Meet your 2025 Countryside Alliance Awards winners from the Engli...

The nominations have been tallied, and we’re now pleased to announce your 2025 winners for England! A huge congratulations to all businesses who have taken part.

You can also meet your Scottish winners and Northern Ireland winners here. The Welsh winners will be announced on Tuesday 29 April at the Senedd, Cardiff.

East of England

Midlands

South East of England

South West of England

North of England

east of england

Butcher

Winner - Bridget B's, Hertfordshire

"Bridget is dedicated to sourcing the very best of British beef, pork, lamb, poultry and game at both of her shops. The staff at Bridget B’s are both friendly and welcoming, and always trying to bring you some new delicacy, hoping to make life easier for busy people. Always offering advice on how to cook your purchases, at Christmas customers can visit her web site for advice on how to cook the perfect Christmas Dinner. Bridget B’s also serves local supermarkets in Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. Phone or website orders can be made for home deliveries for those unable to travel to the shops. Bridget is passionate in giving her customers that ultimate experience when visiting her shops. She is acknowledged throughout the livestock world as being one of the leading breeders of pedigree cattle and sheep."

Highly Commended - Trussells Butchers, Hertfordshire

Local Food / Drink

Winner - Wilbury Farm Shop, Hertfordshire

"Lower Wilbury Farm is a must-visit for fresh, local produce. The farm is family-run and incorporates a butcher’s and deli shop, supplying organic meat, a delicious variety of cheeses, chutneys and other condiments, plus daily essentials such as milk, butter, bread and eggs. All the meat is home-reared, grass-fed, native and rare breed; they even supply turkeys at Christmas. The staff are skilled, knowledgeable and friendly and always happy to give advice. One reviewer stated “This is the best farm shop I have ever visited, and continue to visit. Be warned – once you buy food from here, anywhere else will feel like a disappointment!”

Highly Commended - Clayhill Vineyard, Essex

Pub

Winner - The Plough Kings Walden , Hertfordshire

"Tucked away in the small Hertfordshire hamlet of Ley Green, it’s well worth seeking out this fantastic gem of a village pub. Saved by the local community with the help of a local estate, the Plough at King Walden has been described as “the beating heart of the village”. With their selection including “cast conditioned ales in exemplary order”, and with their highly anticipated kitchen set to open soon, there is much on offer here. Landlord Rob has received universal acclaim from pub-goers for being an exceptional host. Set in the beautiful rolling countryside of north Hertfordshire it’s also an ideal stopping point for walkers and cyclists with an excellent network of footpaths bridleways and byways nearby. They often have events running such as car shows and live music, and are well known in the area for their brilliant fireworks show in November. The Plough has been transformed into a wonderful family public house, with a lovely atmosphere, friendly locals, and excellent beer."

Highly Commended - The Dukes Head Somerleyton, Suffolk

Rural Enterprise

Tied winners - The Creake Abbey Farmers' Market, Norfolk and Westgate Farm, Norfolk

"Set in beautiful water meadows a stone’s throw from the impressive ruins of an Augustinian abbey, everything about the enterprise at Creake Abbey is to be commended. They are champions of local food and drink, with delicious food both at their restaurant and at the shop attached to the restaurant. They also give back to the community through charitable giving, mainly to Wells Community Hospital. Creake Abbey is a wonderful example of rural enterprise in everything they undertake. Pride of place is their exceptional Farmers Market, which meets once a month and provides an excellent variety of suppliers from all over East Anglia, offering an excellent range of foods and produce. It forms a vital outlet for many local businesses and is well run, with lots of regular stalls, quality products, and a high standard of goods and food."

"Owners Sophie and Michael have worked hard to diversify their farm, introducing a highly successful sunflower field and two fantastic glamping safari tents in the past couple of years. All this has been done alongside running their small farm and having a baby. The two luxurious lodges have been exceptionally styled using produce from local artisans and makers. Various seasoned glampers have stated that Westgate Farm is by far the best luxury wilderness experience they have ever enjoyed, perhaps no surprise, given its setting in the rolling hills of Norfolk, and its proximity to many attractions, pubs, and the little train to Wells Next to the Sea. “The ultimate chill-out hideaway”, Westgate Farm is perfect for couples or a family who want to explore the Stiffkey Valley and North Norfolk coast."

