Outstanding restaurants, chefs, cafés and producers from throughout the county are among finalists announced for the Cumbria Food Awards.
The judges for the new and independent awards had the tough task of selecting 39 finalists across 13 categories from nearly 500 entries.
Those who have made the shortlist will be invited to attend the gala awards dinner, at Kendal College on Thursday, March 3, when the host, Hairy Biker Dave Myers, will announce the winners.
The Cumbria Food Awards are in association with leading independent food supplier Caterite.
There were more than 480 entries for the awards, from members of the public keen to nominate their favourite restaurant or café and from businesses themselves.
Categories include Café of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year.
An award for Street Food Seller of the Year will recognise the growing popularity of this type of food, while Innovation of the Year is for a new business or ambitious venture, particularly if made to meet the challenges of the pandemic.
A number of special awards will be presented, including the headline award for someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry in Cumbria.
The Eco-I North West award will be for a hospitality business that’s made a significant contribution in Cumbria’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2037.
Eco-I North West is a European Regional Development Fund low carbon innovation project delivered through a partnership of six North West universities and led by University of Cumbria within the county. It supports research and development in a bid to deliver a transition to a low carbon economy across all sectors, including food and drink.
Students at Kendal College will cook the awards dinner, under the direction of head of faculty Richard Axford, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their skills to top chefs and business owners.
Cumbria Food Awards headline sponsor is Caterite and other sponsors include Cranstons, H&H Group, Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, The Westmorland Family, Hawkshead Relish, More? The Artisan Bakery, Shortridge, Lakeland Inns, Lamont Pridmore, Lakes Cottages and Eco-I North West.
Supporters include northern retailer Booths, which is supplying the food for the awards dinner and Lakeland Vintners, which is providing the drink. The media partner for the awards is Cumbria Crack and leading chef Simon Rogan is patron.
For information see www.cumbriafoodawards.co.uk
Finalists
Café of the Year
- Harry’s at Yew Tree Barn, Low Newton
- More? The Artisan Bakery, Staveley
- The Chopping Block, Penrith
Casual Dining Venue of the Year
- The Yan at Broadrayne, Grasmere
- The Old Bank, Carlisle
- Bakehouse Born & Bread, Greenodd near Ulverston
Newcomer of the Year
- Roast Mutton, Kendal
- Heft, High Newton
- Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Bassenthwaite
Innovation of the Year
- Home by Simon Rogan
- Sweet Treats by Martin Frickel
- Eden Yard Rapeseed Oil, Plumpton
Chef of the Year
- Tom Barnes, Executive Head Chef, L’Enclume/Rogan & Co
- Daniel McGeorge, Rothay Manor, Ambleside
- Paul Leonard, The Forest Side, Grasmere
Restaurant of the Year
- The Cottage in the Wood, Whinlatter
- Lounge on the Green, Houghton, Carlisle
- L’Enclume, Cartmel
Drinks Producer of the Year
- Lakes Brew Co, Kendal
- Shed 1 Gin, Ulverston
- Eva’s Organics, Low Luckens
Food Producer of the Year
- Winter Tarn Dairy, Morland near Penrith
- Lovingly Artisan, Kendal
- Stonehouse Smokery, Moorhouse, Carlisle
Specialist Food Retailer of the Year
- Low Sizergh Barn, Kendal
- Tebay Services
- Cranstons Cumbrian Food Hall
Pub, Bar or Taproom of the Year
- Factory Tap, Kendal
- Fell Bar, Penrith
- The New Union, Kendal
Hotel Restaurant of the Year
- Henrock, Windermere
- The Forest Side, Grasmere
- Rothay Manor, Ambleside
Street Food Seller of the Year
- Food From the Fells, Kendal
- Yard 46, Kendal
- Urban Wood Fire, Irthington
Dining Pub of the Year
- The Black Swan, Ravenstonedale
- Heft, High Newton
- The Dog & Gun, Skelton
