THERE was double delight for specialist South Lakeland bakery Lovingly Artisan at the annual Farm Shop & Deli Show this week.

The bakery walked away with two prestigious trophies after winning the North West Regional Producer award and the national Baker of the Year award.

“It’s a real honour to be shortlisted alongside the other finalists in this year’s Farm Shop & Deli awards as both a regional and national finalist, and to win both is simply incredible,” said Aidan Monks and Catherine Connor, the husband and wife team who own Lovingly Artisan.

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“We are truly honoured to be able to play a small part in developing excellence in the UK’s baking industry.”

A team of more than 20 leading experts judged entries from across the UK before drawing up a shortlist and then carrying out secret visits to each shortlisted entry over the last few weeks.

Following this comprehensive judging process and nearly 5,500 consumer votes, the winners were announced at the show, which was held at the NEC in Birmingham and which celebrates the highest levels of service, product knowledge, initiative, innovation and community involvement at fine food retail establishments across the UK.

And Lovingly Artisan, which is based at Plumgarths just outside Kendal but also has an outlet at Altrincham, Cheshire, clearly hit the judges’ taste buds, with one judge remarking: “My initial comment is: ‘I wish this was near me.’ Great application showing not only passion but a true business model.’’

Another judge added: “Great engagement with the community and sharing the skill and knowledge.”

The awards were presented by national TV and radio food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden, who also chaired the judging panel.

And after receiving their trophies from Mr Barden, the couple said: “The annual awards are one of the biggest events in food and drink sector and provide a magnificent stage to recognise the skills and achievements of the whole industry.

“The future of the industry as a whole is very bright and the team at Lovingly Artisan are really looking forward to playing a small part in the developments ahead.’’