Yorkshire-based Bondgate Bakery was one of nine winners at the Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2016.

The awards, in partnership with Olives Et Al, are now in their third year, and recognise the best specialist independent retailers in the UK.

Bondgate Bakery of Otley, West Yorkshire was crowned Baker of the Year, with Dee Light Bakery in Balham, London, and Hambleton Bakery of Exton, Rutland also highly commended.

The awards were judged by a team of experts from the world of speciality retail, fine food and food media. Shortlisted entrants were chosen, and the judges then carried out a series of undercover visits to see them in action, before selecting the category winners. 

Nigel Barden, chairman of judges, said: “What stands out the most from the businesses we visited this year was a passion for customer service and continued innovation.”

Sally Hinchcliffe, owner of Bondgate Bakery, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled – not for us but for the team, we really didn’t think we would win!”

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