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One of last years winners of the Whitworth Bros Ltd One To Watch Award

Restaurant Ember

Judges have been busy throughout September meeting finalists in the remaining categories of the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2024/25: F&B Achiever; Weetabix Sustainability Award and One to Watch. The Farming Environment Award is also announced.

Shortlisting has taken place, and finalists have been given the good news that their incredible hard work has been recognised. Finalists in all categories are outlined below.

The Farming Environment category (sponsored by Weetabix) is designed to recognise growers who have taken demonstrable 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:

Johnny Wake, Courteenhall Estate

Stuart Tabernor, F R W Farrington & Son

William Green, George Green (Bozeat) Ltd

Jim Beaty, Wold Farm

For the F&B Achiever Award, judges have met finalists who make a significant contribution to the sector locally. Joseph Skinner, Partner, J Sweeney Accountants is category sponsor and was hugely impressed with this year’s entrants, saying:

“The F&B Achiever Award is not just about recognising excellence; it's about celebrating the passion, dedication, and the creativity of those that drive the industry, and Northamptonshire, forward. Every finalist is a story of hard work and dreams. This year more so than ever, the judging process was incredibly tight. We are incredibly proud to be involved, and of all the entrants and finalists”.

Finalists for F&B Achiever are:

Luke Bavester, The Old Red Lion Kislingbury & The Sheaf Inn, West Haddon

Lawrence Conisbee, Wharf Distillery

John Evans, Towcester Mill Brewery

John Lashley, Brooklyn Brownie

Phil Saxby, Saxbys Cider

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Last years winners of the Weetabix Sustainability Award

Sol Laug Havens

Headline sponsor, Weetabix, sponsors the Weetabix Sustainability Award. Here judges are looking for individuals and businesses who are leading the way for sustainability in Northamptonshire.

 Finalists for the Weetabix Sustainability Award are:

Blue Skies Holdings Ltd

Incredible Bakery Company

Jute Coffee

SNVB Community Larders

Waterloo Cottage Farm

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

Kim Osborn, Technical Accounts Manager commented:

“Whitworth Bros are absolutely thrilled to be sponsoring the One To Watch category again and hosting the judging at our site in Wellingborough.  This year was a very difficult year in terms of choosing the Gold winner, especially when we were told they couldn’t all be Gold!  I was so impressed with the finalists: their enthusiasm for the sector, their passion for their product or place and their vision for the future.  One To Watch becomes watch this space!”

Finalists for One to Watch are:

The Althorp Coaching Inn

Bad Butler Hospitality

The Farm Kitchen Bakery and School

Northampton Cheese Company

Vaha Lounge

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.

Results, which will again see finalists awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze, will be announced at the Awards celebrations taking place on 17 October 2024 at The Royal & Derngate Theatre, supported again by caterers Portfolio Events.

For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2024/25, including mystery shopping, 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 years winners of the Gastro Pub and Community Café Awards

(Left: The Tollemarche Arms, Harrington and Right: Bennett's, Thrapston)

Judges have been hard at work evaluating and shortlisting finalists in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards’ venue categories - Booker Gastro Pub of the Year, Community Café of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year.

After final Mystery Shopping visits, winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony in October.

Recognising and celebrating excellence in the sector’s brilliant people, places and produce, the competition for these widely recognised categories grows bigger each year, as teams from all around the county recognise just how much winning can mean, to even the most established chef, café, pub or restaurant.

Rachel Mallows MBE, Awards Director said: “As well as highlighting a commitment to exceptional experiences, championing and serving local, these accolades set businesses apart as leaders in the local food and drink community. Being shortlisted helps enormously with attracting new customers in the coming weeks and months. Let’s show all of these shortlisted venues our support.

We are also delighted to announce the finalists in our Local Food Hero category – one where we celebrate our food heroes from across the county who are making a difference to so many people and businesses.”

