Grantown bakers takes the retail cake
“Wowee!”... Grantown baker Kirsten Gilmour said it all earlier this week as her Kj’s Bothy Bakery became Scotland’s Small Retailer of the Year.
“It’s absolutely magic,” she told the Strathy after returning from the Farm Shop and Deli Retailer Awards at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre.
“It’s been a pretty challenging time for us since leaving the Mountain Cafe at Aviemore and this has been a fantastic result for the team’s hard work.
“I can’t quite believe it, but I’m so delighted for them, they have earned the recognition for their commitment, dedication and passion.
“This award helps me believe you can reinvent yourself; you can get through the rough times and if you have the right team you really can achieve anything you dream of. I thank whoever nominated us.”
She added that it had been ‘a hell of steep learning curve, creating a bakery after 20 years’ chef-ing and 16 running The Mountain Cafe.
“I’ve never worked in retail so everyday has been a school day this past three years. It was amazing meeting so many incredible Scottish producers. We really do have so many kick-ass ingredients and artisan producers in our amazing country!
“And congratulations to ‘The wee shop on the A9’ at The House of Bruar for taking out the best large food hall retailer in Scotland!”
The Retailer of the Year Awards, in partnership with The Grocerl, recognised the Bruar team at Blair Atholl amongst the best in the land, as nominated by consumers and suppliers.
From more than 100 entries, the judging panel whittled down 60 finalists including butchers, delicatessens, food halls and farm shops.
Nigel Barden, chair of judges, commented: “There were some remarkable entries reflecting how these resourceful and diligent entrants care about their businesses – and their staff.”
Kj’s Bothy Bakery was hailed as ‘a solid entry with good commendations from staff and customer’. Judges stated: “It feels like this is a close knit team that have a lot of fun. It’s clear Kirsten is a force to be reckoned with and a real inspiration to her team.
Of The House of Bruar, the panel said: “Rarely, if ever, do we give full marks. This entry ticked all the boxes.”
The family-owned business was co-founded by local husband and wife team Mark and Linda Birkbeck. Mr Birkbeck is now chairman and sons, Patrick and Tom are directors.
Patrick said they felt ‘incredibly honoured’ to win the big award: “Our team work incredibly hard and I’m immensely proud of all they have achieved.”
• Visit http: //event.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk for all the Farm Shop and Deli Retailer Awards winners.
