One of Cumbria’s best loved stars is to be remembered at the county’s annual food and drink awards.
The organisers of the independent Cumbria Food Awards have renamed the night’s top prize in memory of the late TV presenter and Hairy Biker, Dave Myers.
The awards, in association with Caterite, are due to take place on Thursday, 20 March at Kendal College and will be hosted by TV chef and presenter Matt Tebbutt of BBC’s Saturday Kitchen.
In addition to 13 competitive categories, host Matt will announce the winner of the trophy for the newly named Dave Myers Cumbrian Food and Drink Hero.
Dave, who died in February 2024, was from Barrow-in-Furness and with his friend, Si King, rose to fame as one half of the Hairy Bikers. Travelling all over the world, he remained very proud of his home county and its food heritage and kindly agreed to host the first Cumbria Food Awards, in 2022, when he was accompanied by his wife, Lili.
Lili has now given the new award her blessing and said that it honours Dave’s name in the highest way: “It means the world to me to see how much Dave was appreciated by all.”
A huge outpouring of public affection followed Dave’s death and a large-scale charity motorcycle rally, now known as Dave Day, is due to return in June.
Cumbria Food Awards co-organiser Michaela Robinson-Tate said: “Dave Myers was a very special person and his support of Cumbria and our awards will never be forgotten. We are proud to name the night’s top award after him, to be used in perpetuity and are grateful to Lili for supporting the plan.”
The much anticipated gala awards evening will be attended by 165 finalists, sponsors and special guests. Canapés for a drinks reception, followed by a two course dinner, will be cooked and served by students from Kendal College, one of the county’s top providers of hospitality training.
The headline sponsor is Caterite and other sponsors and supporters are: Academy by Simon Rogan; Booths; Cranstons; Cumbria Crack; Enterprise Answers; Grapevine; Hawkshead Relish; Herdwick Cottages; Kendal College; Lamont Pridmore; More? The Artisan Bakery; Porsche Centre South Lakes; Thomson Hayton Winkley and Westmorland Farmshop, plus Shortridge Laundry and Reeds printers.
The headline sponsor is Caterite and other sponsors and supporters are: Academy by Simon Rogan; Booths; Cranstons; Cumbria Crack; Enterprise Answers; Grapevine; Hawkshead Relish; Herdwick Cottages; Kendal College; Lamont Pridmore; More? The Artisan Bakery; Porsche Centre South Lakes; Thomson Hayton Winkley Solicitors and Westmorland Farmshop, plus Shortridge Laundry and Reeds printers.