Blacker Hall Farm Shop chosen as 2016 Great Taste Shop of the Year
The 2016 Great Taste Shop of the Year award has been presented to Q Guild member Blacker Hall Farm Shop in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
This award, which recognises excellence in food retailing, was voted for by readers of delicious.magazine, who nominated their favourite independent food shops across the UK. From the nationwide nominations, a shortlist of 10 shops was then selected, to be visited by the Guild of Fine Food`s panel of retail experts.
Described by the judges as a `family-run enterprise full of Yorkshire charm,` Blacker Hall Farm Shop, which makes 80% of its produce on-site, was commended for its high standards and brimming shelves, which fly the flag for Yorkshire, and its friendly staff, who are genuinely pleased to help.
`With well-appointed signage in-store, customer loyalty schemes and a truly inviting environment, Blacker Hall Farm Shop is a rare place, which makes customers feel inspired to buy,` explained judge Edward Berry, from The Flying Fork.
The award was presented by Simon Burdess, vice-president of food and beverages at the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), at the Great Taste Golden Forks Dinner held this month at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, where over 300 guests from the world of fine food gathered to hear the results of many months of rigorous judging.
The Great Taste Shop of the Year award was sponsored by Hotel Indigo®, IHG`s upscale boutique brand, and supported by delicious.magazine.
Celebrating the very best in food and drink, Great Taste are regarded as the world`s most coveted blind-tasted food awards.
Other Q Guild members – both butchers and corporate – across the UK also shone in Great Taste 2016, picking up a whole host of 1-, 2- or 3-star awards.