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Finalists for the Booker Gastro Pub of the Year, sponsored by Booker, are:

Althorp Coaching Inn, Great Brington

The Countryman, Staverton

The George, Great Oxendon

The Kings Arms, Polebrook

The Plough, Everdon

The Rose & Crown, Yardley Hastings

White Horse Inn & Restaurant, Stoke Albany

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Finalists for the Community Café of the Year, sponsored by Public Health in West Northamptonshire Council are:

Forge Coffee, Evenley

Happy Mondays Coffee Co., Rushden

New Lodge Farm, Bulwick

Saints Coffee, Northampton

Whites Kitchen, Earls Barton

Woodford Halse Community Café

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Finalists for Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by Greedy Gordons, are:

Ember Restaurant, Wellingborough

Hibiscus Fine Dining, Northampton

Nuovo, Northampton

The Cedar Restaurant at Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa

The Falcon Hotel, Castle Ashby

The Flavour Trailer, Brixworth

The Hopping Hare, Northampton

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Finalists for World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by British Pepper and Spice, are:

Alacati Grill, Daventry

Mexican Fire Garden, Kettering

Moghul Rooms, Towcester

Saffron Fine Indian Dining, Brackley

Sakura Sushi, Northampton

Tamarind Restaurant, Northampton

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Finalists for Local Food Hero, sponsored by Howes Percival, are:

Jo West, Daylight Centre’s Veggie Patch

Milly Fyfe, No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC

Jane Gurney and Debbie Cull, Manor Farm Bakery

Steve Reid, Friars Farm, Northampton Cheese Co and Northampton Charcuterie Co

Katie Steele, SNVB Community Larders

Richard Gordon, Director of Greedy Gordons, said:

“We are delighted to sponsor the Restaurant of the Year category, and to continue our support and championing of the excellent food and drink available throughout our county.

“As industry award winners and finalists ourselves, we appreciate how important it is to receive recognition for all the hard work and dedication and wish all the finalists the very best of luck!”

Ian Kelland, Managing Director of British Pepper & Spice, added:

“It has been great to see the consistently high quality of entries across the World Cuisine Restaurants and spread throughout Northamptonshire.   This is a wonderful eat out list and I encourage you to try them.”

The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards shine a spotlight on local culinary excellence. Results will be announced at the Awards celebrations on 17 October 2024 at The Royal & Derngate Theatre, supported again by caterers Portfolio Events.

For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2024/25, including mystery shopping, 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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Finalists

Six finalists have been revealed today in the Artisan Local Vegetarian / Vegan Product of the Year category, at the home of category sponsor, Daily Bread Cooperative.

They will now compete for gold, silver and bronze awards, which will be announced at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards celebrations in October.

The ‘Artisan’ classification includes products from local companies that make a highquality or distinctive product in small quantities, usually by hand or traditional methods.

Rachel Mallows MBE DL, Awards Director, said:

“As ever, it’s an honour to celebrate the incredible talent and innovation of our brilliant local producers. Congratulations to all the short-listed vegetarian and vegan product nominees, may your achievements continue to nourish and inspire us all. “

Finalists in the Artisan Vegetarian / Vegan Product of the Year - sponsored by Daily Bread Cooperative are:

Hamm Tun Fine Foods - Shoetown Blue

Northampton Cheese Company Limited - Tongue Taster

Sophisticake - Pecan & Caramel Cake

The Jam Queen - Chilli Shallot & Coriander Jelly

The Loving Chef - Artisan Nettle and Walnut Soda Bread

Your Cool Lemon - Dairy-free ‘Ice Cream’ with a Blueberry Swirl

Sharon Moses from the Daily Bread Cooperative congratulated the finalists:

“With a passion for vegetarian and vegan food, Daily Bread are always happy to sponsor this category and celebrate the brilliant finalists. Despite the challenging economic climate, you have produced some exceptional dishes. To have such a high level of innovation in our county is something to be proud of.

“This year we have seen a variety of dishes, with some being quite unique, and all at a very high standard. We would like to thank all of the entrants for their hard work and creativity, and wish them all well.”

Victoria Holton from the Jam Queen commented:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been selected as a finalist for my Chilli, Shallot and Coriander Jelly. As a new and tiny business, this feels like a huge achievement in my first year of trading, and provides some affirmation that my jams and jellies are actually pretty good! I grow as much of the produce I use as possible, or pick from local gardens, hedgerows and local fruit farms, as I’m passionate about using the freshest and best quality fruit and vegetables to make the most delicious final products.

