The Wheatsheaf, Chilton Foliat, owned by MasterChef semi-finalist Ollie Hunter, wins Best Organic Eating Out at the Best of the Organic Market Awards 2021

THE Wheatsheaf, in Chilton Foliat, has won Best Organic Eating Out at the BOOM (Best of the Organic Market) Awards 2021 – the UK’s only organic awards, which was held in London on July 8.

The awards, run by leading organic certifier Soil Association Certification in partnership with online retailer Ocado, celebrated those who are working hard to produce certified organic food and drink – as well as recognising businesses and brands innovating and delivering excellence in the organic sector more broadly.

The triumph of The Wheatsheaf comes at a time when the organic market is booming, with figures suggesting it is now worth £2.79bn.

The Wheatsheaf's owner and MasterChef semi-finalist, Ollie Hunter, said: “Winning the Best Organic Eating Out at the BOOM Awards 2021 is so very exciting.

"Here at The Wheatsheaf we work really hard at sourcing the best organic local produce, creating the menu based on what farmers grow, and cooking zero waste so this impartial recognition that our business was the best in this area is a great reward for all that work.

"We’re proud to work in ways that support nature and the environment and we know in the past 12 months or so, this has become more and more important to our customers.”

Mr Hunter said his philosophy is to provide food according to what's available.

He added: "We don't import food to suit demand. I structure my menus according to what farmers can provide."

He said he was proud to have survived the last 18 months during the pandemic and, if anything, the business was even stronger.

"It has been going really well at The Wheatsheaf," he said. "People are hungry and keen to eat out.

"There has been a bit of nervousness, but we have put the right measures in place to provide that extra confidence to our customers."

A keen promoter of organic living, earlier this year Mr Hunter published his second book on the subject, Join the Greener Revolution, which provides hints and tips on how to live an organic life.

His first book, 30 Easy Ways to Join the Food Revolution: A sustainable cookbook, provided recipes and practical tips on cooking with zero waste.

The BOOM awards ceremony was held virtually, which means Mr Hunter has not yet received his Best Organic Eating Out trophy, but he said: "I'm really proud of this recognition.

"We were up against some really big hitters in the industry, so it makes the award even more special."