Multi-award winning West Sussex village shop nominated for prestigious industry gong

The Lodsworth Larder has been shortlisted for a Countryside Alliance Award in the Village Shops/Post Office category.

The Awards are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of British food and farming, enterprise and heritage through local, small businesses.

They are set apart from other award schemes because they are driven by public nomination, offering customers the chance to vote for their favourite business.

And it is these votes, cast by the villagers and other loyal customers of the local village shop in Lodsworth at the end of 2025, that secured their place in the regional finals.

Voting has now opened to select a winner from the six shortlisted contenders from across Bedfordshire, Hampshire and East and West Sussex and the result will be announced in April – see https://www.research.net/r/CAA26SECA.

The winner will then go forward to represent the South East and be considered for the national ‘Rural Oscars’ at The House of Lords champions’ reception in July.

Rolland Keane, committee chair and volunteer at The Lodsworth Larder, said: “Awards like this are enormously valuable to a community like ours.

“It is not simply the kudos of being recognised for doing a good job.

“Such awards provide assurance to potential visitors who may be considering visiting our shop or our village.

“They also help showcase the important role village shops play in rural communities.”