A FOOD and drink store in the North-East could be named as the best shop in the UK later this week.

Mmm… and glug in Grainger Street, Newcastle, is one of just ten grocery shops to make it to this week’s Guild of Fine Food’s 2018 Shop of the Year awards.

Judges from the guild, which recognises excellence in independent retail, have visited the Newcastle store and carried out mystery shopping exercises ahead of announcing the winner in London this Thursday.

Owner Simone Clarkin is delighted to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award, especially at a time when independent high street shops face pressure from supermarkets and out of town retailers.

She said: “It is great to know that our efforts to provide great food and drink, and hopefully even greater customer service and advice to shoppers, has helped us reach this stage."

This is the second awards recognition for mmm… and glug this year, having won the North East and Cumbria RateBeer.com awards.

Mmm… and glug… stocks locally produced food and drink and supports more than 200 small producers and distributors from the North-East and beyond.

More than 22,000 followers at www.twitter.com/mmm_newcastle regularly swap food and drink hints, tips, recipes and recommendations.