Top Farm Shop Title For Cheerbrook

Cheerboork quality farm foods based on the outskirts of Nantwich, Cheshire beat hundreds of other farm shops in the UK to be declared Top Farm Shop at the Meat Trade Journal Awards last week.

Andrew and Sarah Shufflebotham, who run the business at Cheerbrook Farm, Newcastle Road, have just been awarded the title of Farm Shop of The Year in the 2008 national competition run by meat industry magazine, Meat Trades Journal.

It was their first attempt at the title and they were also thrilled to learn from the judging panel that their counter display figured in the top four of the whole competition which attracts entries from hundreds of butcher shops throughout the UK.

Andrew said: “This is a tremendous accolade for the business and credit must go to all of our staff who have helped take us to this level. The MTJ Best Butcher competition is one of the most prized in the industry and an indication that we are at the very top end of the trade.

“I am sure our customers will also be thrilled that they are now buying their meat and other produce at the best farm shop in Britain!”

The award is the latest in a long list won by the farm shop, which opened just before Christmas in 2000. 

As members of the prestigious Q Guild, the nationwide group of elite butchers, Cheerbrook have won numerous Guild Smithfield Awards for their products. In 2006, they won the NFU Farm Shop title and the same year, their traditional pork sausages won the championship at the BPEX North West Road Show.  However, this is the award they have always aspired to win.

The journey from farmer to shop retailer has taken hard work and dedication, starting from the initial decision to move on from a declining pig industry, through foot and mouth and now the credit crunch.  However, Andrews farming background and knowledge of cattle rearing has given him an advantage in knowing what is best for the counter and the customer.  He said “Our aim has always been to provide top quality, local produce, prepared to the highest standards and give our customers great value for money”

To celebrate their achievement a calendar of events is planned for 2009, including tastings, food festivals and special offers – visit www.cheerbrook.co.uk for more information and if you haven’t been to Cheerbrook yet, what better time than this to try an award winning Cheerbrook Christmas feast! Orders being taken until Sunday, 14^th December 2008.