Meet our Co-Chair of Judges Elaine Lemm, Food journalist & Author
“What makes the Farm Shop and Deli Awards so distinctive; we judge each business independently.”
We caught up with Elaine for a quick Q&A session, read on to find out more about Elaine and what she feels is important when submitting a winning entry.
Who are you? Where are you from? And what do you do?
I am Elaine Lemm, from Leeds; I have lived in many places and countries but happily settled in North Yorkshire - for now. I am a food writer for leading food magazines and websites, author, restaurant critic and judge.
What was your first job?
My first job was in a tea bag packing factory which back then was all hand-packed (that gives my age away) and would never make it onto Inside the Factory; it was so dull, but as a young student, the pay was fantastic so well worth the tedium (excuse the pun).
What is the most rewarding part of your current job?
People. I meet the most amazing, talented and hardworking people with what I do, and I love it when through my work, I can support them in theirs. Be that from reviewing, through awards I am involved in (especially the Farm Shop and Deli’s) or getting some coverage for them or their product in the many media outlets I am involved with.
What are the most important considerations when judging a retailer?
My primary consideration is that it is imperative to take each entrant judged on their merits and what they do, regardless of size, turnover, large or small. I often hear smaller businesses saying they cannot compete with the more prominent companies. However, that’s what makes the Farm Shop and Deli Awards so distinctive; we judge each business independently.
Why do you think these Awards are important?
Because of the sector, these awards represent. A spotlight is shone on this hardworking retail sector, one which, until these awards, was primarily overlooked. They have grown over time into one of the most valued and highly respected retail awards out there, and I feel proud to be a part of them.
What’s the most unusual situation you’ve found yourself in because of your job?
In Northern Norway as a guest of honour for lunch cooked over an open fire by the Sami. We were in the middle of a frozen lake surrounded by outstanding beauty and thousands of reindeers.
As the guest of honour, it was for me to eat the reindeer’s tongue bobbing about on the top of the boiling pot of stew; I just about managed that but drew the line when asked if I would like to help cull the next reindeer.
What is your motto in life?
To accept change, including the motto when necessary.
What is your go-to coffee/tea order?
Strong Yorkshire Tea to drink.
What is your all-time favourite film/book/tv series?
My favourite book (and film but only the black and white one with Alistair Sim) is a Christmas Carol. I either read, watch, or listen to a dramatisation every Christmas and am always terrified and cry at the end.
Where/when are you happiest?
I am happiest sitting around a massive table with my husband, with food I (we) have cooked surrounded by the kids, grandkids, family and close friends. We manage it as often as we can.
Where in the world would you tell everyone to visit?
Where would I tell people to visit? That’s easy. Yorkshire: it is incredible.
Meet our full judges line-up for 2022 here.
