THE owners of a popular food retailer in Coleford are celebrating a prestigious award win which could help put the town "on the map as a foodie destination".

Local produce seller Forest Deli has been awarded a Gold rating in the annual Taste of the West Awards, which recognises the best products and food-selling hospitality venues and retailers across the South West region.

The shop was recently visited, without notice, by an anonymous Taste of the West judge, who described the deli as "attractive" and "a key player in the community" in their evaluation.

Owners Debbie and Simon Jones have been given a certificate and window sticker to notify customers of the Gold rating, and will be promoted as an award-winning establishment by Taste of the West online.

The owners said of the win: "We are so excited to have received this Gold award from the Taste of the West as it really validates for us that our approach works. 

"It also helps to put Coleford on the map as a foodie destination, especially with so many other independent award-winning food based retailers, not to mention cafes, pubs and restaurants."

In a Facebook post to supporters, they added: "We really couldn’t do what we do without the ongoing support of our fabulous local suppliers and very very lovely customers.

"Thank you for continuing to support us. Let’s keep the flag flying by shouting about the truly amazing range of local produce we have in this part of the world."

The couple say their love of cheese became their livelihood when they opened the deli in March 2018.

A lack of quality cheese locally and their "passion for tasty local food and drink" led them to take the plunge, and the pair continue to build on their desire to offer "the widest range" of local produce and "something a little bit different" for the community.

The judge’s comments following their visit to the deli read: "The Forest Deli is an attractive and well stocked deli.

"It is clear that it is a favourite with locals and is well established as a key player in the community and is well-visited.

"The range of local products is wide and varied with plenty to tempt.

"It is evident that products have been chosen carefully and are displayed in an eye-catching way. "There is pride in supporting local producers, particularly those who are just starting out."

As well as offering a wide rage of locally sourced produce, the deli sells homemade bakes and offers "build your own" hampers and picnics, as well as a delivery service.

"This gorgeous rural area around us is abundant with local food and drink producers and we always prioritise local suppliers wherever possible, selecting the very best products and sourcing anything new to the area", the owners added.

"Our customers know that if it’s local and we haven’t got it, we’ll get it.

"Although now that we’ve been going a few years we’re likely to already stock a new product by the time it launches anyway!

"We’ve supported many start up businesses in the area, often being their first retail outlet and our variety and championing of local producers is something we’re well known for."