A SHORTBREAD company in the New Forest with a ‘homely feel’ has been crowned as a winner in this year's Great British Food Awards.

New Forest Shortbread owner Tracy Thew has been baking shortbread for over 50 years.

With an overall score of 14/15, the All-Butter Original New Forest Shortbread was recognised as a ‘perfect shortbread biscuit’.

Established in 2014, The Great British Food Awards celebrate the best artisanal produce in the British food and drink industry.

High-profile chefs including Michel Roux Jr and Raymond Blac are among the judges who critique and award the winners.

Speaking on the achievement, Tracy said: “We are really thrilled to have won gold in these prestigious awards.

“It’s so lovely to have been recognised in the sweet biscuit category.

“The team and I are chuffed to bits.”

In 2019, the company decided to rebrand to achieve a 'more local feel'.

New Forest artist Will Drew was commissioned to design the boxes to magnify the beauty of the area.

Category judge Robert Gooch described New Forest Shortbread’s All Butter Original New Forest Shortbread as having a 'lovely buttery taste, great packaging and a homely feel'.

The business has achieved three Great Taste Awards in previous years.

The Great British Food Panel's feedback was: "If you are looking for the perfect shortbread biscuit, make sure that New Forest is your first point of call.

“From the lovely packaging, which is recyclable and biodegradable, to the perfect number of biscuits, you will not be disappointed. It is not just the Scots that make good shortbread.

“These were the right size for your mid-morning cuppa. Order yours now.”

All shortbread is now made at Burley Rails Cottage in the New Forest.

Described as a ‘buttery traditional shortbread with a rich golden bake and dairy aromas’, the award-winning sweet treat will now be promoted across the Great British Food’s social media and printed news.