IT WAS a celebration of fabulous food in the most amazing company.

The Cumbria Life Food and Drink Awards was yet another taste sensation.

Almost 200 people were treated to a fantastic dinner and ceremony at Kendal College on Thursday night.

Students cooked up some fantastic fare, with the evening hosted by broadcaster Nigel Barden.

Among the highlights was Penrith-based Cranstons being awarded the trophy for Outstanding Contribution to Cumbrian Food & Drink, the top award of the night.

The Restaurant of the Year award was presented to Simon Rogan’s two Michelin-starred L’Enclume in Cartmel, which the judges said was continuously evolving and supremely relevant.

There was a Cumbria Life Special Award for Jane Hasell-McCosh, founder of The World’s Original Marmalade Awards and Festival, which is held at her home, Dalemain near Penrith.

The Matt Campbell Rising Star Award was presented to Tom Prestwich, the founder of Red Bank Coffee Roasters at Coniston. The award had been re-named in honour of the 2018 winner, the chef Matt Campbell, who sadly passed away while competing in the London Marathon last April.