The latest stars of the culinary sector are now celebrating after picking up top accolades in this year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards.
March saw the conclusion of the competition, with the third course of awards announced during a live, online broadcast, generously hosted by Northampton’s Royal & Derngate.
Before revealing the results in the two eateries categories, the celebration also shone the spotlight on the future of the sector, highlighting the talent of the county’s learners in the form of a new category, Food and Drink College Student of the Year (sponsored by Moulton College).
Austin Howsam of Northampton College was awarded Gold with Distinction, while Mia Patterson from Moulton College achieved Gold.
World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year (sponsored by British Pepper & Spice) saw Oren Pho in Northampton and Truva Charcoal Bar & Grill take Gold, while Restaurant Hibiscus in Northampton and The Willow and Brook in Apethorpe took Golds in the Booker Dining Venue of the Year (sponsored by Booker).
In a surprise addition, and thanks to the further support of British Pepper & Spice, who were impressed with rise in standards of those specialising in spicy products, three Northampton businesses were also praised and awarded a Highly Commended. The trio are Bite Me Spices; Etinde House Company and Vicky’s Kitchen.
Weetabix Marketing Director, Francesca Theokli highlighted the value of the competition beyond its obvious benefits to the winners and why the company has played such an active role: “Weetabix is immensely proud to have participated as headline sponsor, helping not to only to shape the awards but also sitting on the judging panels and leading some of its vital business support webinars.
“This competition has seen resilience, dedication and creativity in abundance shown by so many and through maintaining and reinforcing a sense of community across the Northamptonshire food and drink sector, we are thrilled to support its ultimate aim of sowing the seeds for future growth.”
To keep up to date with the latest news, including more details of the launch of the 2021/22 competition, follow the awards on Facebook at @foodawards or Twitter and Instagram at @foodawardsHQ or on LinkedIn at @weetabixnfadawards.
