There is still time to shine a light on the county’s outstanding food and drink stars.
More than 650 entries and nominations have already been received for the much-anticipated Cumbria Food Awards, which are designed to recognise and reward excellence in the county’s hospitality industry.
It’s not too late to take part. Entries close at midnight tomorrow – Friday, December 30 – and food lovers can nominate their favourite restaurant, café, chef, pub or Cumbrian food and drink. Business owners can enter the awards or put a staff member forward.
The free-to-enter and independent Cumbria Food Awards, held in association with Caterite Food & Wineservice, take place at Kendal College on Thursday, March 16.
Host Irini Tzortzoglou, winner of the BBC’s 2019 MasterChef competition, will be joined by 155 finalists, sponsors and guests, including the cream of the county’s hospitality industry.
Irini will announce the winners in 13 categories, including Food Producer of the Year, Café of the Year, Pub, Bar or Taproom of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year.
Judged by an independent panel of industry experts, Cumbria Food Awards are supported by associate partner Eden District Council, media partner Cumbria Crack, Kendal College, Booths, Patron Simon Rogan and sponsors and are organised by L+M Events.
Meanwhile, Heft at High Newton, The Dog & Gun Inn at Skelton and The Black Swan at Ravenstonedale, which were finalists or winners at the 2022 awards, have announced their inclusion in the national 2023 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list, with final positions to be announced in the New Year.
To enter or make a nomination for the Cumbria Food Awards visit www.cumbriafoodawards.co.uk