Village Shop / Post Office

Winner - Orford General Store, Suffolk

"Nestled just off the main road, Orford General Store has everything you could need. It has been described as “the most beautiful deli you’ve ever been to, crossed with a cosy village shop where everyone knows everyone”. This little store puts its much larger cousins to shame with its vast variety of produce, from their food (fresh fruit and vegetables, delicious sourdough bread, and a selection of cheeses that “mock the so-called professionals”), to buckets and spades, to firewood, and also contains a post office and cash dispenser. Their wide opening hours and amazing service have been praised, and has rightly been termed “a real asset to Orford”."

Highly Commended - Kings Walden Stores and Post Office, Hertfordshire

midlands

Butcher

Winner - Bridge 67 Butchers, Leicestershire

"This business is owned and run by a local third-generation farming family - everything is ‘local’. They started with meat products, but have since expanded their range and now sell baked goods, pies, and cheese. They are always looking for new ideas. With fabulous meat sourced from their own farm in Smeeton Westerby, the Vickers family have become central to the village of Kibworth. Their pork pies have been described as the best in England, and many locals have praised Andy’s highly sought-after gluten-free bangers. They showcase their farm and hold local food festivals – initiatives like these, along with their warm, welcoming and highly knowledgeable team, have made Bridge67 an important social hub in the village. A business initiative that offers local produce, by local producers, for local people, Bridge67 is a hugely successful independent butcher that has set the blueprint for other farmers to see what can be achieved."

Highly Commended - Joseph Morris Butchers Ltd, Warwickshire

Local Food / Drink

Winner - East Marsh Farm (R&J Witter Farms), North Lincolnshire

"Not only do East Marsh Farm sell their wonderful locally produced beef at farmers’ markets, they also have a pop-up shop and provide supportive days on the farm where other local small businesses can come and sell their goods such as cakes, flowers, eggs, vegetables, and more. They are a friendly and helpful team that will go the extra mile for their customers and are always eager to help out other rural small businesses and producers. Amie is an absolute force of nature and drives the business forward with her dedication and passion for their herd and farming, and also takes time to educate children in schools and the wider public on farming and its importance to the community and the world."

Highly Commended - Forge Coffee, Northamptonshire

Pub

Winner - Dambusters Inn, Lincolnshire

"This fantastic rural pub stands out from the rest. It offers food from local suppliers and gets involved with all the local community, from schools to churches. The pub is full of RAF memorabilia, mainly pertaining to the adjacent, now closed, RAF base. A massive Lancaster wheel and tyre separates the bars, and a roaring fire warms the cockles of your heart whilst you sample some of the fine ales that are served here. Since March 2020, the pub has massively improved its trading area, and employs more than 30 full and part-time staff, in a village with less than 100 homes. The Dambuster Inn is a fantastic asset to its community and is rightly a very popular destination among pub-goers and WW2 enthusiasts alike."

Highly Commended - The Castle Inn, Shropshire

Rural Enterprise

Winner - New Lodge Farm, Northamptonshire

"New Lodge Farm has expanded over the past few years into a thriving enterprise. It is an amazing asset for locals and tourists to enjoy and appreciate an environmentally friendly, sustainable, and diversified farm. The shop offers a fabulous range of products almost all locally or home grown which has been an excellent resource for local producers to sell their products in a community-spirited enterprise. Owners Simon and Sarah have been innovative and moved with the times to meet local needs. Futuristic facilities that opened last year include a stunning hydrotherapy and an endless pool spa area for locals and guests to appreciate and enjoy. New Lodge Farm employs staff of varying ages from the surrounding area. The tourism it brings is extremely advantageous to the local area. The commitment and vision of Simon and Sarah will be a great legacy and contribution to the area for many years to come."

