WASHINGPOOL Farm Shop at North Allington near Bridport, has been shortlisted for the Best Farm Shop award in the Food Reader Awards 2014.

More than 3,000 votes were cast by food readers for their favourite chefs, restaurants, cafes and products in the South West.

Shortlist voting is now open and will close on February 2 at midnight.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Yeo Valley HQ on February 24.

The River Cottage Cookery School in Axminster has also been nominated in the Best Cookery School category.

Food editor Jo Rees said: “Food readers clearly feel strongly about supporting their favourite local chefs and food businesses, and we’ve been blown away by the number of votes cast in the first round.

“It’s easy to underestimate how important winning an award like this is to the food businesses involved so we urge South West foodies to push their favourite in the shortlist through to the final three.

“Best of luck to everyone.”

The nominations made so far have been counted and a shortlist drawn up. In categories where the voting was extremely close, the shortlist has been extended to a maximum of six nominees.

This year’s awards are sponsored by Yeo Valley (main sponsor), Total Produce (Best Restaurant), First Great Western (Local Food Hero), Darts Farm (Best Independent Retailer), Havana Coffee Co (Best Cafe), Sharps Brewery (Best Chef), St Austell Brewery (Best Pub), Jelf (Best Hotel), Rodda’s (Best Blogger), Helpful Holidays (Best Cookery School), Cheeky Cow (Best Foodie Product) and Smith and Williamson (Best Drink).

Please note that you do not need to vote in every category.

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