Cheshire businesses are celebrating after making it through to the regional finals of what have become known as the Rural Oscars.
Cheshire boasts competitors in three of the four categories after the North West received more than 300 nominations from the public for this year’s Countryside Alliance Awards – an increase of 100 from the 2012 awards.
The Cholmondeley Arms in Malpas is the only pub among the five finalists of the Local Food category.
Tim Bird, who owns the pub with his wife Mary McLaughlin, said: “We are a pub up against lovely bespoke artisan shops and that’s what pleases me most.
“The head chef has worked particularly hard with all sorts of people locally to bring different dishes to the table that actually reflect the effort that is going on locally. It is a collective effort.”
Having only opened in 2010, the Ashton Hayes and Mouldsworth Community Shop has even more reason to celebrate, making the regional finalist shortlist in the village shop category.
The store was established when the only existing shop in Ashton Hayes was faced with closure and about 50% of the staff hours required are provided by volunteers.
Lisa Allman, chair of the store’s management committee, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted, especially as the nomination has come from the local community.
“The village shop is a vital village amenity. The shop is also regarded as a valuable hub of the community and is seen as a meeting place where people can catch up with others.”
Cheshire butchers fill every berth in the butcher category this year.
Family business Burrows & Son, which has been supplying local meat to the village of Bunbury since 1924, was a regional finalist last year as well.
Burrows & Son partner Mark Burrows said: “We are very pleased. We source all our meat from local farms. I think it’s testament to the quality of produce we sell.
“We support the local farms and the local economy. We know exactly where the meat is coming from, which is important to people.”
Jill Grieve of the Countryside Alliance said: “There are some incredible businesses in Cheshire competing for the North West titles this year.
“The awards are nicknamed the Rural Oscars and are now in their ninth year. They exist to champion and encourage small rural businesses, to promote local produce and celebrate community spirit.
“Ultimately they are about people and the hard work they put into living and working in the countryside.
“The North West’s businesses are always impressive – the quality of produce in the region is second to none and we are delighted to highlight and support the great work going on.”
The judging panel for the British final includes Clarissa Dickson Wright, Farmers Guardian editor Emma Penny and master butcher David Lidgate.