Two Ottery St Mary businesses have been named as finalists in the Devon Tourism Awards. 

Coldharbour Farm Field Kitchen is shortlisted in the Casual Dining category, and Mazzard Farm Holiday Cottages is among the finalists for Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism. 

They will find out whether they have come top in their categories at the awards ceremony in Plymouth on Thursday, February 2. 

The accolade for Coldharbour Farm comes just six months after the café opened, and its owners Andrea Broadhurst and Beth Ashfield say they are 'over the moon'. 

Andrea said: “We worked so hard to get the Field Kitchen up and running ready for the summer, and to make sure it was something really very special. 

“As well as our local customers, we’re delighted to have attracted many tourists visiting the area, including those staying at local accommodation including our neighbours at Mazzard Farm Cottages – which is also a worthy finalist at the awards.” 

Ruud Jansen-Venneboer from Mazzard Farm said: “We work very hard to be as sustainable as possible and have invested a lot of time, effort and money into that, so with that in mind, having this to look forward to in February is very nice. 

“With Coldharbour Farm also among the finalists, we’re probably the most densely nominated square mile in Devon.” 

Coldharbour Farm Field Kitchen replaces the café in the farm shop run by Andrea and Beth on the same site. When all pubs, cafes and restaurants had to shut in March 2020 because of Covid restrictions, the pair offered food deliveries and takeaways, but in July of that year the rules were relaxed to allow outdoor dining. Andrea and Beth began serving meals outside from a garden shed in a paddock, and this was so popular with customers that the Field Kitchen was developed, opening in June this year. 

Beth said: “It’s been a labour of love for both of us and we’re delighted with all the positive feedback we’ve had, it really does make it all worthwhile. A huge and heartfelt thank you to all our customers.” 

Coldharbour Field Kitchen and Farm Shop will be closed during January and will reopen in February.