The Countryside Alliance Awards are now in its sixteenth year – and are seen by many as the definitive rural business award to win, to the extent that they are dubbed the ‘Rural Oscars’
At the end of last year, the 2024 Countryside Alliance Awards Finalists were announced.
And as the Herald reports, Ottery’s Coldharbour Farm has been shortlisted for the ‘Rural Oscars’:
These ‘Rural Oscars’ awards, which celebrate British food and farming, enterprise and heritage, are driven by public nominations, with customers independently giving their opinions on why their favourite businesses are worthy of national acclaim. More than 17,000 nominations were received.
Co-owner Andrea Broadhurst said: “This is really wonderful news for the start of the year. We weren’t aware that we’d been nominated, so to find out we’re a finalist was a real surprise. We’re only one of just five finalists in the South West region, with only two from Devon – so it’s a real accolade.”
The business has been committed to local sourcing since it started in 2016. Alongside its own farmed lamb and pork, Coldharbour supports local suppliers, large and small, in order to offer the best possible quality to customers.
The next step will be a public vote, which takes place in February. Co-owner Beth Ashfield said: “We’ll be very grateful for votes from our customers, so keep an eye out on our social media for details.”
Here they are on Facebook and their website showcases farm fresh food & produce from field to fork.
And it’s just been announced that they are up for another award, with Coldharbour as one of the Ottery businesses among the finalists in the Exeter Living Awards:
Two award-winning Ottery businesses could be about to add to their achievements, after reaching the finals of the Exeter Living Awards. Coldharbour Field Kitchen is among seven finalists in the Restaurant category, while Devon Eco Boutique is shortlisted in both the Retail and Sustainability categories.
Co-owner Andrea Broadhurst said: “We’re thrilled to be finalists in the Exeter Living Awards, it’s very exciting. As we’ve only been open for just over 18 months we’re absolutely overwhelmed by the recognition we’ve been getting. We must be doing something right!”
Business partner Beth Ashfield added: “We are really proud of our team, too. Each and every one of them gives customers a really warm and friendly welcome, and we’re always hearing that our customer service is excellent. The success and popularity of Coldharbour Field Kitchen is all down to team work. Good luck to all finalists. With the wonderful Jack in the Green also a finalist, let’s hope it’s an East Devon win!”
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