Henshelwoods Delicatessen in Newgate, York, has scooped the coveted runner-up award for Best Independent Food Retailer in the shopping category of The Observer Food Monthly Awards.

The prestigious win, which singled out Henshelwoods from independent retailers nationwide, recognises the company's "dedication and commitment to the food industry".

Lynn Henshelwood, director, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have received such a notable acclaim in only our second year of business.

The award is particularly welcome as results are based on customer satisfaction surveys, which gives us a real vote of confidence that we are supplying exactly what local businesses and consumers want."

The mark of distinction was based largely on the organisation's unsurpassed ability to supply a diverse range of superior products, cater for individual tastes, provide a level of service which is second to none, and its innovative approach to combining traditional and modern cooking techniques.

This is the second award presented to Henshelwoods in as many years.

Last year the organisation received The Good Egg Award for commitment to food quality and animal welfare (previous winners include Marks & Spencer).

Henshelwoods Delicatessen is already noted locally for its wide range of traditional home-made vegetable preserves, with some recipes dating back to medieval times. They include mulled red wine beets, onions a la monegasque, vodka orange onions, sweet and spicy Indian style vegetables and bread-and- butter pickle.

A menu of home-cooked meals, including mellow paprika beef, venison and port casserole, Lancashire hot pot and aubergine reggiano, are also available for dinner parties. Each dish comes with a list of suggested accompaniments and wines.

Other popular delicacies on offer include home-made fresh Whitby crab pate; a range of more than 60 cheeses, many unpasturised; cold meats and air dried salamis from artisans around the world; mouthwatering confectionery; preserves; and themed hampers.

Lynn said: "We are passionate about sourcing as much fresh produce locally as possible and believe in the virtues of traditional home-cooked food free from artificial colourings and preservatives."

Updated: 10:41 Friday, February 13, 2004