The judges of Yorkshire Life’s Food & Drink Awards sponsored by Spire Elland Hospital Dewsbury Clinic unveil their shortlist for this year’s event, with the winners to be declared at a glamorous black tie ceremony at The Principal, York on Tuesday September 17th.
A feast of fine dining and gastronomic inspiration, the Yorkshire Life Food and Drink Awards 2019 is a celebration of the best of our county's thriving hospitality industry and culinary champions. We've spent months tasting, testing and trying to search out the very best restaurants, pubs, chefs, producers and retailers. And here they are - our shortlist of 24 outstanding finalists.
If you haven't already, then these are the places you must pay a visit. They have made it onto the list because they are the best - our judges can attest to that. There are the classic establishments - the grandfathers of the county's dining scene who have been putting our county on the map for some time - to the contemporary, new kids on the block creating a stir as well as a reputation for quality and innovation.
Congratulations to everyone who has made it onto this prestigious shortlist. You are leading the charge in a county with serious culinary clout and where competition is fierce.
There are still a few more weeks to wait until we crown the winners of this year's Yorkshire Life Food and Drink Awards at our glittering awards ceremony at The Principal, York on Tuesday September 17.
We'd love to hear who you'd vote for. Let us know your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #YLfoodawards. And watch out for the winner announcements - and a few surprise awards for special categories revealed on the night. In the meantime, read on, prepare to be tempted and get making those reservations.
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY SPIRE ELLAND HOSPITAL
Arras, York
Adam and Lovaine Humphrey have created food Utopia down on Peasholme Green. A business that started in Sydney, it was when the pair longed to return to UK shores that they launched in York. Headed up by this culinary power couple, Arras is a stylish space where talking point art combines with innovative dishes from exceptional ingredients.
We say: 'Vibrant fresh modern setting with modern culinary delivery. Who knew black sesame ice cream was a thing? Delicious.'
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The Swine that Dines, Leeds
Sustainability is at the heart of this popular Leeds restaurant, run by The Greedy Kitchen's Stuart and Jo Myers. This small restaurant - it only seats 18 - has food lovers queuing up for a chance to taste their inventive small plates. And a restaurant that does pie Sundays - not your average pies, mind - is worth a place on our shortlist.
We say: 'A starter of home- made boudin noir with apple ketchup was excellent - moussey, rich and so flavoursome.'
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The Hare Inn, Scawton
With three AA Rosettes, several appearances in the Michelin Guide and glowing reviews, The Hare is setting the pace for the county's food industry. A tasting menu-only restaurant, chef Paul Jackson and front-of -house partner and wife, Liz, are a powerful combination. Paul's dishes have been likened to the art of Jackson Pollock.
We say: 'A tasting menu which is sublime, this is a jewel in the Yorkshire fine dining crown.'
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Vice and Virtue, Leeds
Take a chef who has worked at NOMA, The Man Behind the Curtain and Australia's Quay and add one of the city's most successful restaurateurs and it's easy to see why the awards have come thick and fast for this city centre venue. Owners Luke and Laura Downing and super chef Jonathan Hawthorne have created a dining experience to impress.
We say: 'V&V brings the best quality produce from local sources to a fine dining experience.'
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RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS OF THE YEAR
The Sandpiper, Leyburn
This lovely 17th century inn is no stranger to awards, including a previous Yorkshire Life Food and Drink Award. Former Roux Scholarship winner Jonathan Harris along with wife Janine have been serving up exquisite food using the freshest and finest local ingredients. Rooms make the most of the property's original features.
We say: 'A unique dining experience in a traditional atmosphere with a menu that is all together varied and specialising in local produce.'
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Pipe and Glass, South Dalton
The venue that got East Yorkshire its first Michelin star in 2010, continues to shine. A quaint 15th century pub - originally Dalton Park's gatehouse - owners James and Kate Mackenzie are offering seriously glamorous and stylish accommodation alongside stellar food that champions regional ingredients. A dining destination surrounded by idyllic countryside, the food is hearty and moreish and there's an award-winning wine list.
We say: 'Chef and proprietor James Mackenzie is committed to sourcing as much local and seasonal produce as possible. Some of the ingredients are grown in the gardens which you look out on from the luxuriously cosy bedrooms.'
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Estbek House Hotel, Whitby
This award-winning restaurant with rooms in one of the county's loveliest coastal villages has collected numerous accolades including two AA rosettes. Its menu reflects its strong links with the sea and moors - think Whitby sea trout, whitebait in Black Sheep ale batter - and its Georgian rooms have lovely views and luxury touches.
