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Kent Independent Retailer of the Year

Voting is now closed - here's the top 10

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. The public vote is now closed, and the shortlist below reflects the independent retailers, farm shops, delis, butchers and fishmongers that Kent shoppers rated most highly.

What happens now?

The public vote was just the beginning. Each of the top ten retailers is now invited to submit further information about their business, including details of their suppliers, product range and commitment to Kent produce. An expert judging panel will review both the public vote results and these submissions to select a shortlist of finalists.

The finalists for all categories will be announced in September.

Those finalists will then be mystery shopped by professional researchers before a winner is chosen and presented with their trophy at the Awards Ceremony on 8th October

Judging criteria: Overall shopping experience, affordability, range and quality of Kent produce stocked, customer service, staff knowledge, marketing and promotions, and overall food and drink offering.

Algar Lodge Farm Shop & Cafe

Deal

Crouch Butchers

Bearsted

Finnian's Deli

Bishopsbourne

Groombridge Farm Shop

Groombridge

Hammond's Butchers

Matfield

Little Wave Deli

Broadstairs

Lower Ladysden Farm

Goudhurst

Macknade

Faversham

Myatts of Mockbeggar Farm Shop

Cliffe Woods

Smarden Community Store

Smarden

About Brachers

Brachers is an award-winning law firm in Kent, with offices in Maidstone and Canterbury, providing valuable legal support to individuals, families, and businesses across Kent and beyond. For 130 years we’ve been using our legal expertise to support individuals and businesses at every milestone. The firm is recognised in The Times ‘Best Law Firms 2026’ list, accredited as an ‘outstanding’ place to work by Best Companies, and named as a Best Companies ‘Top 15 Best Law Firm To Work For’.

Brachers is a member of Lawfront, a national group of leading regional law firms dedicated to delivering comprehensive legal support to individuals and businesses nationwide.

“We are delighted to support the Taste of Kent Awards 2026 and to celebrate the exceptional talent, innovation and dedication within Kent’s food and drink sector. These awards recognise the businesses and individuals who make such an important contribution to the county’s economy, heritage and sense of community, and we are proud to play a part in championing their success.” – Sarah Mannooch, Partner in the Private Client team at Brachers.

https://www.brachers.co.uk/