The business has been family-run for more than 100 years and its farm shop opened in 2024
A Cambridgeshire ‘farm to fork’ business has taken the crown for the best farm shop in the region in the 2026 Velvet Food & Drink Awards. Willow Grange’s farm shop in Chittering has received the accolade, beating competition across Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.
Willow Grange has been family-run for more than 100 years, with its farm shop opening in October 2024. The business operates as a working farm and is also a wedding venue, can host events and has accommodation.
The business was put forward for the award last year and Michelle Alston, the judge, said Willow Grange had made “significant improvements” since its previous nomination. She said it was clear to her that “a lot of care and investment has gone into the farm shop”.
The judge added: “This was very evident as soon as I stepped inside. The shop floor was spotlessly clean and merchandised to a high standard. The product range has increased significantly and is now offering customers a great choice of high-quality products.
“The staff were excellent; they seemed well-trained in customer service and happy to be there. One staff member behind the cheese counter was a real highlight; they acknowledged me immediately, were very friendly, and their product knowledge was excellent, a real credit to their store!”
Judge Alston said she felt Willow Grange had “the best value for money”. This component combined with the “excellent staff and increased product range” set the farm shop ahead of the competition.
Reacting to the news, Kirsty Blackwell, 28, assistant manager for Willow Grange said: “We have had a lot of growth and expansion in the business and we still have lots to come this year. It was really nice that she had seen that. We were really pleased that it had been recognised and all of our hard work had been worth it.”
The farm shop has a butchers counter which is stocked with its own Hereford cows. Ms Blackwell said what makes the farm shop so special is that they “really love to support local businesses” and they have the opportunity to show customers the “farm to fork process”.
She added: “They [customers] can see exactly where the cows are living, how they are looked after and really know exactly where their meat is coming from.”
The farm offers a range of items including an alcohol selection, crisps, confectionary, cheese counter, deli counter, fresh produce and coffee from local roasters including its own exclusive blend.
It also has a home and gift section where visitors can find minimal refill products, candles, a pet section and terrariums which are made by a local lady in Ely.
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