We say: 'Signature 'fish pie' was a joy - layers of lobster, cod, prawns, nuggets of crayfish and slithers of scallops. Unique and delicious.'
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TEA ROOM/CAFE OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY PRINCIPAL YORK
Pig and Pastry, York
In amongst the mêlée of independent business, heading out of town, you'll find this gem that has been at the heart of this area for more than a decade. Popular as a place to start your day well, you'll find everything from breakfasts and brunch to the best home baking. There aren't enough superlatives to describe this super place - but the army of national reviewers who have stepped through its doors have given it a good try.
We say: 'Good wholesome down to earth cooking for all, it's a little gem on "Bishy Road.'
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The Old Joiners Shop, Ingleby Cross
A place not easily categorised - a coffee shop fused with casual restaurant is possibly the best description - this is a venue garnering a loyal following. Run by the team from Rounton Coffee, breakfast and brunch are the stars of the show. High quality produce, sustainability and independent suppliers are a key part of this businesses ethos.
We say: 'Great dishes such as banana and peanut butter porridge, eggs with smashed avo and crispy bacon. Coffee was freshly roasted from Rounton roastery who really know their stuff.'
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Partisan, York
A neighbourhood restaurant to shout about, Good Food Guide entrant Partisan in Micklegate is a place where you can use all the superlatives. Hugo Hildyard and Florencia Clifford have created a place to remember in this blossoming area - the bear claws alone are worth the visit. But it is also an art space and most of the furniture and objects on display are for sale. An exciting place to eat.
We say: 'An excellent choice of 'of-the-moment brunch dishes' - among them Mexican eggs - which I had - fried eggs on soft slithers of avocado with the right balance of sour cream and salsa.'
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DINING PUB OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY HALLGARTEN & NOVUM WINES
The Moorcock Inn, Sowerby Bridge
Foraging and the growing of their own organic produce lies at the heart of the ethos of this popular inn run by Alisdair Brooke-Taylor and Aimee Turford. What isn't grown on the pub's land is sourced from the best Yorkshire suppliers to be used in the interesting dishes for the pub and restaurant menus. Everything is cooked over charcoal.
We say: 'In the words of Jay Rayner, this dining pub is 'head-spinningly good!''
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The Charles Bathurst Inn, Arkengarthdale
Known as The CB Inn, expect dishes made using ingredients from local farmers and game from the surrounding moors. This is a place that celebrates produce from the county. Cosy open fires and antique furniture add to the ambience.
We say: 'A definite 'shout-about'. Food is locally sourced, with daily deliveries of local lamb and beef, with game shot locally from the surrounding moors.'
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Dawney Arms, Newton-on-Ouse
This lovely old pub, built in 1779, near the gates of Beningborough Hall, is serving up food that celebrates food provenance and local ingredients. Its riverside location adds a special element to any visit.
We say: 'Beautiful pub, great picturesque location and you can arrive by boat, bike or car! Food is delicious, local, seasonal and presented beautifully.'
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White Swan at Pickering
An AA Rosette holder since 1997, head chef Darren Clemmit is turning out superb dishes. Everything is made on the premises - even down to their marmalade, breads and much-talked about ice creams.
This is 'proper food' at its best with regularly changing menus to celebrate the seasons.
We say: 'Refreshing mix of great dining from a skilled team and welcoming atmosphere.'
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INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY WENSLEYDALE CREAMERY
Cedar Barn Farm Shop and Café, Pickering
Much of the food sold in this farm shop and café, run by Karl and Mandy Avison, is grown on the family farm. With a rooted history in Yorkshire farming , they celebrate provenance, great cooking and fabulous food.
We say: 'Cedarbarn has a simple ethos, to bring you top-quality, healthy, fresh food with impeccable provenance and as few food miles as possible. They care deeply about the impact on the environment.'
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Rafters Greengrocers, Driffield
Andy Rafter and his team have built up a reputation as the place to go for the freshest fruit and vegetables sourced by Andy, who visits wholesalers daily. They have great links with Yorkshire farmers and Rafters also provides a vegetable box delivery service.
We say: 'Andy Rafter is on a mission to supply fantastic quality fruit and vegetables. Customers appreciate the 'truly traditional greengrocer' on their doorstep.'