Highly Commended - Hills Farm Shop and Pop-up Cafe, Nottinghamshire

Village Shop / Post Office

Winner - Vine & Co, Shropshire

"John and Marie Vine run an amazing shop, stocking a fabulous array of fruit, vegetables, quality wines, wool and craft products, gardening and hardware, DIY paint, and dozens of other items. If they don’t have what you need – ask and they will get it! They also deliver to surrounding villages, a real boon to people living alone or who are unable to drive into the town. They have a fantastic team of very helpful people – their wonderful delivery team will even carry things into the kitchen and offload them. They will also collect from any of the other shops, if you have ordered and paid for it, to deliver with their order to you – an inspiring example of how rural communities pull together to support one another. Vine & Co is a community shop invaluable to Church Stretton, and all the surrounding villages."

Highly Commended - Kington Post Office, Herefordshire

South east of England

Butcher

Winner - The Farmer's Butcher, Hampshire

"The Farmer’s Butcher champions, supplies and delivers high quality, local farm products, at reasonable prices. To say their meat is good is an understatement. Foodies can also treat themselves to a wide range of fresh vegetables, cooking sauces, chutneys, and other deli items. Mike and Sarah have expanded their product range considerably over the last year, and host excellent local product tasting events. Their butchery masterclasses have been praised as a hands-on experience, offered by highly knowledgeable butchers, in a friendly, supportive and relaxed style. In the last year, they have built a new shop, with a dog-friendly outdoor café area, the perfect place to sit after browsing in the shop or walking in the beautiful surrounding area of Bramshaw. This New Forest gem is a must-visit!"

Highly Commended - Sky Park Farm, West Sussex

Local Food / Drink

Winner - Street Croft Farm, Hampshire

"Street Croft Farm is a great farm shop that not only serves high-quality meats from animals they breed, rear, finish and butcher themselves but also helps other artisans in the area by selling their breads, cheeses, jams and goods. All their eggs come from their flock of free-range chickens, and they have their own one-acre market garden, producing seasonal organic vegetables. On Saturdays, they open their farm allowing locals to visit their pigs, chickens, sheep, goats and cows, all living happily. They have also recently opened a coffee shop serving locally made coffee, again helping out local businesses. At Street Croft Farm, they understand the isolation of rural work with its long hours, and so regularly host social evenings at the farm for the rural workers. Street Croft Farm is an invaluable asset to its community and a worthy winner."

Highly Commended - Larkins Brewery, Kent

Pub

Winner - The Crook and Shears, Hampshire

"The Crook and Shears pub serves, supports and provides a service for the local people of the villages of Upper Clatford, Anna Valley, as well as the wider community. Kim, Kevin and team have completely turned the pub around from a failing enterprise to what it is today - a warm and vibrant hub of the community with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether people come in as a group or on their own, they are made most welcome to the pub and the village. The pub is very dog friendly and when guests come to visit, they provide a dog bed, water bowl and treats. Being in the countryside, they welcome walkers and don't mind if their boots are muddy. The open fires help warm them up whilst enjoying a drink and snack or to re-charge their batteries. The pub supports local providers of meat, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables and now supplies locally brewed cask ales. The pub strongly believes in supporting as many local businesses as possible, whilst at the same time providing hearty home-cooked food that caters for all appetites. The amount of work that the team have put in to turn the pub around is outstanding. Nothing is ever too much to ask, and they are always smiling and welcoming - a truly proper English countryside pub."

Highly Commended - The Milk House, Kent

Rural Enterprise

Winner - Nutbourne Vineyard, West Sussex

"Nutbourne Vineyard is a long-standing family business with one of the longest wine-making traditions in the South of England. The Gladwin family have been at Nutbourne for over 30 years and are still very much involved in the day-to-day life of the estate. When you visit, you might see Peter leading your tour and tasting, Bridget arranging flowers or hosting the cellar door, Gregory in the winery or on a tractor, Oliver cooking in the outdoor kitchen or Richard serving wine with local and wild food at one of their special events. They, along with their friendly dogs, have been praised for providing charming entertainment and hospitality. The stunning views from the rustic windmill create a picturesque backdrop for your visit. Nutbourne has been described as “a little piece of paradise”, and their gold-winning wines are a must for all oenophiles."

Highly Commended - The Walled Garden, Buckinghamshire

Village Shop / Post Office

Winner - Enham Alamein Post Office and Shop, Hampshire

"Enham Village Store & Post Office is a vital cornerstone of the community, providing essential services and delivering a sense of connection and belonging in the rural area. The store goes above and beyond by supporting local suppliers, ensuring access to fresh produce and goods that celebrate the region’s unique character. Its team works tirelessly to meet the needs of residents, especially the elderly, vulnerable, and disability sector who rely on its friendly, reliable service. Leslie and Tim have run the shop for over 25 years, and have battled many storms, suffering thefts but remaining resolute. Always ready to help with a smile, and ready to go the extra mile to offer advice on posting, they are open 7 days a week, 7am to 7pm. They are a big part of the local village always promoting the services they can offer, putting on events to bring new people, their shop is like an Aladdin’s cave full of goods for both one’s daily needs, and for wonderful gifts. Their win is a well-deserved recognition of their commitment to sustaining and enhancing rural life."

Highly Commended - V S M Store Trading Family Shopper, Hampshire

South West

Butcher

Winner - Steve Heard Butchers, Cornwall

"This year’s Best Butcher in the South West goes to an exceptional business built on decades of quality, trust, and exceptional service. For over 20 years, customers have returned time and again for the outstanding British, largely Cornish-sourced meats, including melt-in-the-mouth lamb, proper sausages, and delicious bacon and ham. Steve’s close relationship with the local abattoir ensures only the finest carcases reach his counter, and his friendly, expert advice makes every visit a joy. More than just a butcher, Steve is a pillar of the community, always going the extra mile, both in and out of the shop."

Highly Commended - Framptons Butchers, Dorset

Local Food / Drink

Winner - Colwith Farm Shop, Cornwall

"The winner of the South West Local Food and Drink Award is a shining example of how passion, community spirit, and innovation can grow into something truly special. From humble beginnings as a potato farm with an honesty box, this family-run business has flourished into a thriving farm shop and on-site brewery and distillery, producing their own potato-based gin and vodka. Championing local produce, they offer everything from fresh vegetables and meat to local cheeses, flowers, snacks, and drinks, all while supporting emerging producers and employing local people. With friendly, helpful staff and a deep commitment to sustainability and the local economy, this is rural enterprise at its very best."

Highly Commended - The Beehive Portland, Dorset

Pub

Winner - The Church House Inn, Devon

"The Church House has been awarded Best Pub in the South West, a truly deserving recognition for its unwavering support of rural life, field sports, and local community spirit. Under the leadership of landlord Will and his dedicated team, this welcoming and vibrant pub has become a vital hub for locals and visitors alike. From hearty post-hunt feasts to relaxed Friday drinks, it consistently delivers warm hospitality, outstanding local food, and a strong sense of camaraderie. Passionate advocates for the countryside, they champion British game and seasonal produce, creating a space that celebrates the very best of rural traditions."

Highly Commended - The Victoria Inn, Gloucestershire

Rural Enterprise

Winner - Galhampton Country Store, Somerset

"This year’s Rural Enterprise Award goes to a truly remarkable family-run business that embodies the heart and soul of countryside commerce. Operated by three generations, this rural store is a treasure trove of essentials, offering everything from fresh local produce and children’s toys to fencing supplies, farm feed, clothing, and ironmongery. Open every day except Christmas, the business is powered by a hardworking, friendly team whose knowledge and customer care are second to none. Whether it’s offering expert advice or going the extra mile to ensure regular feed deliveries, this rural enterprise is a cornerstone of its community, versatile, dependable, and deeply valued."

Highly Commended - Barbury Shooting School, Wiltshire

Village Shop / Post Office

Winner - Longborough and Sezincote Village Shop and Cafe, Gloucestershire

"Longborough and Sezincote Community Village Shop has been named the Best Village Shop in the South West, a testament to the resilience, dedication, and spirit of a community that refused to let a cherished local asset fade away. Established in 2009, the shop has long been the heart of village life, providing locally sourced goods, a post office, and a welcoming cafe. After the challenges of the pandemic, a determined ‘Save Our Shop’ campaign raised over £17,000 and reignited local passion, expanding the volunteer team to over 25, including local youth. Today, the revitalised shop and café thrive seven days a week, supporting everything from local events to isolated individuals, while welcoming walkers and visitors exploring the Cotswolds. With its growing product range, creative community events, and locally distilled Longborough gin and rum, chosen by villagers in spirited blind tastings, this shop is more than a store: it’s a lifeline, a meeting place, and a shining example of community-led rural enterprise."

