A MasterChef winner and author will host the 2023 Cumbria Food Awards.
Irini Tzortzoglou, who won the popular BBC programme in 2019, will take to the stage to introduce the finalists and announce the winners at the county’s only dedicated food and drink awards, which take place at Kendal College next March.
Born on the Greek island of Crete, Irini, who lives in Cartmel with her husband John, is a former banking executive who was 60 when she wowed the judges with her cooking to take the MasterChef trophy.
Since her success in the much-loved programme, she has written a cookery book, Under the Olive Tree, and is in demand as an olive oil sommelier and for her cooking, food consultancy, media appearances, writing and public speaking.
Irini said: “After 32 years in the City of London, Cumbria felt from the start so much like my home island of Crete; both are of outstanding natural beauty and are inhabited by people with a strong sense of hospitality and great appreciation of fresh, local, artisan produced ingredients and quality food.
“All this makes me feel very at home and I was thrilled and honoured to be invited to host the Cumbria Food Awards and take part in a celebration of what is best about the county.”
The independent Cumbria Food Awards, returning for a second year, are designed to recognise and celebrate excellence in the hospitality industry from around the county.
Held in association with headline sponsor Caterite, the awards will take place on Thursday 16th March 2023, in front of an audience of more than 150 finalists, sponsors and special guests.
The guests will be welcomed to a drinks and canapés reception before a two-course meal, which is cooked and served by students at Kendal College, one of the country’s leading providers of hospitality training.
Irini will announce the winners of 13 awards, including Food Producer of the Year, Casual Dining Venue of the Year, Café of the Year, Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year. A number of special awards, including the trophy for Outstanding Contribution, will be made on the night.
The 2022 awards, hosted by TV star and Hairy Biker Dave Myers, attracted nearly 500 entries from throughout Cumbria. Entries for this year’s awards open on 20th November, when members of the public will be invited to nominate their favourite producers and businesses will be able to submit entries.
The awards, which are free to enter, are judged by an independent panel of food and drink experts, chosen for their knowledge and breadth of experience.
The awards are organised by L+M Events, who are Lindsay Molloy and Michaela Robinson-Tate.
Lindsay said: “We’re over the moon to announce Irini as the host for the 2023 Cumbria Food Awards.
“Irini knows the sheer hard work that it takes for a chef or a hospitality business to succeed and she will be bringing that knowledge, plus her sparkling personality, to the celebratory evening.
“We can’t wait to see everyone and congratulate our winners next March.”
Cumbria Food Awards are supported by associate partner Eden District Council, media partner our sister title Cumbria Crack, Kendal College, Booths, patron Simon Rogan and sponsors.
