Ludlow deli is named best in the country

Broad Bean scooped the top prize at the Farm Shop & Deli Awards on Monday.

It beat off competition from 167 delis across the country including the esteemed London delis Bayley & Sage, Giddy Grocer, Guzzl and MacFarlane’s.

Alice and Ian Evans took over the business three years ago and have seen it go from strength to strength.

"We were up against some really tough competition and some long-standing delis so we were not expecting to win," Alice said. "We felt honoured just to be shortlisted.

"I think a massive part of the reason we won is because of our customer service.The staff go out of their way to give a service you can't get anywhere else."

Part of the award was a public vote where customers were asked to tell the panel of judges why they thought a business deserved to win.

She added: "If someone comes in and requests something we will do our best to get it for them.

"We've already had so many customers come in to congratulate us on our win and said they think we really deserved it.

"We hope this award help put Ludlow firmly on the map as a food destination because there is so many great shops and independents."

Before taking over Broad Bean, Ian worked on the prestigious Sandringham estate as a butcher, preparing meat for royalty in residence, while Alice was a deputy head teacher of a special school, working with young people with autism and challenging behaviour.

They now work closely with local suppliers, including McNeill’s Smokehouse, Paso Primero wines and Bennett and Dunn oils, as well as stockists from further afield.

Last year Broad Bean was a finalist in the Guild of Fine Foods Shop of the Year Award 2018 and runner-up in The Observer Food Monthly Awards 2018.