A Clapham company that produces food more than 30 meters below London’s streets has scooped a national prize at the BBC’s Food and Farming Awards.

Growing Underground, which grows ‘mouth-wateringly fresh’ microgreens and salad leaves using hydroponic systems and LED technology, won the BBC’s ‘Future Food’ category at the 17th annual ceremony at City Hall in Bristol last week (September 20).

Using this technique is said to ensure that their crops are growing year-round in a pesticide-free environment, and because the produce is unaffected by weather and seasonal change, their location in London also reduces the need to import crops.

After attending the event with Richard Ballard, co-founder Steven Dring said: “All the team at Growing Underground are delighted with this recognition from the BBC Food & Farming Awards.

“It has been an action-packed fortnight with our launch into M&S combined with this award, and we look forward to the next phase of the business.”

You can find out more about Growing Underground here: www.growing-underground.com