Two Cumbrian firms have been shortlisted for national awards celebrating farm shops and delis.
Low Sizergh Barn, a family-run farm shop and café near Kendal, is a finalist in the large farm shop of the year category of the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Award 2026.
The Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards recognise independent retailers that demonstrate excellence in food retail, customer experience and support for British producers.
Finalists were selected through a judging process involving retail and food industry specialists.
Low Sizergh Barn’s Farm Shop opened 35 years ago. Today, it sells food produced on the farm, including its own lamb and beef in ready meals, alongside produce from more than 80 suppliers from across Cumbria and the surrounding area.
The farm shop also sells produce grown across the farm’s fields by on-site mental health charity, Growing Well.
Alison Park, who runs the farm shop and café, said: “The farm shop has always been about connecting people with good food and the people who produce it.
“We’re proud to be rooted in a working, organic family farm, and to offer customers a shop and café full of wonderful local produce; the kind you can’t always find elsewhere.
“To be shortlisted nationally is a real boost for our team, and a lovely recognition of what we’ve been building here since we opened in 1991.”
Roast Mutton, run by Robert Unwin, has been shortlisted in three awards categories.
It is a finalist in the butchers category and its Dalton-in-Furness site is a finalist in the small farm shop category and the newcomer of the year category.
The Dalton-in-Furness shop is the second Cumbrian location for the brand, following the success of its flagship, multi-award-winning Kendal store.
It includes state-of-the-art dry-ageing facilities, a cutting room, and a bespoke retail space featuring a butcher’s block, artisan counter, and refrigerated displays.
In addition to Roast Mutton’s signature locally reared and sourced meats, the shop showcases a range of products from local producers.
Robert said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be shortlisted in three categories across both of our shops.
“When we opened our first shop in 2021, our aim was simple: to champion properly sourced, high-welfare meat, support local farmers, and create shops that genuinely serve their communities. To receive national recognition for that work, in such a competitive field, is incredibly rewarding.
“Any recognition we receive really belongs to our whole team and to the customers who have backed us from day one.
“Building two thriving shops in a relatively short space of time has taken huge commitment, and we’re proud of how far we’ve come.
“Being shortlisted alongside so many outstanding independent retailers is a real honour, we’ll be keeping everything crossed for April.”
Winners will be announced in April during the Farm Shop & Deli Show, part of the UK Food & Drink Shows.
