The Combe Farm Shop has been awarded a Gold Award from Taste of the West. 

The shop consists of a Farm Shop, cafe, outside vending machines which sell fresh milk, milkshakes and dairy products. Until a few weeks ago there was a fish counter too, but this has closed for the winter.

The Combe Farm was visited by a 'secret shopper', who bought a selection of items and spoke to the staff about the provenance of the items. 

The shopper purchased a lamb minced roll, a pheasant bomb, sausages, bacon, cheese and sorbet and they were impressed with all the products. 

It is not the first time Combe Farm Shop has won awards. Despite only opening in 2020, it won Gold in the farm shop category in 2021 and earlier this year it was awarded Gold for its goat sausages.

This year, the judges praised the friendliness of the staff in the shop, the extent of the local produce on sale and its 'rustic' but attractive appearance, with a modern touch. In their review, they said: "I was made to feel very welcome, and in my opinion shopping at Combe Farm Shop was good value for money. 

"The shop is positively brimming with home produced and prepared food, and it has total commitment to local or South West products."

The shop won particular praise for its meat counter, which is run by butcher Simon Skinner and his wife Sam, who both live in Honiton. Taste of the West said: "The eye-catching meat counter is a wow! It is outstanding. 

"The shop is worth a visit for the meat counter, sausage rolls and cakes alone."

Joanna Marker runs the Farm Shop. Nub News spoke to her about the award. She said: "We got really, really positive feedback from Taste of the West, so I couldn't be prouder of my team. She came and had a cup of tea and then went into the shop, asking lots of questions! 

"We applied in September and they came and surprised us! It is great to win because it shows the team's commitment to the shop and we try really hard, in everything we do. And this makes it all worth it. 

"Everything is locally sourced, or at least from an ethical company. We produce a lot in house and our butchers are partially fantastic." 

Otterton Mill (near Budleigh Salterton) and Greendale also won Gold. The Farm Shops will be whittled down to a shortlist who will then be invited to the ceremony where the 'champion of the golds' will be announced.  

Combe Farm are organising a series of events over the next week, including Wreath Making and Late Night Shopping.

The Farm Shop is located halfway between Honiton and Gittisham, near the Hayne Farm development. 

You can find out more information here Combe Farm Shop | Facebook