In an evening filled with inspiration, innovation and delicious local food and drink, the winners have been crowned in all 18 categories of this year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards.
Brilliant businesses, exceptional ambition, enviable talent and creativity were all on the menu at the awards ceremony at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton, where Stuart Branch, People, Digital, Environment, Health & Safety Director for awards sponsor Weetabix, congratulated the winners for their remarkable contributions to the county’s growing food and drink sector.
Stuart said:
“Weetabix is delighted to headline sponsor these awards again, we are especially delighted that sustainability is such a strong element and is included in every category. We have said many times that sustainability is in our DNA at Weetabix, that remains true today and we know that Rachel and the team share our ethos, which makes our sponsorship and our connection with the brilliant people in this county even more special.
“We recognise the magnificent effort and hard work that has gone in every day to culminate in an awards ceremony such as this. Well done to all of you that achieved Gold, Silver and Bronze and to those that didn’t, thank you for making these decisions really hard to make – you are inspiring, innovative and creative and we salute you.”
Awards Director Rachel Mallows thanked guests for continuing to champion and support local.
She said:
“Good food and drink is a powerful force in creating vibrant, healthy, connected communities. And what a community we have here in Northamptonshire. Small businesses, supported by large businesses, farmers and artisans. The organisations in this room sustain local jobs, bring people and places together, and help us shine a spotlight on Northamptonshire Food and Drink.
“This year’s awards have culminated in 93 finalists and looking back since 2008/9 we have received over 15,000 nominations or entries, given out over 120,000 samples of finalist produce and drink at food festivals, and worked with nearly 1,000 first-stage mystery shoppers who have visited venues and eateries in that time. Thanks to you, the Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards are one of the most supported events in the county.”
The menu, served by Portfolio Events, included some wonderful examples of Northamptonshire produce including terrine of Houghton Ham; The Falcon Inn Guinness bread; British chicken with coppa by Northampton Charcuterie Co; Hamm Tun Fine Foods Shoetown Blue and wild mushroom risotto; vanilla panna cotta with Stonyfield English Quality Sparking Wine.
Recognising and paying tribute to the extraordinary talent in the room, Gold award winners were delighted to accept their awards.
Joint Gold winners with the Hopping Hare in Northampton, the team from Hibiscus at Delapre Abbey were thrilled to take home the Gold Restaurant of the Year accolade.
Executive Head Chef Bart Polinski said:
“Over 70% of our produce is local. That wouldn’t be possible without these wonderful awards and the people in this room. We are so grateful to be working with you all, and for this incredible award, and look forward to exploring many more opportunities together.”
One such supplier to Hibiscus is Gary Bradshaw of Hamm Tun Fine Foods, winner of the Artisan Local Product category for Northamptonshire Blue cheese.
Gary said:
“Even when they announced it, I was convinced I hadn’t won. It’s been a tough year but things like this make it all worthwhile. I’m a very happy man this evening”.
Also jubilant was Joe Gould, Head Chef, Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa, who said:
“I’m so surprised to have won Whitco Chef of the Year because the competition really was fierce. I feel proud to now ‘officially’ be part of the Northamptonshire Food and Drink scene.”
For a full list of winners and more information about the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2024/25 and how to get involved in 2025/2026, visit the website.
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