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Tap & Kitchen, Oundle, a finalist in the F&B Achiever category

Throughout September, judges have been meeting finalists in the remaining award categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2025/26: Healthy Food & Wellbeing; F&B Achiever; Weetabix Sustainability Award and One to Watch. The Farming Environment Award finalists are also announced.

Shortlists are now confirmed, and finalists have received the exciting news that their hard work and achievements have been recognised. Finalists in all remaining categories are listed below.

The Farming Environment category (sponsored by Weetabix) recognises their growers who have taken action to reduce the environmental impact of growing wheat through carbon footprint reduction, promoting wildlife or regenerative agriculture.

Finalists for the Farming Environment Award are:

Bridge House Farm

J.A. Knight & Sons

Pearson Gape Farming

R.I. Reynolds

T.W. Brown and Son

Wold Farm

For the F&B Achiever Award, judges have been meeting with finalists who are making a difference locally and driving the industry forward. Joseph Skinner, Partner at J Sweeney Accountants and sponsor of the category, shared his thoughts on this year’s impressive line-up of entrants:

“The F&B Achiever Award continues to shine a spotlight on the heart and soul of the industry - the people. This year’s nominees have once again raised the bar, showcasing not only excellence but also the resilience, innovation, and spirit that defines Northamptonshire’s food and drink scene. Every story shared is a testament to the passion that fuels our county. We’re honoured to sponsor and celebrate these achievements - and the very bright future they represent.”

Finalists for F&B Achiever are:

Braybrook Beer Co

McManus Pubs

Mee Blue Berries

New Lodge Farm, Bulwick

Tap & Kitchen, Oundle

Headline sponsor Weetabix backs the Weetabix Sustainability Award, where judges are seeking out individuals and businesses who are leading the way in sustainability across Northamptonshire.

Finalists for the Weetabix Sustainability Award are:

Carbon Neutral Vending Ltd

Ganders Goat

Northampton Town Football Club Community Trust

Tellus Mater

Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust proudly sponsors the Healthy Food & Wellbeing category, celebrating local producers and businesses that prioritise nutritious food and staff wellness. By recognising these efforts, the Trust supports a healthier Northamptonshire - making it easier for people across the county to eat well and live better. Richard Clinton, Chief Executive of Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust commented:

“The Healthy Food & Wellbeing Award category saw a great range of entrants this year, each demonstrating real creativity and dedication. From innovative products to excellent wellbeing initiatives in the workplace, the finalists provide inspiration and a real reflection of the passion driving Northamptonshire’s food and drink community.”

Finalists in the Healthy Food & Wellbeing category are as follows.

Innovative Product:

Betty’s Caribbean Fusion

Eat Curious

Houghton Hams

June Plum Jamaican Food

Salma Soulful

Workplace:

Igus UK Ltd

Northampton General Hospital

Northampton High School

The final category to be announced is the One to Watch category, sponsored by Whitworth Bros Ltd.

Kim Osborn, Technical Accounts Manager is thrilled Whitworth Bros are sponsoring once again, and commented:

“Whitworth Bros are absolutely thrilled to be sponsoring the One to Watch category again. Every year we are amazed at the high-quality finalists and this year has been no different, which makes our job as judges extremely difficult.   The enthusiasm for our sector is just heart-warming and extremely impressive.  The dedication each finalist showed, outstanding passion by all.  Thank you for your hard work, One to Watch, Good Luck all…..”

Finalists for One to Watch are:

Baker Benjy

Indi Local

Millies Bakery Ltd

The Folly, Towcester

The Olde Three Cocks, Brigstock

The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards shine a spotlight on local culinary excellence. Recognising and celebrating the county’s brilliant people, places and producers, the Awards fly the flag for buying and supporting local.

The results of the competition, which will again see finalists awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze, will be announced at the Awards celebrations taking place on 16 October 2025 at The Royal & Derngate Theatre,

supported again by national catering awards winners Portfolio Events.

For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2025/26, including entry and nomination forms call the Awards team on 01933 664437 or email awards@northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk

You can also follow the Awards on Facebook at @foodawards or Twitter and Instagram at @foodawardsHQ or on LinkedIn at @weetabixnfadawards

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Last year’s winner in the Artisan Local Drink category - Michael Mayhew, The Food Library, awarded Gold for his Blackberry, Rhubarb & Cardamom Liqueur

The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards are back for their seventeenth year - and shaping up to be the most exciting yet. With a surge in nominations for artisan product and drink categories, and growing recognition of the county’s food and drink stars, the momentum is hugely encouraging.

But as deadlines are fast approaching for key categories, organisers are calling for more nominations, and more mystery shoppers, to help put this year’s nominees to the test.

