SIX products made by the Cowdray Farm Shop and Café have been served up with Great Taste Awards 2017.

Cowdray’s saddle of wild fallow venison was the top-scorer, receiving a coveted two-star award, while the smoked venison loin, pork sausage roll and three savoury pies all received one star.

More than 500 judges decide which products are worthy of an award and a record-breaking 12,300 products were entered this year.

Following 60 days of judging, less than 26 per cent received one star and only 8 per cent of entries scooped the much-coveted two-star accolade.

Rupert Titchmarsh, general manager of the farm shop and café, said: “We are thrilled our products have been recognised on a national and international level.

“We use only the best quality ingredients including venison sourced locally from our estate.

“Not only are the judges checking for each product’s texture and appearance, they are above all looking for truly great taste which they have found in our products. This award reflects the hard work of all the team, but I would particularly like to congratulate butchery manager Hawie Jooste, deer manager Jason Griffin, head chef Ben Jupp and pastry chef Stefano Cerea, all of whom are involved in the production chain from field to fork.

“Naturally these products are available from our farm shop when in season.”

Another opportunity to taste the wild fallow venison is on Saturday, October 7, when Cowdray Farm Shop and Café are holding a venison-themed dinner.

The evening will include a talk on deer management by Cowdray’s deer manager, a butchery demonstration and a seven-course venison-themed dinner with six fine wines to match the food.

• Tickets cost £85 each and only limited places are available. To book, call 01730 815152, or buy one at the farm shop. You can also email farmshop [email protected].