Yesterday afternoon (18 June), the Countryside Alliance held its annual ‘Rural Oscars’ awards ceremony, where rural businesses from across the UK were crowned champions.
The Countryside Alliance Awards – now in their 18th year – recognise rural businesses across five categories, including ‘best local food’, ‘best butcher’, ‘best pub’, ‘best rural enterprise’, and ‘best village shop/ post office’. These businesses go the extra mile within their communities, supporting the local economy and championing local goods and services.
The Clarissa Dickson Wright Award was also awarded at the ceremony. The award, instituted in 2013, centres on the much-missed cook’s belief in campaigning, educating and prioritising slow food, taste, quality and support for our farmers and producers. As such, it celebrates businesses who focus on strong animal husbandry and butchery, support slow and artisan food, foster our farming heritage, and take action to educate and inform.
Regional champions from across the country attended the event, each hoping to become a national champion.
Thousands of nominations from around the country were whittled down via the judging process, with the final few being honoured at the national finalists’ ceremony in London at the House of Lords, kindly hosted by the Earl of Leicester. The event was very well attended by a number of MPs and Peers.
Tim Bonner, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance, said:
“Now in their eighteenth year, the Countryside Alliance Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the people and enterprises that form the backbone of rural Britain. These stories of perseverance, ingenuity, and community spirit deserve to be heard in the corridors of power.
“Whether you’re here representing a family farm, a village shop, a local pub, or a rural enterprise, you are all standard bearers for the countryside and the communities that depend on it.
“These Awards are about more than just business. They celebrate the people and values that keep rural life alive, commitment to community, a passion for produce, innovation, sustainability, and good old-fashioned hard work. It’s a privilege to welcome such outstanding ambassadors of rural Britain to Westminster.
“Congratulations to each and every one of you. Your dedication, creativity and sheer grit have brought you this far and whatever happens next, you should all be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved.”
The Grand Champions of the 2025 Countryside Alliance Awards are:
BUTCHER
Champion – N S James Butchers, Monmouthshire, Wales
Farming has a true champion in N.S. James Butchers of Raglan. With a steadfast commitment to low food miles and locally sourced livestock, they’re not just feeding the community, they’re nourishing its roots. Their in-house abattoir and hand-crafted produce demonstrate a level of care and expertise rarely seen today. Add to that their presence at rural events and support for local producers, and it’s clear: N.S. James is more than a butcher, they are the beating heart of a thriving rural network, proudly flying the flag for farming and food heritage.
Highly Commended – Dales Traditional Butchers, Lancashire, North of England
LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK
Champion – Nether Haugh Farm, Yorkshire, North of England
Nether Haugh Farm is a shining example of what the future of farming should look like, sustainable, transparent, and community-focused. Nick and Carys have built a model that not only provides exceptional food but also nurtures rural-urban connections and educates the next generation. Their commitment to honesty, quality, and local pride is evident in everything they do. This is a business that doesn’t just feed people, it inspires them.
Highly Commended – The Coo Shed, Ayrshire, Scotland
PUB
Champion – The Fleece Inn, Lancashire, North of England
The Fleece Inn exemplifies the very best of rural enterprise, a once-failing pub now reborn as the living heart of its community. It combines exceptional local food, warm hospitality, and meaningful social impact. Every detail, from the homegrown honey to the repurposed flagstones, tells a story of dedication to place. With its deep roots in the village, tireless support of local groups, and commitment to sustainable sourcing, The Fleece Inn is not just a business, it’s a lifeline. A truly inspiring model for rural regeneration.
Highly Commended – The Church House Inn, Devon, South West
RURAL ENTERPRISE
Champion – Coterie Leather, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Coterie Leather exemplifies the essence of rural enterprise, blending sustainability, craftsmanship, and community engagement. Tracy Watkins has not only created a brand that produces beautiful, ethical products but also fosters education and environmental responsibility. Her dedication to preserving traditional skills while innovating within the fashion industry sets a benchmark for rural businesses nationwide.
Highly Commended – Creake Farmers Market, Fakenham, East of England
VILLAGE SHOP & POST OFFICE
Champion – Thomas Duffy & Sons Ltd, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland
Praise verges on universal for this comprehensively stocked and reliably staffed rural shop. Duffy’s is cherished for its incredible range, groceries, hardware, furniture, meals and for the unwavering service delivered by its caring team. In moments of crisis, they’ve gone above and beyond, often supplying essential appliances in hours. Its homemade food, respected butchery, and local sourcing make it stand out but it’s the spirit of service and community that makes Duffy’s truly irreplaceable
Highly Commended – Orford General Store, Suffolk, East of England
CLARISSA DICKSON WRIGHT AWARD – Bridge 67 Butchers, Leicestershire, Midlands
Announcing the winner of the Clarrisa Dickson Wright award, Peter Gott (Sillfield Farm and co-founder of Borough Market) said:
“This is a business that lives and breathes the values Clarissa Dickson Wright championed – high welfare, honest food, and fearless pride in farming. Every product they sell comes with a story, rooted in the Leicestershire soil. The beef, lamb, pork, honey, and eggs in the shop all come from the family farm, just down the road. Provenance is not a label; it’s a lived truth.
“Staff spend time on the farm to understand breeding, calving, and animal welfare. The link between farm and fork is not just explained, it is experienced by all involved. Their cookery and butchery school educates the next generation, while school visits, Young Farmers events, WI talks, and even lambs in preschools ensure that learning about food starts early and encompasses the whole community.
“The business holds an annual lambing and calving open day, attracting 700 visitors this year, and offering demonstrations on food preparation, farming and sustainability. Antibiotics are rarely needed thanks to exceptional husbandry, and a local vet has commended their welfare as among the best seen.
“They give back too, with over £1,000 in charity donations each year, and regular appearances on local radio spreads the word about responsible and sustainable food. This is a business driven by purpose and passion and built on trust and transparency.”