“All my jams, jellies and marmalades are made in very small batches, often of only six or seven jars at a time. Small batches cook more quickly, sealing in the colour and flavour, to make vibrant, flavour-packed products. Over the next year, I’m hoping to expand my range and get The Jam Queen luxury preserves into more retail spaces and spread the joy to more customers.”

Jo from Your Cool added:

“Recently we’ve noticed an increased demand from customers for dairy-free and vegan ice cream alternatives; we’ve always had a wide range of sorbets available which are suitable, but not really ice creams. As winners of the Artisan Local Product last year with our Coffee ice cream we were up for a new challenge and have spent a lot of time over the past six months experimenting with different ingredients and flavours with the aim of producing dairy-free ‘ice cream’ that doesn’t compromise on taste.

“Having worked through a number of different ideas, we now have a range of dairy-free ice creams that are as good as their dairy equivalents - many people say they can’t taste the difference. We’re committed to using local ingredients where possible, so decided to enter our dairy-free Lemon ‘Ice Cream’ with a Blueberry Swirl into the vegan category of this year's awards using fruit from local Mee’s Blueberries in the swirl. We’re delighted to be selected as a finalist, especially as this is such a new area for us. It’s great to know we are getting it right and we’ll continue to build on our vegan/dairy-free offering in the months to come.”

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.

Results will be announced at the Awards celebrations on 17 October 2024 at The Royal & Derngate Theatre, supported again by caterers Portfolio Events.

For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2024/25, including mystery shopping, 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

As entries pour in for the 16th year of the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards, judges have found it incredibly tough to select finalists.  The exceptional quality and innovation of the food and drink products created across our county is simply astounding.  People are doing truly wonderful things. This year, the innovation in the artisan categories has stood out so much that the judges struggled to limit the selection to just five finalists per entry.

Fourteen of the county's finest artisan food and drink products have made it to the final stage in the Artisan Local Product and Artisan Local Drink categories. Each product is now in the running for Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards in October. These stunning products, crafted with care and precision, fully embody what it means to be "Artisan" – high-quality, distinctive items produced in small batches, often by hand or using traditional methods.

Rachel Mallows MBE DL, our founder and Awards Director, shared:

"Not only were the entries wide-ranging, but every judging session included feedback about the brilliant innovation of producers, as well as the exceptional taste.”

Here are the finalists:

Artisan Local Product of the Year

Sponsored by Heygates Flour and Animal Feed Millers

• Cookie Babes: Cinnamon Roll THICC Cookie

• Hamm Tun Fine Foods: Northamptonshire Blue

• Made by the Beekeeper: New Lodge Vineyard Marmalade with Honey

• Moorgate Farm: Moorgate Farm Turkey and Leek Pie

• Northampton Charcuterie Company Ltd: Coppa

• The Falcon Inn: Guinness Bread

• The Jam Queen: Raspberry and Blackberry Jam

Artisan Local Drink of the Year

Sponsored by Warner’s Distillery

• Great Oakley Brewery: Nuggernaut

• Made by the Beekeeper: Queen & Co Mead

• New Lodge Vineyard: Earls Baron Saxon 2023

• Stoneyfields: Stoneyfields English Quality Sparkling Wine 2019 Rose

• The Food Library: Blackberry, Rhubarb & Cardamom Liqueur

• Wharf Distillery: Equinox – Single Malt English Whiskey

• Wild & Furrow: Wild & Furrow Oat Drink

On the 24th July at Daily Bread in Northampton, the finalists in the Artisan Local Vegetarian/Vegan category will be announced.  Contact the Awards team for more information.

In addition to the artisan categories, the Awards also recognise brilliant young and upcoming talent through the Food and Drink College Student Award. Hosted by the University of Northampton, this award celebrates exceptional skills, creativity, and dedication in the culinary arts and hospitality sectors.

Finalists for Food and Drink College Student of the Year Award:

• Dumitru Poroseci: Northampton College

• Oscar Plomer: Tresham College, Corby

• Chloe Smith: Moulton College

Save the date! The winners, receiving Gold, Silver, or Bronze, will be announced at the Awards celebration on 17th October 2024, at The Royal & Derngate Theatre.