Highly Commended - Lifton Stores and Post Office, Devon

North of England

Butcher

Winner - Dales Traditional Butchers Ltd, Cumbria

"Dales Butchers, crowned Best Butcher in the North of England, is a shining example of rural excellence. Based in Kirkby Lonsdale, they have been supplying the finest quality, locally farmed meats to the people of Kirkby Lonsdale and the surrounding areas of Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales for over 100 years. From award-winning sausages and pies to ready meals, tapas, and their famed Scottish haggis, making them the first English butchers to win a title in the prestigious Haggis Awards. Using local abattoirs ensuring ethical, high-quality meat, they combine traditional craftsmanship with innovative flair. Their outstanding service, imaginative marketing, and strong community spirit through loyalty schemes, prize draws, and local collaboration make them a beloved butchers worth travelling for. A truly well-deserved recognition."

Highly Commended - Drake & Macefield Butchers, North Yorkshire

Local Food / Drink

Winner - Nether Haugh Farm, Rotherham

"Nether Haugh Farm has been honoured as the Best Local Food and Drink Business in the North of England, celebrating generations of dedication and passion. A true family enterprise, the Graysons have farmed this land since 1939, now in their fourth generation. Today, they rear high-quality Aberdeen Angus cattle, pedigree Saddleback pigs, and a variety of sheep with exceptional care and commitment. Their produce stands out for its outstanding flavour and integrity, born from expert knowledge and hands-on stewardship. With one partner as Chairman of the Future Farmers of Yorkshire and the other as an animal nutritionist, Nether Haugh Farm truly embodies excellence in modern farming."

Highly Commended - Lovingly Artisan, Cumbria

Pub

Winner - The Fleece Inn, Lancashire

"The Fleece Inn has been named the Best Pub in the North of England, a well-deserved honour for a true community cornerstone. Rescued from decline by a local resident, the pub has been beautifully refurbished and thoughtfully extended, transforming it into a welcoming hub for the surrounding villages. More than just a pub, The Fleece offers outstanding locally sourced food, lively community events, and even opened a much-needed village shop when the last one closed, initially run by volunteers and now supported by the pub’s staff. A cosy, vibrant space packed with locals and visitors alike, The Fleece Inn embodies everything a great country pub should be."

Highly Commended - The Sportsman Inn, Cumbria

Rural Enterprise

Winner - Eight at Gazegill, Lancashire

"Eight at Gazegill has been honoured as a leading light in rural enterprise, a true celebration of passion, sustainability, and innovation. Nestled within a 500-year-old organic farm in the heart of the Ribble Valley, this exceptional "farm-to-fork" restaurant showcases the very best of countryside dining. From home-reared beef and foraged ingredients to panoramic views of Pendle Hill, every detail reflects a deep respect for nature, food provenance, and local heritage. In just eight months, it has grown into a destination venue, powered by wind and solar energy, with aspirations to become the UK’s first off-grid fine dining experience. A heartfelt, community-driven enterprise, Eight at Gazegill is reimagining what rural hospitality can be, an inspiring example of how land, people, and purpose can come together to create something truly extraordinary."

Highly Commended - New Sheepfold Farm, North Yorkshire

Village Shop / Post Office

Winner - Lowick Village Store, Northumberland

"Lowick Village Store has been rightfully recognised as a shining example of rural enterprise, winning the award for Best Village Shop in the North of England. Since taking over a struggling business, Linsey and her team have transformed it into a vibrant community hub that serves not only Lowick but the surrounding hamlets. Open seven days a week, the shop offers an outstanding range of fresh groceries, local crafts, and, most famously, Linsey’s homemade pies, quiches, and cakes, lovingly baked from 4:30 am each morning and often sold out by tea time. With warm, personal service, home deliveries for the elderly, and tireless community involvement, the store is more than a shop, it’s the heart of the village. Linsey and her family are a true credit to countryside life."

Highly Commended - The Village Farm Shop, Northumberland