A FOOD emporium in the Cotswolds has scooped a prestigious national retail award.

Fillet and Bone, an urban farm shop that launched in Chipping Campden in March last year, has been named Newcomer of the Year in the Shop of the Year Awards 2018.

The Newcomer of the Year was selected by judges from all the entries received and, following a rigorous judging process including a secret shopper visit, Fillet & Bone was crowned winner at a glittering ceremony at the Guild’s HQ in Southwark Street, London.

"It means a great deal to win a national award like this from a body as prestigious as the Guild of Fine Food,” said Fillet & Bone founder Chris Gates.

"It’s very important to us, particularly because we were among such illustrious company - retailers that we greatly respect.

“It’s hugely encouraging and we take great pride in it. There’s been a lot of great sentiment on social media from our customers and suppliers, and it’s a reward for them as much as it is for us.”

Chris praised the judging process.

“The judge who came to see us was very well-informed and asked all the right questions,” he added.

"We certainly felt as if we’d been thoroughly interviewed. We’ve also found the Guild’s Secret Shopper report very useful.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be the Guild of Fine Food Newcomer of the Year for 2018.”

Judges at the Awards included food journalist Patrick McGuigan, ex-Fortnum & Mason food buyer Sam Rosen-Nash and veteran industry buyer Stuart Gates.

They said the shop is “built on great business plans and practices” and is “a treasure trove of delicious products with a real sense of individuality”.

The farm shop, borne out of a centuries-old butcher’s shop in the High Street, continues an illustrious tradition of artisan makers and retailers in Chipping Campden.

For more information, go to filletandbone.co.uk