Essington Farm praised for fine food after double award win

Staff at Essington Farm proved they can dish out the finest delicacies after walking away with two prizes at the Taste of Staffordshire Good Food Awards.

Their latest win comes as the team prepares to head to London to find out if they have been named as one of the best farm shops in the country.

Co-owner Richard Simkin, who lives on the farm with his family, said: "The judges were impressed with the quality and range of stuff that we produce ourselves on the farm.

"We are thrilled to bits that the whole staff team has been recognised - from the production chain through to the retail staff selling the items in the shop and tea room.

Essington Farm was crowned Farm Shop of the Year and Food Producer of the Year during a glittering awards ceremony at Lichfield Cathedral last month.

The Bognop Road shop, which stocks fruits, vegetables and meat, has won popularity with customers after producing its own products as well as sourcing food from local suppliers.

Father-of-two Mr Simkin said the family run business, which has about 50 staff, won a Great Taste Award for its bacon and sausages earlier this year.

The 66-year-old added: "We must be doing something right. We have been retailing in the local community since 1892.

"We are really pleased because we put quite a lot of time and effort into upgrading and refurbishing the farm shop and restaurant - which has been open just a year now.

"We've had such a lot of positive feedback from our customers. Ultimately, the best award we can have us a satisfied customer."

The farm's shop also landed national recognition after it was shortlisted in the Meat Trades Journal’s Butcher Shop of the Year.

It was nominated in the Farm Shop of the Year category after thrashing competition from across the country.

Nominations were whittled down to just three, with the winner of the award set to be announced at a London ceremony on Monday.

Mr Simkin added: "We are just keeping our fingers crossed and hoping for the best."

Open all year round, the farm shop also offers homemade cakes and pies, alongside juices, preserves, honey and crisps.