Entries are closing soon for some of the most hotly contested categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards.
There’s not much time left now to enter or nominate in the Booker Young Chef of the Year, Whitco Chef of the Year, Booker Gastro Pub of the Year, Community Café and Restaurant and World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year categories.
Rachel Mallows MBE, Awards Director, said
“As well as highlighting a commitment to serving and supporting local, we know from talking to past winners that these accolades really set businesses apart as leaders in the Northamptonshire food and drink scene, and help with attracting new customers, which is so important when businesses are battling rising costs and spending pressures.”
The Palmichael in Burton Latimer was a Gold winner in last year’s Restaurant of the Year category. Restaurant Manager Maria Walker said:
“We were delighted to be recognised alongside other outstanding local restaurants in the finals. Then going on to win Restaurant of the Year in 2016, 2018 and again in 2023 were prestigious moments for us. This amazing accolade is not just an award, it’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team.
“I would encourage everyone to enter. Being a small local business has its challenges and by raising awareness of independent establishments, the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards have helped many small businesses generate growth and gain the recognition that they deserve.
“The overall experience has been nothing but positive for us in terms of attracting new customers from across Northamptonshire and further afield, connecting with fantastic new local suppliers, and knowing there is a network of mentors who really believe in your business and will help guide you in the right direction.”
Young chefs go from strength to strength when the sector shines a spotlight on their hard work and exceptional talents. Last year’s winner, Jade Walter from Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa, said:
“Entering the Young Chef of the Year competition was a transformative experience for me, offering opportunities for growth, exposure to new culinary techniques, and the chance to showcase my talent on a broader stage.
“It wasn’t just about winning, but about pushing boundaries and evolving as a young chef.”
Martin Allen, Executive Chef at Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa added:
“From a business perspective having young chefs enter competitions creates exposure and credibility for both the business they work for, and for the chef themselves, which enhances their professional reputation and opens doors to new opportunities. The experience of this Young Chef of the Year competition has helped Jade confidently innovate dishes, refine her skills, and push for future culinary success.”
The results of the competition, which will again see finalists awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze, will be announced at the awards celebrations taking place on October 17 at The Royal & Derngate Theatre, supported again by caterers Portfolio Events.
For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2024/25, mystery shopping, entry and nomination forms, visit www.northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk or call the awards team on 01933 664437 or email awards@northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk
