Observer Food Monthly Awards 2011 Best Independent: The Cheese Shed

In 2006, Ian Wellens and two friends, James and Gill Mann, decided West Country cheeses such as Beenleigh Blue and Heligan should be more widely available. Run from a blue shed with postcard views of Dartmoor, the Cheese Shed works with local producers, so also benefits small businesses. RUNNERS UP LONDON East London Steak Company Family-run company that sources high-quality beef (dry aged for 28 days) within 24 hours. 020 7987 2526 SOUTH & WEST The Community Farm If you live in the Bristol area, you can receive a veg box from organic farmer Luke Hasell. And they deliver before 8am. 0845 6 171 174 MIDLANDS & EAST Westin Gourmet Delivering gourmet steaks, burgers, sausages, bacon, chicken and more at a price lower than you'd pay at your local supermarket. 0115 979 8439 Delilah Fine Foods Food and wine merchants close to Nottingham's fashionable Bridlesmith Gate. Tapas-style lunch while you shop. 0115 948 4461 NORTH Fodder With a handsomely stocked butchery counter, deli, bakery and plenty of fresh fruit and veg, look no further for the best Yorkshire has to offer. 0142 354 6111 Beanies Wholefoods A bustling wholefood shop and greengrocer's that's also a worker's co-operative. They also now deliver fresh veg boxes across Sheffield. 0114 268 1662 WALES Gower Cottage Brownies Beautifully wrapped brownies baked by award-winning Welsh baker and mum of two, Kate Jenkins. 01792 390 011 SCOTLAND Earthy Foods & Goods Providing a huge range of fairly traded, seasonal, local produce in and around Edinburgh with a food market, online store and home delivery service. Staff are known as "Earthlings". 0131 667 5298 NORTHERN IRELAND Arcadia Deli Belfast's signature delicatessen, providing customers with high quality cured meats, cheeses, olives, bread and much more for over 75 years. 0289 0381 779 Online The Fish Society Brilliant online fishmonger that can deliver sustainably sourced organic fish and shellfish to your door the day after ordering. Perfect for stress-free dinner parties.