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Tarbetts Fishmongers, Leeds
Liam Tarbett and partner Caity started out with an oyster and shellfish bar stall on Briggate farmers market. He moved to Leeds Kirkgate Market, where the business is now located, quickly adding shops in Chapel Allerton and Wetherby. His focus is on the highest quality fresh fish and seafood at affordable prices.
We say: 'Quality seafood with a great variety displayed, served by staff with step-by-step guides to assist you in preparation.'
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PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Holme Farmed Venison, Sherburn in Elmet
Nigel Sampson returned to his roots in 1990 following two years as estate manager on the Isle of Jura on the West Coast of Scotland. He has turned his knowledge and passion for deer farming into a company producing award-winning prime venison.
The company has a herd of 2,000 native red deer.We say: 'A producer with quality and sustainability at its heart, promoting venison as a healthy, versatile meat.'
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Bilsdale Belties, Bilsdale
This herd of belted Galloway cattle graze on a rugged part of the North York Moors, foraging wild grasses and natural herbs. This helps produce meat, renowned for its succulence and tenderness. The quality of the beef is recognised by some of the best chefs across the country, as well as the people who buy through their delivery service.
We say: 'A small but passionate family team producing delicious beef from a herd of Belted Galloway cattle which feed on moorland grass and herbs.'
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Seagrown, Scarborough
The team at this innovative, environmentally minded business on the Yorkshire coast hand harvest seaweed to create their products. A healthy and delicious seafood, there is dedication that goes into running the business. Seagrown are also working to establish a seaweed farm in the North Sea, providing a sustainable crop to be used in a variety of ways from being a super food to pharmaceuticals and textiles.
We say: 'A business with sustainability at the heart of what they do and one that is inspired by clean seas.'
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NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY SPIRIT OF HARROGATE
Fettle, Leeds
It may have been described as one of Leeds' best kept secrets, but the word is out about Fettle. Café by day and then fine dining restaurant by night, its menus are bursting with exciting dishes and desserts.
We say: 'Casual, airy eatery offering elevated plates of organic and seasonal Scandi-inspired dishes, fabulous coffee, speciality teas and awesome pastries and cakes all homemade on site.'
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Angel at Hetton, nr Skipton
It was to great applause that Michael Wignall and wife, Johanna, took over this much loved pub in summer 2018 with James and Josephine Wellock. Michael is showcasing his expert skills in the kitchen turning out fabulous food.
We say: 'Oh what a joy for Yorkshire with the arrival of two-starred Michelin chef patron Michael Wignall. This outstanding gourmet gastro pub is sublime'
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Roots, York
A venue that has exploded onto York's dining scene, this restaurant is headed up by former Yorkshire Life Chef of the Year recipient Tommy Banks, who turned around the once down at heel Black Swan in Oldstead to collect a Michelin star.
We say: 'One of the loveliest lunches with interesting wines by the glass, including a pear ice wine from Herefordshire. The devil, as in all the best restaurants, is in the precious detail.'
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FAMILY DINING OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY REDROW
The Saddle Room, Coverham
A dedication to serving all members of the family as well as supporting local producers, The Saddle Room is a favourite. Sunday lunch is a must with tender beef from Yorkshire hospitality favourites R & J and pork and lamb sourced only a mile away. Younger members of the family are well catered for too.
We say: 'A family dining experience to remember, faultless throughout (with seats as saddles!) great kids menu with fabulous kids cutlery and delicious nosh.'
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No 88 Walmgate, York
Hotel Indigo plays host to this popular family restaurant. Delicate fine dining it is not; here you'll find Cajun chicken and Harrogate blue burgers, bread from the popular Haxby Bakehouse and charcuterie boards to whet the appetite.
It's been attracting diners in the city in their droves.
We say: 'The restaurant, in the unique boutique Hotel Indigo, serves traditional Yorkshire food with seasonal ingredients, with a modern twist'
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Prima Pizzeria, Ripon
Owner Franco Fantoni has been welcoming people to his popular Ripon restaurant for more than 30 years. Making regular pilgrimages to Italy to meet suppliers of authentic ingredients, the team at the treasured Prima Pizzeria are no stranger to awards. The menu is brimming with classic Italian dishes as well as traditional desserts and award-winning ice creams.
prima-ripon.co.uk
We say: 'This family-focussed restaurant is a firm favourite with the locals. It has a real busy, buzzy atmosphere which makes you feel immediately at home'
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For information on purchasing tickets to the event and sponsorship opportunities please email Clare Wodhams clare.wodhams@archant.co.uk or call 07811 832097
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