Hinchliffe’s “has passion by the bucket load!” Says satisfied customer – as Farm Shop wins customer service award

It’s secured more than 10 awards in the last two years for everything from its pork pies to its puddings, but this week Hinchliffe’s Farm Shop, Butchery and Restaurant received its most special accolade – an award nominated by its customers.

The Huddersfield family-run farm shop scooped a ‘Customer at the Heart’ award this week: recommended by members of the public for independent retailers who put the customer first.

Hinchliffe’s, based in Netherton, was nominated by an anonymous customer and after a mystery shop by the judges of the awards was deemed worthy of the Customer at the Heart title for its commitment to its customers.

The nominee said: “It’s not just the Great Taste Awards that have people flocking to Hinchliffe’s. It prides itself on its passion and it has that in the bucket load!”

Hinchliffe’s Simon Hirst said he was overwhelmed with the award. “All of our awards mean a great deal to us but this one is particularly significant because it has come from a customer. At the end of the day, we can offer the best products in our farm shop or run the best restaurant, but if our customers aren’t happy then it doesn't mean a thing. At Hinchliffe’s we’ve always strived to put our customers first and make their experience in our shop, restaurant, butchery and open farm as enjoyable as possible – after all they are our lifeblood. It’s great to know we’re are getting this right.”

Customer at the Heart was established in 2011 to celebrate and praise independent retailers whose level of service elevates them from the competition. Each venue is nominated by a member of the public and then a mystery shop is conducted. If the judges are “sufficiently wowed”, the nominee receives an award.

In October, Hinchliffe’s could be put forward for the ‘Winner of Winners’ – awarded to the very best place for customer service in the UK. Voting starts on Monday October 27, log on to www.customerattheheart.co.uk.