For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2024/25, including mystery shopping, 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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Jade Walter, Winner, Young Chef of the Year in 2023/4

The sixteenth year of the Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards are well underway, with entries closing soon for some of the most hotly contested categories; Booker Young Chef of the Year, Whitco Chef of the Year, Booker Gastro Pub of the Year, Community Café, Restaurant and World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year.

Recognising and celebrating excellence in the sector’s brilliant people, places and produce, the competition for these popular categories grows bigger each year, as hospitality professionals from all around the county recognise just how much winning can mean, to even the most established chef, café, pub or restaurant.

Rachel Mallows MBE, Awards Director said “As well as highlighting a commitment to serving and supporting local, we know from talking to past winners that these accolades really set businesses apart as leaders in the Northamptonshire food and drink scene, and help with attracting new customers, which is so important when businesses are battling rising costs and spending pressures”.

The Palmichael, Kettering was a Gold winner in last year’s Restaurant of the Year category. Restaurant Manager Maria Walker commented: “We were delighted to be recognised alongside other outstanding local restaurants in the finals. Then going on to win Restaurant of the Year in 2016, 2018 and again in 2023 was a prestigious moment for us. This amazing accolade is not just an award, it’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team.

“I would encourage everyone to enter. Being a small local business has its challenges and by raising awareness of independent establishments, the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards have helped many small businesses generate growth and gain the recognition that they deserve.

“The overall experience has been nothing but positive for us in terms of attracting new customers from across Northamptonshire and further afield, connecting with fantastic new local suppliers, and knowing there is a network of mentors who really believe in your business and will help guide you in the right direction.”

Young chefs go from strength to strength when the sector shines a spotlight on their hard work and exceptional talents. Last year’s winner, Jade Walter from Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa, commented:

“Entering the Young Chef competition was a transformative experience for me, offering opportunities for growth, exposure to new culinary techniques, and the chance to showcase my talent on a broader stage.

It wasn’t just about winning, but about pushing boundaries and evolving as a young chef.”

Martin Allen, Executive Chef at Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa added:

“From a business perspective having young chefs enter competitions creates exposure and credibility for both the business they work for, and for the chef themselves, which enhances their professional reputation and opens doors to new opportunities. The experience of this Young Chef of the Year competition has helped Jade confidently innovate dishes, refine her skills, and push for future culinary success.”

The free-to-enter categories in this year’s Awards (with their respective sponsors, and June closing dates) are:

Artisan Local Drink of the Year (Warner’s Distillery)

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

Artisan Local Vegetarian / Vegan Product of the Year (Daily Bread Cooperative)

Booker Gastro Pub of the Year (Booker) – closing 21st June

Booker Young Chef of the Year (Booker) – closing 7th June

Canapé Competition (Portfolio Events)

Community Café of the Year (West Northamptonshire Council Public Health) – closing 21st June

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 (Greedy Gordons) – closing 21st June

Weetabix Sustainability Award (Weetabix)

Whitco Chef of the Year (Whitco Catering & Bakery Equipment Limited) – closing 7th June

World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year (British Pepper & Spice Co. Ltd) – closing 21st June

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 17 October 2024 at The Royal & Derngate Theatre, supported again by caterers Portfolio Events.

For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2024/25, including mystery shopping, 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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Northamptonshire’s new Food & Drink Week, taking place for the first time this year, will be held in ten days’ time, from 1st to 9th June.

Organised by Made in Northamptonshire and the Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network, the new initiative raises a glass to the people, places and produce that make up the county’s growing food and drink scene, with over 25 special events, local menus, pop ups, collaborations, tours, tastings and more, at locations all around Northamptonshire.

Rachel Mallows is a Director of Made in Northamptonshire, one of the founders of the initiative. Rachel hopes it will help local businesses to raise their profile and attract new customers.

Rachel adds; “Northamptonshire offers fabulous flavours and genuine home grown hospitality. Whether pubs, restaurants, caterers, food or drink producers, we all need to generate more sales and attract more customers - and this new Food & Drink Week is a great way to do that.”

The week-long celebration - sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors - showcases Northamptonshire's creative culinary offerings and brings together local producers, chefs, and food enthusiasts.

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Wayne Jenkins Wilson Browne Solicitors, Anna and Pip Jeyes, at Jeyes of Earls Barton with Mee Blueberries dishes.

