Hitchin MP celebrates award-winning local farm and food businesses in Parliament

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

WEDNESDAY 18h JUNE 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alistair Strathern, the MP for the Hitchin constituency, celebrated two local award-winning farming and food businesses in Westminster at the Countryside Alliance Awards.

Lower Wilbury Farm Shop and Butchery, near Stotfold, won the Local Food and Drink category for the East of England region. Meanwhile, The Plough, in King’s Walden, won the best Pub category, also for the East of England.

Their regional wins led to an invite for the national awards in Westminster. Strathern met with the brilliant local farmers and publicans in Parliament to celebrate their achievements and discuss their exciting plans for the year ahead.

Since being elected, Strathern has visited farms and rural business right across the constituency to champion their work. From pressing Ministers to focus on rural policing to pushing for investment in sustainable farming and flood defences, he is keen to champion their priorities locally and in Westminster.

Alistair Strathern MP said,

“It was fantastic to celebrate our fantastic local farmers, publicans and businesses men and women at today’s Countryside Alliance awards.

“We’ve got some fantastic local businesses across our towns and villages, and it is always a pleasure to see them get the recognition they deserve.

“Lower Wilbury Farm Shop and The Plough are true assets to our community, and showcase some of the best of what rural businesses can offer. If you haven’t paid them a visit yet, what better excuse could you have to now?!”

“But I want to see even more awards for the fantastic rural business that make our communities so special.

“I will continue to stand up for our high streets, hospitality and agricultural sectors, and all our local businesses. I hope to be able to celebrate with even more at next year’s awards!”

Notes for Editors

Please find attached a picture of Strathern with the award-winners.

You can see more information about Lower Wilbury Farm, here, and about The Plough, here.