Local Retailers Reach Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards Final
Two local retailers have been recognised this year by Cotswold Life for championing some of the best food and drink in the region. John Barleycorn's and Tisanes Tearoom have been rewarded for their continued excellence and hard work by being chosen as finalists in the highly coveted annual Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards 2016.
In the category for Best Independent Retailer, sponsored by Cotteswold Dairy, John Barleycorn's of Broadway are among three finalists for the award; a quite remarkable achievement for a shop celebrating only its second anniversary this year.
Located in the Cotswold Court shopping arcade in Broadway, the tiny shop sells a huge range of locally sourced food and drink products, quirky souvenirs and beautiful affordable gifts. Phill Bowen, owner of John Barleycorn's, had this to say of being nominated, "It's amazing to know that so many people like John Barleycorn's and appreciate what we're trying to do, supporting local and smaller, family-run British producers… It really fills me with pride and makes it all worthwhile."
When asked why he thinks John Barleycorn's deserves to win, Phill explains "I guess what makes us different is that we have one of the smallest shops in the country and we've packed it with so many great food & drink products (including many award winners) that most people have never seen before... I know where they're made and I know quite a lot of the people who have made them. This means that we can personally recommend items and tell the story behind most of them. How many big shops can say that?!"
In the category for Local Tea/Coffee Shop of the Year category, sponsored by Emporium Gift Shop, Tisanes Tearooms in Broadway have been nominated alongside two other finalists. They are a traditional tea room, situated by the village green and the war memorial with their traditional bike outside. Tisanes serves a variety of tea, coffee, sandwiches and homemade cakes.
If you've visited Tisanes before, you’ll know its appeal lies in the delicious food and the traditional look and feel of their tearoom. Since modern cafes have began to crop up in villages and towns; the decor, the menu and even the 1940's music you'll find at Tisanes provides a timeless Cotswold charm and is a rare treat indeed.
When asked how it feels to be in the final, owner Tracey Sone admits, "We are of course absolutely thrilled to have been selected for the final of the local tearoom of the year… to be recognised in the top 3 is a major achievement for us all. I am thrilled that it was their [customer's] votes that have put us in this very privileged position".
Tracey went on to say, "We love meeting and greeting people from all over the world, and have built up an amazing local customer base too, including our very own knitting circle on a Wednesday morning".
This year The Awards will take place at Cheltenham Racecourse on July 25th. Join us in wishing both finalists the very best of luck. Whatever the outcome is, Broadway will be proud!
