Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury farm shop named best in the country

From starting small 11 years ago, a farm shop on the outskirts of Shrewsbury has been named the best in the country.

Published
Farm shop manager Anne Whittingham with butcher Steve Jones, cafe manager Anita Blakeway, head chef Joel Whitehouse and deli manager Sandra Nevins

Battlefield 1403 scooped the top award at the Farm Shop & Deli Awards on Monday.

Beating off competition from across the country, the family-run business showed they were the best in Britain.

Opening in 2008, Battlefield 1403 now has a visitor's centre, farm shop, butchery, deli, cafe, falconry centre and woodshed.

It has been a labour of love for the Jagger family and is proud to stock meat and produce from the local area - all of which is traceable.

Hard work

Jeremy Jagger, owner, said: "It is still just sinking in that we have won. It is all down to the hard work of our staff - they are what has made the business such a success and their efforts were recognised by the judges.

"When we opened in 2008, we had a small cafe which we thought people would like to stop off at once they had been to the farm shop. But now it is a stand alone, people come here just for that. But we also offer a whole experience. We have visitors who just come along to the museum which celebrates the Battle of Shrewsbury or who want to have a look around the falconry centre or the battle field itself.

"We take it very seriously. We know exactly where our food comes from and whenever somebody asks we are able to tell them. If anyone wants to know where our beef comes from we can show them the cattle out in the field. We work very closely with other suppliers who are very well respected around Shropshire."

Biggie

The Jaggers are also very keen on holding events at the farm.

This summer will see a family fun day and they are also in the midst of preparing for a Medieval event on the battle field. "That one's going to be a biggie," said Jeremy. "We are looking at ways to improve and develop the place. We like to listen to the customers and learn from them."

The Farm Shop & Deli Awards, in partnership with The Grocer, are highly respected in the industry for playing an important role in supporting, and celebrating, the UK’s independent, specialist retail market.