The only awards dedicated to the county’s food and drink industry are open for entries.
Food and drink fans are encouraged to nominate their favourite places and people for the 2024 Cumbria Food Awards. Meanwhile, owners of hospitality businesses are invited to put themselves and their colleagues forward.
Last year, more than 1,400 entries and nominations were received for the independent awards, held in association with Caterite.
The Cumbria Food Awards were set up to recognise and celebrate excellence in the hospitality industry from around the county. There are categories to recognise cafés, chefs, restaurants, casual dining venues, pubs, producers, retailers and a new Service of the Year award for front of house staff.
The much-anticipated event, hosted by the television presenter, chef and restaurateur, Simon Rimmer, will take place on Thursday 14 March 2024 at Kendal College.
Students from the college will cook and serve canapés and a two-course dinner for more than 150 nominees, sponsors and special guests before Simon Rimmer announces the winners.
The awards, which are free to enter, are judged by an independent panel of food and drink experts, chosen for their knowledge and experience.
Co-organiser Michaela Robinson-Tate said: “Last year’s incredible total of 1,400 entries and nominations showed how much interest and support there is in Cumbria for the hospitality industry.
“There’s already a buzz around the 2024 awards and we’re looking forward to receiving entries from throughout the county.
“If you have a favourite café or bistro, or you run a food or drink business that you believe deserves to be a winner, please go to our website and make sure your name is in the frame.”
Cumbria Food Awards are organised by Michaela Robinson-Tate and Harry Atkinson and are supported by media partner Cumbria Crack, Kendal College, Booths, Patron Simon Rogan and sponsors.
Entries close on 22 December.
Cumbria Food Awards 2024 categories open for entries and nominations:
- Specialist Food Retailer of the Year sponsored by Hawkshead Relish
- Food Producer of the Year sponsored by Cranstons
- Drinks Producer of the Year sponsored by Grapevine
- Service of the Year sponsored by the Academy by Simon Rogan
- Pub, Bar or Taproom of the Year sponsored by Herdwick Cottages
- Sustainable/Ethical Business of the Year
- Casual Dining Venue of the Year sponsored by Enterprise Answers
- New Business of the Year sponsored by Thomson Hayton Winkley
- Café of the Year sponsored by Cumbria Crack
- Dining Pub of the Year sponsored by Lamont Pridmore
- Hotel Restaurant of the Year
- Chef of the Year sponsored by Spinning Jennies
- Restaurant of the Year sponsored by More? The Artisan Bakery
- Special awards (no nominations sought)
- The Rising Star Award sponsored by Kendal College
- Outstanding Contribution sponsored by Caterite