We were thrilled to host some of Dorset’s finest producers at the 2024 Love Local Awards. Founded six years ago, the LLTL campaign promotes trust in local, British produce and food labelling, valuing quality, honesty, and proximity. Every entrant’s journey was inspiring, making judging tough.
This year’s winners:
- Barbara’s Kitchen
Barbara’s Kitchen, based in Dorset, creates award-winning chilli preserves using home-grown chillies. Rupert, Barbara’s husband, grows a variety of chillies from seed, planted in January and harvested in autumn. Handmade in a traditional one-pan method, all preserves are vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for cheese or charcuterie boards - Honey by Ian
With hives in Ringwood, Alderholt and Ferndown, this family business produces smooth, local honey in limited quantities. Caring for honeybees and ensuring their safety is a priority, and knowing exactly where their honey comes from brings joy and motivates them to grow further. - Coastline Soaps
Living and working on Dorset’s stunning Jurassic coastline inspires every soap design. Each fragrance reflects the beauty of the area, from fresh herbs by the river to breezy beach days. With new scents and designs always in the works, there’s a soap for everyone! - The Book and Bucket Cheese Company
Founded by Peter Morgan, The Book and Bucket Cheese Company began with the aim of making small, high-quality cheese batches for local restaurants. Inspired by industry advice and “bucket science,” Peter launched the company in 2019. Now, his award-winning cheeses are available on Cunard liners as well as outlets across the South West. - The Wimborne Pig
The Wimborne Pig is a small, modern British restaurant with a big heart, focusing on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Menus change regularly to showcase Dorset’s fresh produce. With professional yet laid-back service, guests are welcomed and made to feel at home from the moment they arrive. - Farm Girl Sausages
Sophie, founder of Farm Girl Sausages, creates high-quality meat and vegan products in the Dorset village of Holt. With natural ingredients, gluten-free recipes, and eco-friendly packaging, the award-winning sausages and burgers are made without fillers. Supporting British farmers, they offer both meat and plant-based options for everyone to enjoy. - Purbeck Cider
Nestled in Dorset’s Purbeck hills, this cider maker crafts premium ciders using 100% single-pressed British apples, including those from their own orchards. Made traditionally without artificial flavours, additives, or concentrates, their ciders are naturally delicious and full of flavour, just as the apples intended. - Lizzie the Baking Bird
Passionate about Dorset’s produce and producers, this baker loves bartering bread for fruit and foraging for wild garlic and elderflower. Starting in the bakery at 3 or 4 am to bake fresh bread is all part of the joy – competing with deer for the best fruit each year is just a bonus! - Ellie’s Farm Shop
Ellie’s Farm Shop continues Kilnyard Farm’s legacy of locally sourced, farm-fresh produce. Inspired by the generations of family farming and her father’s dedication, Ellie established the shop to bring the best farm-to-fork goodness to customers, honouring the history and passion of Kilnyard Farm. - South Paddocks Ltd
A family-run smallholding in the Winterbourne valley, South Paddocks offers farm visits, alpaca experiences, and pedigree pork, goat meat, and eggs. With a “paddock to plate” ethos, all animals are reared and finished on the farm, maintaining high welfare standards and low food miles. Proudly representing Dorset’s finest produce. - Relenka Sweet Treats
Lewis bakes small batches of fudge using the best ingredients, locally sourced when possible. With heart and soul poured into every creation, his fudge often surprises even those who don’t usually like it – a testament to its exceptional taste and quality, as shared by delighted customers. - Shroton Fair Gin
After postgraduate study, Wilfrid returned to his Dorset village to perfect the taste of Zummit Dry®. After many trials, Shroton Fair Gin® was born. Every step—from crushing botanicals to distilling, labelling, and emailing—is done by Wilfrid himself in his workshop under Hod Hill. - Parkstone Fisheries
A team of four friends with over 100 years of combined experience, Parkstone Fisheries proudly offer the best quality fresh fish, shellfish, and smoked fish.
Supporting local fishermen and responsible sourcing, their shop guarantees exceptional quality and flavour. Even their smoking wood is sourced locally to enhance their products. - The Little House
This small Dorset business creates high-quality chocolates with a focus on supporting local. Run by a dedicated duo, they handle everything—from production to design and customer relations—bringing joy through sweet treats. Though not always easy, their passion for introducing exciting flavours and sharing Dorset’s best is truly rewarding.
