Rikki wins big at 'Rural Oscars'

It’s no secret to us, but Rikki Lloyd Butchers has been confirmed as one of the best butchers in Wales!

The established Welshpool town centre business was one of four from Montgomeryshire to be chosen from thousands of businesses entered in the 2025 Countryside Alliance Awards, known as the ‘Rural Oscars’.

Rikki Lloyd Butchers runner-up in the best Welsh Butchers category, while Woosnam and Davies in Llanidloes won the Highly Commended Award in the Village Shop & Post Office category, while Gazm Drinks, near Newtown, and Fork Handles Farm Shop, in Llangedwyn, both won Highly Commended Awards in the Local Food & Drink Category.

Montgomeryshire Senedd Member Russell George attended the event at the Senedd in Cardiff and commended the four businesses for flying the flag for Montgomeryshire.

“These awards provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase the hardworking local entrepreneurs who are helping rural Wales flourish,” he said.

“The quality of local produce in Montgomeryshire is outstanding and there are many businesses and community champions deserving of national recognition.

“The four Montgomeryshire finalists have done the constituency proud and have showcased the very best of rural Montgomeryshire.”

The Countryside Alliance Awards, nicknamed the ‘Rural Oscars’ and now in their 18th year, were borne of a need to support and promote rural communities. They celebrate people going the extra mile to ensure that rural Britain’s food and farming industry, small businesses, traditional skills, forward-thinking enterprises and, most of all, its people, can succeed.

This year’s prestigious ceremony was hosted by Hannah Thomas, award-winning Rural Affairs Correspondent for ITV Wales, who presented the accolades to finalists from across the country.

Organised by the Countryside Alliance, the awards shine a spotlight on those individuals and enterprises that go above and beyond for their communities, keeping rural life thriving through innovation, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.

Pictures: Rikki (top, on the left) picks up his accolade with Russell George, while (bottom) Mr George is pictured with another local winner, Fork Handles Farm Shop, Llangedwyn.