THE TEAM at an already multi-award-winning Somerset farm shop are celebrating after receiving two Golds as part of this year’s Taste of the West Hospitality and Retail Awards (2026).
Rumwell Farm Shop received the prestigious Awards in the Farm Shop and Café/Tearoom categories and was highly praised for its ‘treasure trove of South West produce’ and ‘welcoming’ Café.
The Shop judge, who must remain anonymous due to their role, said in summary comments on the award documents: “This was my first visit to Rumwell Farm Shop and I felt I had stepped into a treasure trove of South West produce with brands both familiar and new to me.
“The staff were warm, friendly and always smiling, which went a long way to creating a positive shopping experience. The perfect place to find delicious treats as well as staples, I will definitely be back!”
The Rumwell Café also received glowing feedback from the judge, who commended the staff, service, price points and flavour of the food.
They summarised: “A lovely, comfortable café where you can enjoy well-priced food packed with flavour served by a team who are only too happy to make sure their customers have a great experience.”
Rumwell Farm Shop is an independent, family-run, award-winning business owned by the Mitchell family. It was originally a potato store, when David and Anne Mitchell began selling their potatoes and free-range eggs at the gate more than 25 years ago.
Due to customer demand, the range of products soon increased, and the Farm Shop grew into the place it is today. David and Anne’s sons, James and Jack, are now also involved in the business, as well as their wives, Sophie and Donna.
Anne Mitchell, Partner at the multi-award-winning business on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington said: “We’re so delighted to have been awarded with these two Golds and would like to thank our wonderful team, who we’re very proud of. Each one has made this possible through their ongoing hard work and commitment to our business and customers.
“We received such excellent feedback from the Shop judge, there is too much to mention, but I particularly like these comments: ‘From entering the car park to leaving, my impression was very positive…the character of the shop was very attractive and inviting.’ As well as: ‘I would say there is a real commitment to showcasing the best of the South West. The homemade pepper quiche was one of the nicest I’ve eaten. I also purchased homemade cakes and bread, which were extremely high quality. Rumwell has an upmarket feel…plenty of happy customers. The wide selection of locally sourced products was commendable. A lovely ambience all round.’
“Feedback from the Café visit included this quote from the judge: ‘The staff were extremely welcoming and attentive. We had different servers through the meal, and they
were all equally friendly.’ And: ‘The café is very spacious and attractive…very comfortable. Everyone dining there seemed relaxed and happy, always a good sign.’
“It was also good to see the following noted by the judge too: ‘It was a pleasure to enjoy a jacket potato, perfectly cooked, that was grown at the farm. The presentation was superb, elevating a humble jacket. It was very tasty…and the portions were very generous.’”
Taste of the West, established in 1991, is the regional food and drink trade organisation for the South West of England.
It rewards the region’s exceptional food and drink identity and works to develop the very best of the area’s industry.
Rumwell Farm Shop has a traditional Butchery counter selling its home-reared and free-range pork and Rumwell Angus beef. Also onsite is the new, purpose-built Rumwell Orchard events space, a Delicatessen, Bakery, Jam Kitchen, Food Hall, Wine Cellar, Gluten Free Kitchen, Food To Go service and Gift Room.
The food prepared in the Café kitchen is sourced from the Farm Shop, the Mitchell family farm, which is just four miles away, and other regional suppliers. The Café kitchen has Coeliac UK’s Gluten Free accreditation.
For more information, please call Rumwell Farm Shop on 01823 461599 or visit www.rumwellfarmshop.com.
