The team behind Cumbria Food Awards has thanked supporters for producing a bumper crop of entries.
The organisers of the county’s independent hospitality industry awards, held in association with Caterite, were overwhelmed to have received more than 1,400 entries and nominations, equalling last year’s record figure.
The panel of judges, made up of 15 industry experts, now has the challenging task of drawing up shortlists in 13 competitive categories, including Café, Pub, Restaurant, Chef, Drinks Producer and Service of the Year.
The third much-anticipated Cumbria Food Awards are due to take place at Kendal College on Thursday, March 14. The host will be TV presenter, chef and restaurateur Simon Rimmer.
Co-organiser Harry Atkinson said: “We would like to thank everyone who took the time to make a nomination for the 2024 Cumbria Food Awards. The support shows just how passionate people in the county are about our restaurants, cafés, chefs and producers.
“We’re also really pleased that so many businesses have put themselves forward for an award. Our judges now have a really difficult job to decide on their shortlists, which will be announced in January.
“All our finalists will be invited to the reception, dinner and prestigious awards presentation when our host, Simon Rimmer, will announce the 2024 winners. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone.”
The judges will use the nominations and entries to guide them as they decide on three finalists for each category. Judging will include in-person dining visits before the winners are chosen.
In addition to headline sponsor Caterite, Cumbria Food Awards category sponsors are Academy by Simon Rogan; Cranstons; Cumbria Crack; Enterprise Answers; Grapevine; Hawkshead Relish; Herdwick Cottages; Kendal College; Lamont Pridmore; More? The Artisan Bakery; Onunda; Spinning Jennies and Thomson Hayton Winkley Solicitors.
Cumbria Food Awards media partner is our sister title Cumbria Crack. Northern grocer Booths is supplying the food for the networking reception and H&H Reeds is providing printing services. For information see www.cumbriafoodawards.co.uk
