Latest news with #CountrysideAllianceAwards
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Country pub at 'heart of community' scoops award after mystery nomination
A pub near Lancaster has secured a top award - and the pub's team have no idea who nominated them. The Fleece Inn, at Dolphinholme, has won The Countryside Alliance Best Pub Award for the North of England. But neither director Simeon, nor any member of his 25-strong team, knows who nominated the pub for the award. Simeon said: "To this day, we still don't know who nominated us. "We have very loyal customers - some come in every day. "We also have some customers who travel every Sunday from Pendle to eat with us. Our staff are similarly loyal. "All are from the local area and most have remained with us since we opened ten years ago, when my family took over and transformed the establishment." As well as being a pub, the Fleece Inn also provides nine rooms, plus one self-contained apartment and, unusually, the village shop. Simeon explained: "We're not just a pub, we are at the heart of the community, and our staff and customers have become great friends. "It was important we provided essential services to residents, so we opened the village shop where they can buy local produce, a newspaper, and other items. "Our weekly quiz night and warm and friendly bar area often provide social interaction and comfort for those who may be more socially isolated. "We also do what we can to limit our carbon footprint for the area in which we're based. "We have electric car charging points, and the pub's heating and hot water is provided through a biomass boiler. "We're proud to be part of the Forest of Bowland Sustainable Tourism Network, and one of the locals keeps beehives on our paddock behind the pub. READ MORE: The Range set to open at former Homebase unit in Clitheroe The Rock Box bar in Blackburn closes due to financial issues Meet the couple behind Blackburn's 'house of train signs' "Of course, we look to the county for our food and drink. "This includes Dewlay cheeses, and wine from D Byrne in Clitheroe, while our house beer is brewed five miles away, and our meat is from Honeywells in Woodplumpton." The Fleece Inn now has a chance to win the national title at a Countryside Alliance Awards ceremony at the House of Lords in June.
Western Telegraph
03-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire businesses win at Countryside Alliance Awards
Coterie Leather and Velfrey Vineyard were named the best in Wales in the 'Rural Enterprise' and 'Best for Local Food and Drink' categories respectively. They will now represent Wales at the UK-wide Countryside Alliance Awards final at the House of Lords in London on June 18. The awards, now in their 17th year, are often dubbed the "Rural Oscars" and celebrate businesses that support their local economy, nurture community spirit, and drive rural development. Local Senedd member Samuel Kurtz congratulated the businesses on their success. He said: "A huge congratulations to Velfrey Vineyard and Coterie Leather on their well-deserved wins at the Countryside Alliance Awards. "This is a truly remarkable achievement and a clear indication that Pembrokeshire continues to set the standard for rural excellence and enterprise. "These awards are not just about outstanding products or services; they celebrate the people, passion, and perseverance that underpin them. "Both businesses exemplify the very best of what our rural communities have to offer. "Pembrokeshire's thriving rural businesses are gaining the recognition they deserve, and rightly so. "Now, as they head to the national finals at the House of Lords, we'll all be cheering them on. "Their success is a credit to our county, and we couldn't be prouder."
Powys County Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Pub near Powys town has been named the best in Wales
A Mid Wales pub was crowned champion in the Countryside Alliance Wales' 'Rural Oscars' ceremony while several other businesses were recognised. The Countryside Alliance Awards, in their 18th year, held an awards ceremony in Cardiff on April 29 and crowned several Wales businesses as champions, including a historic Mid Wales pub that was named best pub. Glan Yr Afon, in Pennal near Machynlleth, also known as The Riverside, was awarded the pub of the year prize after being nominated for the award earlier this year. The award also comes after the historic pub was saved from closure a few years ago when a community-led initiative, backed by Hollywood actor Matthew Rhys, managed to raise more than £250,000. Other Powys businesses who were recognised by finishing as runner ups or being highly commended in their categories include Rikki Lloyd 's Family Butchers in Welshpool, Gasm Drinks near Newtown, Fork Handles Tearoom in Llangedwyn, and Woosnam And Davies News in Llanidloes. A spokesperson for the Countryside Alliance said: 'This community pub was bought by the community for the community. Welshpool High School finances need 'significant improvement', auditors warn Powys community remembers talented craftsman who has died aged 67 Powys police called to A44 as two vehicles crash on road 'Its aim was to serve the needs of the locals and isolated farming families by providing a high-standard flexible facility open to every member of the Pennal community - and beyond. 'Trading began in 2023 after a difficult and challenging process, and progress has been fast and furious. Having managed to retain most of the staff, this has ensured continuous employment for many in this remote part of Wales. 'From Welsh lessons to the Thursday club for a group of men who meet weekly at the pub, this is a welcoming, vibrant place for all. 'The Glan Yr Afon under the leadership of Menter y Glan has become a poignant place for the community and is truly the beating heart of the area for locals. 'About to open in the garden is a chalet which is to become the village shop, stocking essentials and complementing the pub. From hosting speed shearing to local game shoots, this busy community pub has excelled to be crowned this year's Welsh champion.' Rachel Evans, Director for Countryside Alliance Wales, added: "This evening we celebrate our rural communities and the role that you, the finalists, play in keeping them together. "Your continuing promotion and defence of Welsh produce, skills and rural life deserves all the credit it gets and the Countryside Alliance is proud to be honouring a group of people who are passionate about their countryside and passionate about providing quality goods, services and employment to rural communities and beyond.'
The Herald Scotland
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Cornwall butchers crowned best in South West of England
Steve Heard Butchers, which is located in Camelford, won Best Butcher in the region at the 2025 Countryside Alliance Awards. The awards, which are now in their 18th year, recognise rural businesses across five categories, which includes: 'Best local food' 'Best butcher' 'Best pub' 'Best rural enterprise' 'Best village shop/post office' Sarah Lee, Director of Policy at the Countryside Alliance, said: "These champions represent the very best of our countryside – innovative businesses, passionate people and vital services that keep our rural areas alive. "They are a testament to the power of community and hard work." Businesses are nominated by their customers, and regional winners will compete against each other at a special House of Lords reception in June 2025. The full list of regional winners can be found on the Countryside Alliance Awards website here. Why was Steve Heard Butchers recognised as the best in the South West? Steve Heard Butchers was commended for its "exceptional service" and "largely Cornish-sourced meats". The Countryside Alliance Awards said: "This year's Best Butcher in the South West goes to an exceptional business built on decades of quality, trust, and exceptional service. "For over 20 years, customers have returned time and again for the outstanding British, largely Cornish-sourced meats, including melt-in-the-mouth lamb, proper sausages, and delicious bacon and ham. "Steve's close relationship with the local abattoir ensures only the finest carcases reach his counter, and his friendly, expert advice makes every visit a joy. "More than just a butcher, Steve is a pillar of the community, always going the extra mile, both in and out of the shop." Customers are also a big fan of Steve Heard Butchers, with it having earned a perfect 5/5 score from 30 ratings on Google Reviews. One person wrote: "Fantastic friendly butchers with a huge stock of goods, steaks, bacon, eggs, sausage, bread, cheese [and] even jams, would recommend and return." Recommended reading: Another said: "Amazing! Food melts in your mouth, delicious flavours, wonderful PROPER sausages, delicious bacon and ham. Lovely friendly service and chatty advice, swapping tips for cooking. "I've never had a FAMILY butcher until now. I'm so pleased! No more supermarket for me." A third posted: "Superb fillet steak prepared by a first-class knowledgeable butcher. Highly recommended."
