West Sussex village shop named independent grocery store of the year for West Sussex
An Amberley village shop has been recognised for its commitment to the local community.
Amberley Village Stores & Post Office, on High Street, has been named as the independent grocery store of the year, for West Sussex, at the Prestige Awards.
The shop has been serving the community since opening in The Barn in 1998, received the award in recognition of its locally sourced produce, range of essential services and personal customer service.
The independent store is located in the heart of the South Downs National Park and caters to both local residents and visitors, including walkers and cyclists exploring the area.
The Prestige Awards judges highlighted the shop's commitment to the community, its selection of food and produce from Sussex suppliers and its efforts to maintain the traditional village-shop experience.
The store's team said they were ‘absolutely delighted’ with the recognition.
“We’re only a small village shop, but we put a huge amount of care into what we do and always try to give our customers the very best service we can,” they said.
“For us, the shop is about much more than simply selling groceries. It’s about being there for the village, supporting local producers, helping people where we can, and making sure residents and visitors still have that friendly, traditional village-shop experience.”
The team said they were particularly proud that the award recognised their work supporting local suppliers and maintaining the shop's role in village life.
They added: “We simply wouldn’t be here without the continued support of our customers, suppliers and the wider Amberley community, and we’re incredibly grateful to them.”
According to its website, the ‘traditional’ village shop ‘offers a warm welcome’ to local residents, walkers, cyclists and visitors exploring the South Downs.
It adds: “Inside, you’ll find everything from everyday essentials to tempting treats, including fresh and frozen food, dairy products, groceries, newspapers, cards, household goods, pet supplies, medicines, maps, ice cream, snacks, soft drinks, wines, spirits, beers and local ales.
“Our range of locally sourced produce comes from across West Sussex and changes with the seasons, giving you something fresh and different to discover throughout the year.
“Planning a stay in the area? We also feature a selection of B&Bs and self-catering accommodation in Amberley and the surrounding South Downs, alongside beautiful products from Amberley Pottery and Amberley Museum.
“Pop in and discover just how much your local village store has to offer – you may be pleasantly surprised.”
Find out more at https://www.avsshop.co.uk/