Village shops lands a Good Food Award

A highly-decorated village business has added to its growing collection of gongs after picking up a Good Food Award.
Heather Gilbert and Paul Alderman only set the shop in June 2018.Heather Gilbert and Paul Alderman only set the shop in June 2018.
Heather Gilbert and Paul Alderman only set the shop in June 2018.

The Butcher and Baker in Allerton Bywater has been added to the prestigious list of shops, takeaways, pubs and hotels who "strive for culinary excellence", according to the Award's website.

It is another feather in the cap for Paul Alderman and Heather Gilbert, who only opened in 2018 but who have managed to scoop a staggering amount of awards already.

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For their latest accolade, businesses have to be nominated by customers for a Good Food Award, but only the very best are selected.

Paul Alderman, who runs the shop with his business partner, Heather Gilbert, said: "It's taken a lot of hard work, it's nice to get accolades but it's good to be judged by your peers, and it opens people's eyes to where they can get good food.

"We are always striving to be better than we are.

"It's good to be recognised for the hard work you put in.

"When a customer comes in they only see what's in front of them, they perhaps don't realise the effort that has gone into it.

"We just our customers to be happy, and know they are getting value for money."

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Paul met Heather when they would each attend farmers' markets, with Paul selling meat and pies, while Heather specialising in cakes and sweet treats.

After the shop on Main Street became available, Heather, who is from Allerton Bywater, and Paul, who hails from Bingley, decided to go into partnership and open the joint venture in June 2018.

Among the awards they have landed so far include having the best beef and ale pie at the 2019 British Pie Awards.

They source all their meat and ingredients locally and continue to look at improving, including diversifying into takeaway meal deals.

Paul, 50, said: "We've slowly built up a good reputation for meat and pies, and people from far and wide to buy Heather's oaty biscuits! "