Wayne Jenkins, Business Development and Marketing Director at Wilson Browne Solicitors, has been visiting many of the businesses that are gearing up for Food & Drink Week. He commented:

"What a fantastic day we've had meeting the faces behind local businesses, and also meeting students at Northampton College with an interest in the Food & Drink sector.

"We feel it's really important to get behind businesses, education, grass roots sport, and the arts, which is why we put so much emphasis into supporting events such as this."

Wayne visited Jeyes of Earls Barton, where a special Balsamic Blueberry Menu will be served throughout Food & Drink week. Anna Jeyes explained:

“We are delighted to partner with Mee Blueberries in creating a special Balsamic Blueberry Menu to celebrate Northamptonshire's Food & Drink Week.

“We are also excited to be hosting our first baking demonstration on Thursday 6th June in collaboration with The Incredible Bakery Company. Valeria will be sharing her top tips and techniques for creating delicious gluten free treats.”

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Wayne Jenkins Wilson Browne Solicitors with Northampton College students who will be joining in with Food & Drink Week. At the college's Lane Restaurant.

From a local produce market and showcase at Whitco in Thrapston on June 1st, to The Best of Northamptonshire Long Table Banquet on June 7th at the Tollemache Arms in Harrington, a new Food and Drink Festival at Delapre Abbey on June 8th-9th, coffee and baking demonstrations, product tastings at hotels, gin discounts, and special menus at the County Cricket Ground and at pubs and restaurants all around the county, there really is something for everybody.

Organisers encourage visitors and residents alike to join in and help celebrate the county’s very own Food & Drink Week.

Full details can be found here:

https://northamptonshiresurprise.com/june-food-and-drink/

To get involved on Instagram please tag the following hash tag: #northantsfooddrinkweek

To share an event you are already planning for that week that includes local food and drink, please get in touch on info@northamptonshiresurprise.com.

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Exciting plans are taking shape for a new Northamptonshire Week of Food & Drink, taking place for the first time this year, from 1st to 9th June.

Organised by Made in Northamptonshire and the Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network, the county’s first ever Food & Drink Week raises a glass to the people, places and producers that make up the county’s growing food and drink scene, with special events, menus that shine a spotlight on local produce, pop ups, collaborations, tours, tastings and more, at locations all around Northamptonshire.

Kevin Rogers is a Partner at Wilson Browne Solicitors, who are proud sponsors of the initiative. The firm hopes to encourage visitors and residents alike to support the county’s fantastic independent foodie businesses, and find new favourites. Kevin adds; “Whether pubs, restaurants, food or drink products - we are excited to help put the county’s home grown firmly on the food and drink map of England.”

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Chef James Peck

Award-winning Chef James Peck, owner at Ember and No.13 bar in Wellingborough, and the Four Pears in Little Houghton, is looking forward to heading up the kitchen for the Best of Northamptonshire Long Table Banquet at the Tollemache Arms in Harrington on June 7th.

James says; “The Northants food scene is getting really exciting! And this brand-new Food & Drink Week is a great way to celebrate our amazing chef and hospitality skills, and the brilliant produce we all have on our doorstep. Let’s get behind it!”

Richard Gordon, director of Greedy Gordons Pub Group, says; "We are really excited to be part of the first Northamptonshire Food & Drink Week, which is a brilliant initiative. We are proud to champion many of our county's quality food and drink producers every day in our pubs, farm shop and cafe, but this new week is an excellent way to celebrate them and the range of wonderful eateries we are so lucky to have in Northants."

He adds: "A range of must-attend events will be taking place across our three pubs, farm shop and cafe to celebrate the week, including producer showcases, local beer and cider tastings, a paella masterclass and a restaurant takeover. We can't wait to welcome both existing and new customers to our wonderful venues during this week and beyond."

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Delapre Food Festival

Rachel Mallows, director of Made in Northamptonshire, is thrilled with the response so far. “It’s our first year so we expected to start small, but we’ve got a fantastic line up already. From a local produce market and showcase at Whitco on June 1st, to The Best of Northamptonshire Long Table Banquet on June 7th, a new Food and Drink Festival at Delapre Abbey on June 8th-9th, student take overs, coffee and baking demonstrations, product tastings at hotels, gin discounts, and special menus at the County Cricket Ground and at pubs and restaurants all around the county. There’s something for everybody, so please do join us in celebrating our very own county Food & Drink Week”.

