Michael Dart, who runs Darts Farm alongside his brothers, James and Paul, comments: “We were over the moon to be nominated for two categories at these national awards, with The Farm Table up for Best Restaurant outside of London and Darts Farm as Local Hero.
But, with such an outstanding shortlist, packed full of world-class chefs and establishments, we didn't dare to hope that we would really be in with a chance of winning.
"When the winners were announced, we were blown away to receive the Local Hero Award. This award is a community-focused award that highlights regional companies who deserve national recognition for their contribution to the local scene, with Food & Travel Magazine describing Darts Farm as one of the best farm shops in the country.”
He continues: “Following our original nomination, the vote was then opened to the public and it was our fantastic customers that voted in their droves to make us winners of this coveted award. We can't thank them enough.”
Darts Farm, set just outside Exeter, overlooks the beautiful Clyst Valley. It has grown from humble beginnings, as a small pick your own business established in 1971 by Michael's father, into a unique, multi-award-winning destination, which still retains the working family farm at its heart.
The food hall sells all of its home-grown produce alongside food and drink from incredible, passionate artisans. Much of this amazing produce also appears on the menus of their 3 restaurants onsite, with particular focus in their flagship restaurant, The Farm Table, which celebrates the simplicity of beautiful ingredients grown, reared, caught and crafted on their doorstep. What they cannot grow themselves on the farm, they source from their vibrant community of like-minded producers, farmers and fisherman who share their passion for flavour, seasonality and sustainable, traditional methods.
Michael adds: “Winning this award is a fantastic achievement for Darts Farm and a real testament to our brilliant, passionate team. It is also recognition of the world-class, local artisan producers whose wares we sell in our shop and use in our restaurants. We like to think that it is a feather in the cap for Devon as a foodie destination too.”
Food and Travel magazine is the world's leading gastronomic travel title, with an amazing 25 year heritage of writing for those who love foodie adventures, discovering the best ingredients, dishes and flavours and trying new, exciting restaurants.
Darts Farm is open 8am-7pm, Monday to Saturday and 9.30am-4.30pm on Sunday.
For further information on Darts Farm please visit www.dartsfarm.co.uk and follow Darts Farm on Facebook and Instagram.
