THE food hall at a popular garden centre in Worcestershire has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Farm Shop Deli Awards.

Food at Webbs at its Wychbold store has been nominated for Food Hall of the Year.

The annual awards commend independent retailers’ success in speciality sector with 13 different awards available.

Webbs, an independent, family-run business, prides itself on providing top quality food and drinks from local producers at its 6,000 sq ft food hall, as well as offering a premium range of national, international and independent products.

Ed Webb, executive chairman of Webbs, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to reach the finals of the Farm Shop & Deli Awards, which reflects how hard the team work to ensure our customers have the best food and drink shopping experience.

"We’re proud to be recognised by our industry peers and the voting public, and look forward to the finals in April.”

Nigel Barden, chair of judges, said: “It’s gratifying to see lots of new names amongst the finalists as the awards are becoming even more respected.

"The food and drink retail sector continues to attract inventive, hardworking entrepreneurs.”

Food at Webbs is part of a 100,000 sq ft retail site, including a restaurant, on the Worcester Road near junction 5 of the M5.

The awards, now in its fifth year, recognises the best in class in the specialist independent retail market, championing the very best standards, levels of service, product innovation and community involvement in the sector.

The winners are due to be unveiled at the Farm Shop & Deli Show being held on Monday, April 16, at the NEC in Birmingham.

For more on the food hall visit webbsdirect.co.uk/food, follow @WebbsGC on Twitter, or @FoodatWebbs on Facebook.