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Jeyes of Earls Barton & Mee Blueberries Collab

Full details can be found here:

https://northamptonshiresurprise.com/june-food-and-drink/

To get involved, or to include an event you are already planning for that week that includes local food and drink, please get in touch on info@northamptonshiresurprise.com.

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Jo Rutherford, Your Cool

Gold Award Winner

Coffee Ice Cream, Artisan Local Product of the Year

The sixteenth year of the Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards are picking up pace, with more people nominating more food businesses, and entries closing soon for college student and artisan product categories.

Recognising and celebrating excellence in the sector’s brilliant local people, products and places, the competition relies on the support of the sector, which is going strong. And as the awards grow bigger and better each year, the awards organisers need more mystery shoppers to review nominees and see if the proof is in the pudding.

Rachel Mallows MBE, Awards Director said “It’s been a brilliant start to the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink awards season, with entries in from all around the county, representing our excellent regional offering. Producers sustain our families and communities year-round, and need our support now more than ever, due to rising costs and spending pressures”.

Previous winners know how much this competition can mean to a producer.  Jo Rutherford, founder, Your Cool ice cream comments; “Being the Gold winner in the Artisan Local Product category last year was brilliant for me personally. I started artisan ice cream making about four years ago switching from a completely different non-food based career, so winning was not only a huge surprise, but also gave my self-confidence a real boost.  The fact that the products are taste-tested and judged gives the accolade so much weight - and being a winner with such high-quality competition was quite overwhelming - Northamptonshire really does have some fantastic artisan food and drink producers!

I have used the award to promote my business and it definitely helps with corporate and event clients, who may otherwise think twice about using a small business for their events. Whether you are a winner or not, the awards team provides some really valuable feedback, which definitely helps with product development; and the fantastic awards dinner is the icing on the cake. A fabulous evening with the industry’s best from across the county.

Sam Rees, Estate Manager at Boughton Estate, adds; "We were thrilled when our honey received a silver award for Artisan Local Product of the Year. This recognition was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the natural beauty of the gardens at Boughton House, often called the 'English Versailles' and recently a film location for Ridley Scott's epic 'Napoleon.' The award also provided an opportunity to share the broader activities happening across the Boughton Estate, and we feel they are a great way to support local business and raise awareness of the excellent produce from our county”.

Likewise, college students go from strength to strength when the sector shines a spotlight on their exceptional talents. Phil Martin, Curriculum Manager Culinary Arts and Travel, Northampton College encourages his students to enter; “The awards provide a fantastic platform to enhance job prospects and attract young talent into the industry. The popular and hugely successful Food and Drink College Student of the Year award, alongside the Booker Young Chef of the Year award and the Canapé Competition, undoubtedly inspire the next generation. They provide a great platform for local young people to embark on successful and rewarding careers in hospitality. It is heartening to see the enthusiasm and energy the awards continue to generate for food and drink in the county.”

Entries for this year’s Food and Drink College Student of the Year, Artisan Local Drink, Local Product and Local Vegetarian/Vegan products all close on 10th May. All Gold award winning products are offered the exceptional opportunity to be entered into the Great Taste Awards.

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

Artisan Local Drink of the Year (Warner’s Distillery)

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

Artisan Local Vegetarian / Vegan Product of the Year (Daily Bread Cooperative)

Booker Gastro Pub of the Year (Booker)

Booker Young Chef of the Year (Booker)

Canapé Competition (Portfolio Events)

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 (Greedy Gordons)

Weetabix Sustainability Award (Weetabix)

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

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 17 October 2024 at The Royal & Derngate Theatre, supported again by caterers Portfolio Events.

For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2024/25, 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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Image of the launch event at the Snooty Fox, Lowick, showing Awards Director Rachel Mallows MBE interviewing Oliver Nesbitt, Director, Santina’s Wood Fired Pizza, Gold Award Winner, Ones to Watch

The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards are back for a sixteenth year of shining 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, and as spending pressures continue, that support for independent and local is more important than ever.

