Aubrey Allen named Farm Shop & Deli’s 2026 Retailer of the Year

Aubrey Allen of Leamington Spa was named this year’s Retailer of the Year during the Farm Shop & Deli Show at the NEC Birmingham. The acclaimed business also secured Butcher of the Year and Midlands Regional Winner, making it a remarkable trio of achievements.

This year’s event brought together the finest examples of independent retail across the UK and Northern Ireland. Ten category winners and nine regional champions were honoured, alongside special achievements including Highly Commended distinctions and the sought-after Newcomer of the Year award. Enthusiastic crowds of finalists, exhibitors, and attendees cheered on as Aubrey Allen emerged at the forefront of exceptional competition.

Aubrey Allen captured the judges’ attention throughout the process, earning praise for its exemplary standards and forward-thinking approach. Judges commented:

“A really top class shop. They demonstrate so much of what a retail food businesses needs to be doing to survive and thrive in today’s challenging retail landscape. The diversity and lengths they go to keep and retain staff is why they are such a great business.”

“Very impressed with the work in the community and care of employees.”

In addition to Aubrey Allen’s accolades, we celebrate Dunston Hall from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, as our 2026 Newcomer of the Year. The category saw strong contenders across the country, with Butcher Farrell’s Meat Emporium (Ormskirk, Lancashire), Flourish at Farleigh Road (Avon, Bristol), and Mouse & Grape (Middlesex, London) all receiving Highly Commended recognition.

Looking ahead to 2027

Nominations are now open for next year’s Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards. If there’s a specialist retailer you believe is making a real impact, why not help celebrate their achievements. Nominate a specialist retailer here.

Nominations will close on 27th July 2026.

About the judging process

The awards follow an extensive evaluation process. Entries underwent detailed online assessment by industry experts, followed by a November in-person judging session to determine the shortlist. Secret visits conducted in January and February provided judges with an authentic insight into the business, ultimately shaping the list of this year’s winners.

Celebrating excellence in specialist retail

The coveted accolades celebrate the best specialist independent retailers, with judges recognising retailers’ achievements in the independent sector.

Nigel Barden, chairman of judges and food and drink journalist and broadcaster, says: “Even in a year where many retailers have approached things carefully, the Farm Shop & Deli Awards have continued to thrive. We’ve been hugely encouraged by the exceptional standard of entries, and we truly appreciate every retailer who made space in their busy schedules to get involved.

“To ensure our results reflected real excellence, we carried out additional visits - including assessments of online retailers - so every winner was chosen with absolute clarity. Alongside our category honours, we were delighted to celebrate regional winners, an impressive newcomer, and several Highly Commended businesses in tightly contested areas.

“Our Retailer of the Year, Aubrey Allen in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, showcases what dedication over 46 years can achieve. The diversity of opportunities they offer their team, and the lengths they go to in supporting and retaining their staff play a huge part in what makes them such an outstanding business.

“Dunston Hall Estate Food Hall in Chesterfield, Derbyshire earned Best Newcomer, demonstrating exactly what a modern, forward thinking food retailer can be. Their rapid growth, clear vision, commitment to quality and strong customer appeal make it evident why they stand out as an exceptional new addition to the industry.

“It has been incredibly uplifting to see the creativity, determination, talent and graft of so many remarkable retailers recognised and celebrated.”

Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2026 – full list of winners and highly commended finalists

Anglia Regional Winner: Goat Shed, Norwich

Baker of the Year: Nice Buns NI, Craigavon

Butcher of the Year, Midlands Regional Winner and overall Retailer of the Year: Aubrey Allen, Leamington Spa

Cheesemonger of the Year & Highly Commended Newcomer of the Year: Mouse & Grape, London.

Delicatessen of the Year & Wales Regional Winner: Dylan’s Baked Goods & General Store, Llangefni

Farm Shop Large of the Year: Ludlow Farmshop, Ludlow

Highly Commended in Farm Shop Large: Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Café from Uttoxeter, Oakchurch Farm Shop from Staunton-on-Wye and Welbeck Farm Shop from Worksop.

Farm Shop Small of the Year: Mains of Glassaugh Vegetables, Portsoy

Food Hall of the Year & Highly Commended Newcomer of the Year: Flourish at Farleigh Road, Bristol

Highly Commended in Food Hall: Dunston Hall, Chesterfield

Greengrocer of the Year: Elaines Fruit & Veg, Leicester

Independent local shop/Village store & South East Regional Winner: The Seasons Wholefoods, Forest Row

Online business & South West Regional Winner: Riverford Organic Farmers, Buckfastleigh

Newcomer of the Year: Dunston Hall, Chesterfield

Highly Commended Newcomer of the Year: Butcher Farrell’s Meat Emporium, Ormskirk, Flourish at Farleigh Road, Saltford and Mouse & Grape, London

North East Regional Winner: George & Joseph Regional Winner, Leeds

North West Regional Winner: Roast Mutton Kendal (Butchers), Kendal

Northern Ireland Regional Winner: O’Kane Meats, Derry

Scotland Regional Winner: The Glenelg Shop, Glenelg

To find out more about Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards, visit farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/awards.