Award-winning Cumbria butcher recognised for local produce excellence

Roast Mutton, a thriving butcher from Kendal, Cumbria, has been hailed as Best Retail Butcher in the 2024 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards.

Over the years, Roast Mutton has grown in reputation and stature, thanks to their commitment to promoting grass-fed animals and native breeds.

Their newest outlet is now in Derby House Wrightington, Lancashire.

This victory came after they beat competition from across the UK and Northern Ireland at the award ceremony held on April 29, at the annual Farm Shop & Deli Show, NEC Birmingham.

The Retailer Awards saw 11 category winners, seven regional winners, Newcomer of the Year, and Retailer of the Year.

Among them, Roast Mutton stood out as it was judged to be the 'Butcher of the Year.' With comments like: "Attractive looking shop that appears to be growing and thriving at a difficult time.

"Good to see the promotion of grass-fed animals and native breeds"

What's more, the panel of expert judges scoring the entries also praised Roast Mutton for selling only free-range and locally sourced meats.

They also commended the butchery for implementing an apprenticeship scheme, furthering their investment in the local community.

Robert Unwin, from Roast Mutton, exclaimed: "We had a great day looking round the Farm Shop & Deli Show yesterday, exploring some possible new products for the shops.

"In the afternoon we just about managed to find a spot to stand as the Retailer Awards got underway."

He also added: "To my total amazement he announced that we’d won – it hasn’t actually sunk in yet to be honest.

"But this award means loads because it’s about the teams at Roast Mutton in Kendal and our new shop in Lancashire.

"The reality is we couldn’t do what we would do without them, and we want to say a huge thank you to all of them for their hard work.''

Also from Kendal, 'Lovingly Artisan Baker' emerged victorious, bagging the title of 'Retailer of the Year' at the awards, along with the Baker of the Year and North England regional winner accolades.

In the North England region, 'The Cheesy Living Co.' from Leeds won the 2024 Newcomer of the Year award.

Nigel Barden, Chairman of judges and food and drink Journalist, said: "With food and drink retailers being busy people I’m always delighted they find time to enter the Farm Shop & Deli Awards and it’s gratifying to know that the awards are held in such high esteem.

"The quality of our judges certainly helps, particularly as a good number of them are former Retailers of the Year."

The awards recognise the best specialist independent retailers, celebrating their achievements in the independent sector.

After the successful completion of the 2024 Retail Awards, Fieldfare confirmed their support for the next three years.

Matt Whelan, Managing Director at Fieldfare, said: "It is an honour to be involved in these important awards and to meet so many of the incredibly passionate and dedicated people behind the businesses that entered this year.

"We have been impressed by the exceptionally high quality of the entries and look forward to supporting our industry colleagues by continuing to champion the Farm Shop and Deli Retail Awards again next year, and beyond."

This testament stands as a reminder of the vibrance and excellence of the artisan food and drink retail sector across the country.