With a sensational set of sponsors, and eighteen categories, this year’s Awards are a toast to all that is great about the county’s experiences, produce and drink; a reward for those who work so hard locally – rising to not insignificant challenges facing the hospitality sector – and keep Northamptonshire firmly on the foodie map of England.

Headline sponsor, Weetabix, who last year committed to supporting the competition for another three years, will once again be joined by category sponsors including All Things Business, Booker, British Pepper & Spice Co. Ltd, Daily Bread Co-operative, 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, Warner’s Distillery, Whitworth Bros. Ltd, and Whitco Catering & Bakery Equipment Limited.

Stuart Branch, Group People and Technology Director at Weetabix said “Five years ago we talked about how proud we were to become the headline sponsor of the Awards, and today is no different, the Awards continue to make us feel very proud of the businesses, the people, and the effort that goes in to making this a county to be reckoned with! Our first-hand involvement and seeing the positive impact these awards have is humbling and we remain extremely impressed with the vast range of businesses and organisations that the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards celebrate.”

The full details of this year’s competition were shared by Awards Director, Rachel Mallows MBE, at the launch on Wednesday March 20 at The Snooty Fox in Lowick, home of sponsor Greedy Gordons.

Rachel reflected on what we have learned during the last fifteen years of coming together and celebrating the sector’s incredible successes and achievements. “Eating out and buying local makes a huge difference to the prosperity of the county’s communities, high streets, hospitality, food and drink businesses. In these trying times for hospitality, of rising business costs and spending pressures, let’s choose carefully where we spend our money locally, and continue to support these businesses and communities as much as possible. Through the Awards we’re shining a spotlight on brilliance – brilliant hospitality, communities and innovations - to make it easier for Northamptonshire to choose independent and local.”

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Image of the launch event at the Snooty Fox, Lowick, showing Awards Director Rachel Mallows MBE interviewing Jade Walter, Rushton Hall, Gold Award Winner, Booker Young Chef of the Year

Multi-award winner Joe Buckley, owner of the Tollemache Arms in Harrington and awarded Gold in last year’s F&B Achiever and Booker Gastro Pub of the Year categories, added his perspective on the importance and impact of local Awards. “The Awards have always been a great benchmark for us, not only for our own standards, but also finding places to visit for food and drink. Winning last year was the icing on the cake after years of hard work, and being in a room full of hospitality legends is always great for networking and sharing. In the nine years we have been entering the Awards the food scene in Northamptonshire has gone from strength to strength, showing the value to local businesses. We have been blessed to win both national and local awards, but to be a finalist or a winner in a county with such great pubs, we see as a really fantastic achievement.”

Previous Award winners like Sol Haven, Weetabix Sustainability Award Gold winners and Healthy Food and Wellbeing Workplace Gold winners last year, were also able to reflect on the sense of accomplishment that is associated with the Awards. Natasha Caton enthused; “By participating, we can express gratitude towards all those who contribute to make dreams happen. This includes volunteers, local communities, supporters, the land and all that is grown. Creating a thriving, strong supportive community reinforces the idea that success is not achieved in isolation but through collective effort and support. By coming together to celebrate achievements, the community strengthens its bonds and unity. Winning or even being nominated for an award enhances visibility and establishes a reputation for excellence. This in turn can attract more customers, partners, and opportunities for collaboration, growth and expansion.

With greater visibility, we can extend what we offer, our reach and impact, helping more individuals and groups to improve their lives through healthier choices.”

The Health and Wellbeing team at West Northamptonshire Council reinforces the important link between good food and wellbeing, with Cllr Matt Golby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health adding: “It is so important to recognise our local businesses and those that put the community at the heart of all they do. We know that good food produce has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of our residents, so it is great to see categories that celebrate community cafes as well as put an emphasis on quality, locally produced food.”

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

Artisan Local Drink of the Year (Warner’s Distillery)

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

Artisan Local Vegetarian / Vegan Product of the Year (Daily Bread Cooperative)

Booker Gastro Pub of the Year (Booker)

Booker Young Chef of the Year (Booker)

Canapé Competition (Portfolio Events)

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 (Greedy Gordons)

Weetabix Sustainability Award (Weetabix)

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

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 17 October 2024 at The Royal & Derngate Theatre, supported again by caterers Portfolio Events.

For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2024/25, 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