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.