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
__________
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
__________
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
__________
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
__________
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
__________
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:
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:
Roost Restaurant & Cafe, Margate
The Quills, Rochester
__________
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
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:
__________
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