After much deliberation, our judges have whittled down the nominees and we have our list of finalists for the Kent Life and Kent on Sunday Food & Drink Awards 2017

Resturant of the Year

Sponsored by Canterbury Auction Galleries

The restaurant of the year will offer a fabulous dining experience, everything from ambience to the service and most importantly, the food. Are ingredients locally sourced? Is the drinks list local as well as international? Can staff tell you more about the food and drink if you ask? Whether it’s big or small, if it ranks high for fine dining, give it your vote.

Finalists:

Chapter One Restaurant, Locksbottom

Red Sails Restaurant, Faversham

The Dog at Wingham

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Newcomer of the Year

Sponsored by K Sports

This award is open to businesses that have started a new venture in the food and/or drink industry in the past 18 months. We want to know what impact it has made on the local community, success so far and plans for the future.

Finalists:

Houdini’s Magic Bar, Broadstairs

Featherbys, Gillingham

The Dog at Wingham

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Chef of the Year

Sponsored by Umbermaster Kitchens

This award aims to recognise those chefs who show an exceptional awareness of produce and have the knowledge and expertise to use their ingredients to create sensational, seasonal menus – local sourcing is a bonus as always.

Finalists:

Anil Kumar at Flavours by Kumar, Ramsgate

Robert Taylor at Compasses Inn, Crundale

Steve Whitney, Whits of Walmer

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Pub of the Year

Sponsored by The Foxhunter Park

Whether it’s the food, the drink, the good company or the strong role in the community (ideally, all of them) we want to find the best pubs in the county. Tell us why you love your favourite – it could be your local or one you are happy to travel miles to.

Finalists:

Three Mariners, Oare

Kings Head, Wye

The Plough Inn, Sittingbourne

__________

Independent Café/Tearoom of the Year

Sponsored by La De Da Boutique

Judges of this category will be looking for a café, either on its own or as part of a garden centre, museum or farm venue that really meets the needs of its customers.

Does it demonstrate attention to diners both in terms of its food offering, atmosphere, information and variety of menu? Is the tea and coffee served always of tip-top quality?

Finalists:

Daily Bread, Rusthall

Beyond The Grounds, Tonbridge

The Bow Window Coffee Shop and Cafe, Lenham

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Outstanding Customer Service

Sponsored by Shepherd Neame

Nothing makes a business stand out more than excellent customer service, no matter the size of the company. So if staff at a food and/or drink venue consistently give you a warm welcome, go the extra mile and make you feel at your ease, vote for them here.

Finalists:

Creek Creative Gallery, Faversham

Sulston’s Kitchen, Tonbridge

Hendrick’s of Hythe

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Product of the Year

Sponsored by Financial Advice & Services Ltd

This award recognises local producers whose passion for Kent produce is at the heart of their business. It’s open to all producers who demonstrate a real passion for our county’s food and drink.

Finalists:

Hendrick’s of Hythe

Curiously Kentish, Birchington

Kent Crisps & Kentish Oils, Ramsgate

__________

Family Dining Award

Sponsored by Bakers Bicycle

This is the place that never fails to keep the kids happy, without forgetting the parents. Do you know somewhere offering tasty, reasonably priced, nutritious children’s meals as well as facilities to keep the children entertained in a welcoming environment? Then tell us about it.

Finalists:

The Blean Tavern

Roost Restaurant & Cafe, Margate

The Quills, Rochester

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Best Independent Food and Drink Retailer

Sponsored by Illuminate Skin Clinics

This winner will consistently show an expert knowledge and passion for their trade, whether a deli, wine or beer store, greengrocer, butcher or baker. They will support great local produce.

Finalists:

The Heath Stores Horsmonden, Tonbridge

Hendrick’s of Hythe

Curiously Kentish, Birchington

__________

Farm Shop of the Year

Sponsored by Karen and Kim Introductions

A successful farm shop must not only offer a range of produce in an accessible layout, but also work in partnership with local food producers in order to bring their customers the best seasonal produce, at its freshest best.

Finalists:

Chegworth Farm Shop, Tunbridge Wells

Farmer’s Farm Shop at Teston, Maidstone

Groombridge Farm Shop, Tunbridge Wells

__________

Farmers’ Market of the Year

Sponsored by Perry’s Chartered Accountants

The key to a good Farmers’ Market is not only the range of produce and the quality of the stalls but also the principles it supports. For example, does it work with other farmers? Is most of the produce sold there grown locally? Are the stallholders welcoming and knowledgeable and is the layout easy to navigate?

Are any extras offered on a regular basis, such as cookery demonstrations or talks? Is it well advertised and is there good accessibility and parking?

Finalists:

Cliftonville Farmers’ Market

Wye Farmers’ Market

Cranbrook Farmers’ Market

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Click here to meet the judges

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