A LAKE District hotelier has won a prestigious accolade for her piquant preserve.

Diana Kennedy, owner of Lindeth Fell Country House, Bowness, received a gold award at the World Marmalade Awards.

A firm favourite among guests as part of the hotel’s breakfast, the preserve is particularly loved for its traditional style, and the judges were impressed with the marmalade’s appearance, colour, consistency, aroma and flavour.

The 84-year-old has entered the competition for five years and has previously won silver, bronze and a commendation.

“I am so pleased to have won this award against such strong competition from all over the world,” said Ms Kennedy.

“I have been making our marmalade for 37 years and our guests tell us that it is some of the best marmalade they’ve ever tasted, so it’s nice to have won this gold award to prove it!”

Despite the pandemic and multiple lockdowns, the Marmalade Awards received a record-breaking number of entries this year, with over 3000 jars from more than 30 countries worldwide including Japan, Canada, Australia, Kuwait and the Dominican Republic.

The awards are judged by an expert panel including food writer Dan Lepard and Fortnum & Mason grocery buyer Sarah Metcalf.

Due to continuing restrictions the awards were not announced in March as usual but were announced following the annual Plant Fair at Dalemain in June instead.

Marmalade enthusiasts flocked to the country house in Penrith to taste preserves from all over the world and take part in ‘Marmalade Question Time’ with the experts.

The awards are sponsored by Fortnum & Mason and Rathbones and the awards have to date raised over £270,000 for palliative care around the world.

This year’s key beneficiary was once again Hospice at Home Carlisle & North Lakeland.

Founder of the awards, Jane Hasell-McCosh, said: “We have always been so proud to champion quality independent hotels, restaurants and B&Bs, and this year it has been more important than ever.

“The hospitality industry has been hit so hard by the pandemic, particularly small independent businesses, which are at the heart of a good holiday.

“I think it has made people realise how important good, homemade food is when you are visiting somewhere, whether for a meal or overnight. We hope that our winners will receive a huge number of bookings this year, and their lucky customers will be served some of the best marmalade in the world.”