon
- Butcher of the Year, Midlands Regional Winner and overall Retailer of the Year: Aubrey Allen, Leamington Spa
- Cheesemonger of the Year & Highly Commended Newcomer of the Year: Mouse & Grape, London.
- Delicatessen of the Year & Wales Regional Winner: Dylan’s Baked Goods & General Store, Llangefni
- Farm Shop Large of the Year: Ludlow Farmshop, Ludlow. Highly Commended: Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Café, Uttoxeter, Oakchurch Farm Shop, Staunton-on-Wye and Welbeck Farm Shop Worksop.
- Farm Shop Small of the Year: Mains of Glassaugh Vegetables, Portsoy
- Food Hall of the Year & Highly Commended Newcomer of the Year: Flourish at Farleigh Road, Bristol Highly Commended: Dunston Hall, Chesterfield
- Greengrocer of the Year: Elaines Fruit & Veg, Leicester
- Independent local shop/Village store & South East Regional Winner: The Seasons Wholefoods, Forest Row
- Online business & South West Regional Winner: Riverford Organic Farmers, Buckfastleigh
- Newcomer of the Year: Dunston Hall, Chesterfield. Highly Commended: Butcher Farrell’s Meat Emporium, Ormskirk, Flourish at Farleigh Road, Saltford and Mouse & Grape, London.
- North East Regional Winner: George & Joseph, Regional Winner, Leeds
- North West Regional Winner: Roast Mutton Kendal (Butchers), Kendal
- Northern Ireland Regional Winner: O’Kane Meats, Derry
- Scotland Regional Winner: The Glenelg Shop, Glenelg