Rachel Mallows MBE DL, Awards Director said “It’s been a brilliant start to this year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards, with entries pouring in from all around the county - each one a testament to the incredible talent behind our food and drink stars. These producers and businesses nourish our communities all year round, and in the face of rising costs and economic pressures, they need -and deserve - our recognition and support more than ever.”

Previous entrants know how much winning this competition can mean to a producer.

Michael Mayhew, Owner, the Food and Drink Library comments; “Receiving Gold in the Artisan Local Drink category for our Blackberry, Rhubarb & Cardamom Liqueur is a real achievement for The Food Library. It is a celebration of what is possible in the production of purely local produce. However big your company is, the Food and Drink Awards sustain ambition, celebrate Northamptonshire, and put the true artisan on the Food and Drink map.”

Victoria Holton, aka The Jam Queen, adds; “Winning both a Gold and a Bronze award in the Awards last year was a huge achievement for me, especially in my first year of trading. The Awards really gave my business and my confidence a boost and it lets my customers know that they are purchasing a high-quality product. As a result of the Awards, I am now stocked in a number of local venues.”

Laurence Conisbee, founder and master distiller at Wharf Distillery, new sponsor of the Artisan Local Drink category, adds: “We’re thrilled to be the new sponsor of the Artisan Local Drink category. Having competed ourselves, we know the incredible value these Awards bring to producers and winners. It’s an honour to support and celebrate the county’s finest artisan drinks!”

College students continue to rise to the occasion when their skills are recognised and championed by the sector. Phil Martin, Curriculum Manager for Culinary Arts and Travel at Northampton College, actively supports his students in taking part, knowing the Awards provide a valuable platform to showcase their passion and potential. “These Awards are a fantastic opportunity for students and artisan producers to showcase their talents, passion and potential. Every year, I look forward to the fresh ideas, innovations, and creativity they bring.”

Entries for this year’s Food and Drink College Student of the Year close on May 2, whilst Artisan Local Drink, Local Product and Local Vegetarian/Vegan Products all close on May 9. All Gold award winning products are offered the exceptional opportunity this year to be entered into the Great Taste Awards.

The free-to-enter categories in the 2025/26 Awards (with their respective sponsors) are:

Artisan Local Drink of the Year (Wharf Distillery)

Artisan Local Product of the Year (Heygates Flour and Animal Feed Millers)

Artisan Local Vegetarian / Vegan Product of the Year

Booker Gastro Pub of the Year (Booker)

Booker Young Chef of the Year (Booker)

Canapé competition (Portfolio Events)

Chef of the Year (Greedy Gordons)

Community Café of the Year (West Northamptonshire Council Public Health)

Farming Environment Award (Weetabix)

F&B Achiever of the Year (J Sweeney Accountants)

Food and Drink College Student of the Year (University of Northampton)

Healthy Food and Wellbeing Award (Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust)

Local Food Hero of the Year (Howes Percival)

One to Watch (Whitworth Bros. Ltd Flour Millers)

Outstanding Contribution to Food & Drink (All Things Business)

Restaurant of the Year (Whitco Catering & Bakery Equipment Limited)

Weetabix Sustainability Award (Weetabix)

World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year (British Pepper & Spice Co. Ltd)

The results of the competition, which will again see finalists awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze, will be announced at the awards celebrations taking place on 16 October 2025 at The Royal & Derngate Theatre, supported again by national catering awards winners Portfolio Events.

For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2025/26, including entry and nomination forms call the Awards team on 01933 664437 or email awards@northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk

You can also follow the Awards on Facebook at @foodawards or Twitter and Instagram at @foodawardsHQ or on LinkedIn at @weetabixnfadawards

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Know a Northamptonshire food and drink star? Entries are now open for the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2025/26!

Back for another year of championing the county’s finest food, drink, people, places and hospitality, the awards are looking for the stars that make Northamptonshire a destination of choice for foodies.

As our support for local independent businesses becomes more vital than ever, these annual awards proudly celebrate those food and drink stars that keep the county’s culinary scene thriving.

With incredible sponsors and eighteen exciting categories, the 2025/26 culinary awards toast the passion, talent, and resilience of the county’s hospitality community. From celebrated chefs and restaurants to standout students and local producers, the awards put Northamptonshire’s food and drink stars in the spotlight.

Headline sponsor Weetabix proudly returns, joined by an outstanding line up of category sponsors, including All Things Business, British Pepper & Spice Co. Ltd, Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, Greedy Gordons, Heygates Flour & Animal Feed Millers, Howes Percival, J Sweeney Accountants, Portfolio Events, West Northamptonshire Council Public Health, University of Northampton, Whitworth Bros. Ltd, Wharf Distillery and Whitco Catering & Bakery Equipment Limited.

