Washingpool Farm Shop crowned best in the south west

Washingpool Farm Shop, in Bridport, won two awards at the Taste of the West awards ceremony on November 12.

The shop was named the Best South West Farm Shop, beating competition from across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire.

The family-run business was also named the Number 1 Place to Go, beating winners from all the hospitality and retail categories such as fine dining, B&Bs, pubs, delis, street food, and butchers.

Grace Holland, a fourth-generation family member currently working in the farm shop, was at the awards ceremony.

The shop was named the Best South West Farm Shop and Number 1 Place to Go (Image: Steve Haywood, Taste of the West)

She said: "Winning was so unexpected, we were completely happy with just being a finalist.

"It really makes me feel proud to be a part of Washingpool."

Andrew Batchelor, one of the buyers at Washingpool Farm Shop, added: "We are so lucky to have so many wonderful local producers in this area.

"They make Washingpool what it is.

"Thank you so much."

Taste of the West is the UK's largest independent regional food group which aims to promote and support local food and drink from the South West of England.

The annual awards are a recognised and respected standard in assessing regional food and the 2024 awards ceremony hosted 500 guests at Exeter Westpoint Arena.

The overall award was presented by John Sheaves, CEO of Taste of the West with Victoria Graham from BBC Spotlight as compere for the evening.

Gemma Harvey from the National Farmers' Union (NFU) was present on the evening, representing the NFU as a sponsor.

Washingpool Farm was started by John, Joyce, and Noel Eveleigh in the 1970s.

For ten years, the produce grown was sold as farm gate sales.

After that, trading began in Bridport high street, selling their own produce supplemented with that from other farms.

Continued success moved the shop back to the farm in August 2000.