The finalists for the 2019 Cumbria Life Food & Drink Awards have been announced.
A shortlist of 42 of the county’s best restaurants, chefs, cafés, pubs, producers and retailers has been drawn up across 12 categories.
The eighth awards presentation is due to take place on Thursday, March 21 at Kendal College, which has hosted the event since its launch.
This year’s host is the food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden, best known for his appearances on the BBC Radio 2 Drivetime show.
Long-established Lake District drinks company Lakeland Vintners is continuing its backing for the event by again providing reception and table drinks.
The food for the event will be supplied by independent north west retailer Booths, which is generously supporting the awards for the seventh year.
During the awards evening, the nominees and guests will sit down to a three-course dinner cooked by college students under the direction of head of school for hospitality Richard Axford.
Last year, 35 students cooked for 180 guests.
An all-new judging panel, made up of industry leaders, has been tasked with drawing up the shortlist and choosing the winners.
The headline sponsor is accountants, business and financial advisers Armstrong Watson.
Chief executive Paul Dickson said: “Armstrong Watson recognises the need to showcase Cumbria’s finest and is extremely proud to be associated with the Cumbria Life Food & Drink Awards for 2019.
“We recognise the dedication behind each and every one of the businesses who have entered.
“The finalists are all brilliant examples of why Cumbria is so loved and we wish them all good luck!”
The finalists
FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Grants Oak Smoked, Maryport
Lovingly Artisan, Kendal
Peace & Loaf Bakehouse, Barrow-in-Furness
DRINKS PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Eva’s Organics, near Carlisle
Fell Brewery, Flookburgh
Red Bank Coffee Roasters, Coniston
BEST NEW PRODUCT
Fillet of beef, Lakeland Dexter, Askham
Black Garlic Pickle, Hawkshead Relish Company, Hawkshead
The Free Runner Toasted Artisan Muesli, Lakeland Mues, near Wigton
Northern Lass Sourdough, Peace & Loaf Bakehouse, Barrow-in-Furness
SPECIALIST RETAILER/SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
Higginsons of Grange, Grange-over-Sands
Peace & Loaf Bakehouse, Barrow-in-Furness
The Bakery at No 4, Kendal
PUB/BAR OF THE YEAR
The Beer Hall, Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley
Beerwolf, Ulverston
The Crafty Baa, Windermere
The Factory Tap, Kendal
DINING PUB OF THE YEAR
The Black Swan, Ravenstonedale
The Dog & Gun, Skelton near Penrith
The Drunken Duck, Ambleside
CAFE OF THE YEAR
Chesters by the River, Skelwith Bridge
Kysty, Ambleside
Lingholm Kitchen, Portinscale
More? The Artisan Bakery, Staveley
Yard 46, Kendal
CASUAL DINING RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Fermento, Cockermouth
Foxborough, Carlisle
L’al Churrasco, Ulverston
Lounge on the Green, Houghton, near Carlisle
CHEF OF THE YEAR
Tom Barnes, Rogan & Co, Cartmel
Nick Edgar, The Ryebeck, Bowness-on-Windermere
Craig Sherrington, Craig’s Kitchen, Virginia House, Ulverston
HOTEL RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Forest Side, Grasmere
HRiSHi at Gipin Hotel and Lake House, Windermere
The Ryebeck, Bowness-on-Windermere
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
1863 Bistro, Pooley Bridge
Craig’s Kitchen, Virginia House, Ulverston
L’Enclume, Cartmel
Rogan & Co, Cartmel
CUMBRIA LIFE READERS’ AWARD
The Yard Kitchen, Penrith
The Black Labrador, Underbarrow
Mizu, Lodore Falls Hotel, Derwentwater
Special awards to be announced on the night will include the Matt Campbell Rising Star Award and the Food and Farming Award.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here