Stuart Branch, Group People and Technology Director at Weetabix said “I cannot believe that it’s already been six years since we proudly became the headline sponsor of the Awards, that pride that continues to grow as we become more and more familiar with the efforts of the people and businesses that go into making Northamptonshire a county to be reckoned with! We continue to help in a small way where we can, judging categories, attending events and providing mentors where possible, but we are super conscious that this is a very small contribution compared to the endless hard work, passion and constant striving for better, that the vast range of people and organisations contribute and that the Weetabix, Northamptonshire Food & Drinks awards celebrate.”

Full details of the seventeenth competition were shared by Awards Director, Rachel Mallows MBE DL, at the launch on March 25 at The Lane, Northampton College.

Rachel reflected on the incredible impact of coming together and celebrating the sector’s innovations, successes and achievements. “We are once again proudly on the search for Northamptonshire’s food and drink stars, and looking forward to seeing a brilliant, broad range of nominations and entries. Feedback from finalists and Gold award winners reinforces the power of having the Awards logo on your website, in your window and on your menus or receipts, to help build reputation, encourage and celebrate staff and generate more sales.

At the end of the day that is what the competition is all about – supporting our food and drink community to flourish.  Because this is a community of stars – producers sharing insights, eateries buying local, organisations working with food and drink to promote health and wellbeing, demonstrate sustainability, and showcase innovation.  It is about building businesses, creating jobs and supporting the economy of our county.  It is also about the sense of community we have, and our ambition to make food and drink a key attraction, not only for us, but also for visitors to the county.”

Phil Martin, Curriculum Manager Culinary Arts and Travel, Northampton College and his students at the College’s Lane Restaurant hosted this year’s launch.

“We are delighted to host the launch of this year’s awards. It has been an honour to support the awards over the years, and to witness the success of so many winners. The synergy, collaboration, and resilience of producers and eateries has been truly inspiring. These awards have not only championed local produce and businesses but also opened doors to national and international recognition, firmly establishing Northamptonshire on the food map.

“Our association with the awards continues to inspire and motivate Northampton College students, offering invaluable opportunities for collaboration and competition, and platforms for future their careers.”

David George, Director of Operations at the Hopping Hare, reflected on the sense of accomplishment that is associated with winning.

“Winning the Gold award for Restaurant of the Year in 2024 was a fantastic achievement for the team at The Hopping Hare, recognising their dedication to providing excellent quality food at a great price, paired with top-tier customer service.

“These prestigious annual awards are highly anticipated by the local community, and the brilliant publicity brings a wave of new customers through the door.”

For Head Chef Joe Gould, Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa, taking part in the awards is hugely rewarding.

“Winning Gold in the Whitco Chef of the Year category was a huge privilege, especially given how strong the competition was last year. I’m truly very thankful for the support that’s got me here. The awards show just how much talent there is out there, and I’d encourage anyone with a passion for cooking to throw their hat in the ring next time — it’s a brilliant chance to shine.”

Jeeva Sanmugam, Managing Director, Classic Cuisine added;

“We were honoured and delighted to win the Gold Healthy Food Producers Award in 2024 for our Made Without range. Our strength is innovation; anticipating food trends and consumer demands. Receiving the award was a wonderful acknowledgment of our work in developing healthier options that are still an indulgent treat.”

The free-to-enter categories in this year’s awards (with their respective sponsors) are:

Artisan Local Drink of the Year (Wharf Distillery)

Artisan Local Product of the Year (Heygates Flour and Animal Feed Millers)

Artisan Local Vegetarian / Vegan Product of the Year

Booker Gastro Pub of the Year (Booker)

Booker Young Chef of the Year (Booker)

Canapé competition (Portfolio Events)

Chef of the Year (Greedy Gordons)

Community Café of the Year (West Northamptonshire Council Public Health)

Farming Environment Award (Weetabix)

F&B Achiever of the Year (J Sweeney Accountants)

Food and Drink College Student of the Year (University of Northampton)

Healthy Food and Wellbeing Award (Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust)

Local Food Hero of the Year (Howes Percival)

One To Watch (Whitworth Bros. Ltd Flour Millers)

Outstanding Contribution to Food & Drink (All Things Business)

Restaurant of the Year (Whitco Catering & Bakery Equipment Limited)

Weetabix Sustainability Award (Weetabix)

World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year (British Pepper & Spice Co. Ltd)

The results of the competition, which will again see finalists awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze, will be announced at the awards celebrations taking place on 16 October 2025 at The Royal & Derngate Theatre, supported again by national catering awards winners Portfolio Events.

For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2025/26, including entry and nomination forms call the Awards team on 01933 664437 or email awards@northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk

You can also follow the Awards on Facebook at @foodawards or Twitter and Instagram at @foodawardsHQ or on LinkedIn at @weetabixnfadawards