Cumbrian shop wins Large Independent Retailer of the Year

Low Sizergh Barn, near Kendal, received the award at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards in London earlier this month.

The shop, which employs 50 people, was one of the first farm shops to open in the county in July 1991.

It is now a marketplace for more than 80 local suppliers.

Alison Park, the second generation of the family to run the business, continues to advocate buying local and linking people to the food produced by the area’s farmers, including products from Low Sizergh Farm.

The farm shop stocks well-established Cumbrian producers, from RB Woodall to Thornby Moor Dairy, and provides a platform for newer food enterprises, including Eden Yard.

Speciality & Fine Food Fair event manager Nicky Woods said: "This truly highlights the incredible innovation happening within our industry.

"Huge congratulations to all winners; you are true trailblazers in the specialty food and drink sector."

Alison Park accepting the award at the Speciality & Fine Foods Fair (Image: Supplied)

Three generations of the Park family have been involved in farming the 341 acres at Low Sizergh Farm.

They have introduced many new initiatives, including pick-your-own strawberries in 1986, a café with a view of cows being milked in 1992, and a raw milk vending machine next to it in 2016.

In 2002, the Parks opened a farm trail and, in 2022, a small caravan and camping pitch and facilities.

Award recipient Ms Park said: "Our team operates at the roots of the food industry, at the place where food is grown and produced.

"We are also glad that at Low Sizergh, people can purchase food from the very place it is made and see the farm in action.

"We are thrilled to have our way of retailing celebrated in this national award."

The Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards were launched to 'celebrate the individuals, products, and businesses that make the fine food and drink sector so remarkable.'