Celebrating the wonderful worthy winners of the EDP Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2015, in association with East of England Co-op
Best School Food Project
Sponsored by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association
Winner: Rollesby Primary School and Nursery
Highly commended: Heather Avenue Infant School, Hellesdon; White Lion Cafe, Parkside School, Norwich.
The judges said: “This school has achieved a tremendous amount, engaging pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community with the projects they have undertaken in the last year. Every class has had a farm visit and a cookery club and gardening club have been established.”
Field To Fork
Sponsored by Easton & Otley College
Winner: Fielding Cottage, Honingham
Highly commended: Nortons Dairy, Frettenham; The Herbery, near King’s Lynn
The judges said: “Thirty-three-year-old Sam Steggles first got into farming at just five years old and got his first cow as a Christmas present in his early teenage years. He is self-taught with a passion for farming that is clear to see.”
Outstanding Front of House
Sponsored by Broadland Wineries
Winner: The Assembly House, Norwich
Highly commended: Bedingfeld Arms, Oxborough; Brasted’s, Framingham Pigot
The judges said: “Nestled in the heart of Norwich and open seven days a week, this unique setting oozes character and a sense of occasion that is accessible to all. From their excellent locally sourced menus and comprehensive wine list to their stunning décor and knowledgeable, professional staff, The Assembly House creates a warm and inviting experience.”
Outstanding Achievement Award
Sponsored by Hansells Solicitors and Financial Advisers
Winner: Nick Mills - Brasted’s, Framingham Pigot
The judges said: “He’s a leading light in Norfolk’s vibrant food and drink community. He is Norfolk born and bred and started working in restaurants when he was still at school. He went to work at some of London’s top restaurants before the call to Norfolk became too strong. He champions all that is great about this county and its wonderful local produce.
With his restaurant he’s raised approximately £1/4 million for local charities and he leads a fantastic team. He loves everything about Norfolk and Norfolk loves him!”
Chef of the Year
Sponsored by City College Norwich
Winner: Chris Mann, Titchwell Manor
Highly commended: Roger Hickman, Roger Hickman’s Restaurant, Norwich; Nick Parker, The Kings Head Hotel, Great Bircham
The judges said: “We were impressed to see clear working methods and work practices that were linked well to producing food to high standards. The menu produced in the ‘cook off’; reflected local land and sea products from north Norfolk with a little table theatre for the starter.”
Made in Norfolk Award
Sponsored by Kettle Foods
Winner: Grey Seal Coffee, Glandford
Highly commended: Lacons, Great Yarmouth; Traditional Norfolk Poultry, Shropham
Judges said: “The team are great ambassadors for Norfolk’s food scene and have really put themselves and the company on the map in the 18 months since Grey Seal began. Their tireless efforts to produce the perfect cup of coffee, and innovative development, for example of coffee-themed meals and cocktails, deserves recognition.”
The Children’s Choice Award
Sponsored by Norse
Winner: The Waffle House, Norwich
Highly commended: Wroxham Barns; The Georgian Townhouse, Norwich
Judges said: “The Waffle House is one of the only restaurants in Norfolk which doesn’t have chips on the children’s menu and, instead, offers a variety of delicious savoury waffle toppings including their delicious homemade organic beef bolognaise. The menu itself is colourful and interesting for children.”
Best Independent Food or Drink Retailer
Sponsored by Durrants
Winner: The Norfolk Deli, Hunstanton Highly commended: Back to the Garden, Letheringsett; The Norfolk Gluten Free Company, Norwich
Judges said: “The Norfolk Deli had a vast range of products, ranging from coffee to confit with everything in between, plus an excellent wet fish counter. The additional services provided such as provision of hampers and picnic baskets for day trippers and the ability to order online make them an excellent resource for the local community.”
Pride of Norfolk
Sponsored by Bernard Matthews
Winner: Redwell Brewery, Norwich Highly commended: Creake Abbey; Place UK, Tunstead
Judges said: “Redwell Brewery was set up by a group of beer lovers with the aim of creating lagers and beers that would re-ignite Norwich’s rich brewing heritage. They have a strong commitment to making craft beers and lagers from the best malting barley available and this is combined with a passion for putting Norwich back on the brewing map.”
Norfolk’s Best Pub
Sponsored by the Eastern Daily Press and EDP Norfolk magazine
Winner: The Cliff Hotel, Gorleston
Highly commended: The Banningham Crown; The George Hotel at Cley
Judges said: “This non-traditional pub was described as a central community hub that serves the local and tourist trade while encompassing the lovely views of Gorleston’s expansive beaches.”
Best Restaurant
Sponsored by Steele Fine Foods
Winner: The Gardeners’ Kitchen at Green Pastures, Bergh Apton
Highly commended: Café Britannia, Norwich; The Last Wine Bar and Restaurant, Norwich
Judges said: “This unique experience, based in a family-run garden centre, farm and farm shop, has been described as Norfolk’s own River Cottage. Nominations praised how it is bringing together growing, cooking and dinning under one roof.”
Best Norfolk Producer Award
Sponsored by Anglia Farmers
Winner: Traditional Norfolk Poultry, Attleborough
Highly commended: Marsh Pig, Claxton; The Norfolk Brewhouse, Hindringham
Judges said: “Traditional Norfolk Poultry grow one free-range poultry of the highest standard, focussing very much on the production process and ensuring the poultry are free to roam. They have their own breed of chicken which is firmly established in the retail sector and included on the menus in some very high profile hotels and restaurants.”
