The EAT Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2019 are being held Monday 9 September at Open, Norwich
Restaurant of the Year
Sponsored by Gerald Giles
- Bishop's Dining Room & Wine Bar, Norwich
We are extremely excited to be in the finals for Restaurant of the Year. My chef and his team work very hard to give our customers a great dining experience, seasonally changing menu and trying new dishes. It is an honour to be recognised for our efforts and dedication in Norfolk.
- Market Bistro, King's Lynn
Being selected as a finalist is a wonderful achievement and it highlights the determination and work that the Bistro's staff put in on a daily basis. Being recognised for what we do inspires us to move forward and provide a unique dining experience for our customers.
- Socius, Burnham Market
We are all completely thrilled and honoured to be a finalist for the Restaurant of the Year award, especially as we've been open for such a short time. Our first 18 months have been a complete whirlwind and we're so thankful to our amazing team, suppliers and lovely customers for helping us get to this point. There are some incredible eateries in Norfolk and we're truly humbled to be named as one of the best.
- The Old Bank, Snettisham
Being a finalist in the 2019 Norfolk Food and Drink Awards in the Restaurant of the Year category is extremely rewarding and exciting. It is made all the better because we know our customers took the time to nominate us and appreciate what we do! We are proud to be recognised as one of the county's best alongside the other finalists.
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Family Dining Award
Sponsored by Norwich Resident magazine
- Netherton Steakhouse, Long Stratton
As we have been open less than four years it's very overwhelming, we thank all the local support and customers very much. For the staff who have trained and worked hard, it's a fantastic achievement; they should be proud of themselves as we are proud of them! As a business it is so very important to help us with growing trade in what has become a very hard industry. This gives us the help and recognition we need to keep going.
- Rani's Indian Dining and Bar, Yaxham
We are on a journey to provide the best Indian dining experience Breckland has to offer. We have a very dedicated team who work really hard to give our customers a feel good experience. Our team take pride in what we do and we have wonderful locals who have been supporting us since we opened. Being chosen as a finalist in the Family Dining Award is a great achievement for us. We thank all of our customers who voted for us. Winning it would mean getting recognition in what we do.
- Saporita, Norwich
It's very exciting to be a finalist in the Family Dining Award category, my mum and I are very happy knowing our customers appreciate what we are doing, and having received a lot of votes it's a huge achievement for us.
- The White Hart, Swaffham
We are overwhelmed to even be nominated for this category less than 12 months since opening. It really is a tribute to our hard working team who share and support our concept of a family dining venue. We are deeply humbled by the support of the local community.
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Best Coffee/Tea Shop
Sponsored by EDP Norfolk magazine
- Crepes and Cakes, North Lodge Park Tea Rooms, Cromer
Wonderful, well deserved and an accolade to our brilliant team of bakers and cafe volunteers who have dedicated their time and enthusiasm creating delicious crepes and cakes, teas and coffees, all served with chatty good humour, on trays of mismatched china to many Cromer visitors and regular customers.
- Lime Kiln Kitchen, Thetford
We are very proud of the redevelopment of Lime Kiln Kitchen, with every detail carefully considered to create individual spaces in a beautiful setting. At Lime Kiln Kitchen we always aim for great food, using the wonderful local produce we are so fortunate to have and warm hospitality from our dedicated team. We are delighted to be a finalist in these awards.
- The Sitting Room, Sheringham
We are absolutely thrilled to be selected as a Best Tea and Coffee shop finalist in the 2019 EAT Norfolk Food and Drink Awards and wish to thank all our loyal customers who made this happen. It's unbelievably satisfying to know that all the hard work put in by our staff is appreciated.
- The Willows Cafe Bistro, Drayton
We are thrilled, honoured and very excited to become a finalist against tough competition. This recognition means so much knowing our amazing customers have voted to get us here. We are extremely proud and feel an immense sense of achievement for all the effort and dedication it has taken to make our business successful.
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Chef of the Year
Sponsored by City College Norwich
- Daniel Freear - Strattons Hotel, Swaffham
Being selected to be a finalist in the Chef of the Year category for the second year running has filled me with a great sense of pride. Being a chef I'm a naturally competitive person, so getting so close to winning last year only motivated me more for this year's entry. As always I've had a huge amount of support from numerous local producers and businesses and it's important for me to not only reflect my cooking skills on the plate but to also show off and embrace the great products that these people produce, so this award is as much for them as it is for me.
- David Lovett - The Honingham Buck
Having applied last year and not being selected I am over the moon to have made it through to the finals this year. We have such strong demand for vegetarian dishes, in the live cook off I was determined to showcase something different and original highlighting the wonderful producers we have in Norfolk.
- Fabio Miani - The Wildebeest, Stoke Holy Cross
The Wildebeest Head Chef Fabio Miani is proud to be a Norfolk Chef of the Year finalist. Italian born, with a passion for cooking inspired by his father, he looks to continue to develop his own skills and to support his kitchen team in their own development.
- Sam Rush - Saracen's Head, Wolterton
I am thrilled to be part of the Norfolk Food and Drink Awards competing for the title Norfolk Chef of the Year. I'm proud to be representing this county's cookery and the great produce it has to offer. To have the opportunity to showcase Norfolk's own larder is an honour.
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Beer Quality Award
Sponsored by Woodforde's Brewery
- The Kings Arms, Shouldham
We feel completely thrilled and honoured to have been nominated as a finalist for the Beer Quality Award at the prestigious and well respected Norfolk Food and Drink Awards. We are passionate about the beer we serve, reflecting both the diversity and quality of our local Norfolk breweries.
- The Railway Tavern, Poringland
Over the last seven years The Railway Tavern has enjoyed many highlights, including winning the Community Pub of The Year award. The prestige of being nominated in the EAT Norfolk Food and Drink Awards is further recognition that hard work and good customer service sets the standard for the future and is a morale boost for staff and customers alike.
- The Norfolk Lurcher, Colton
To have been nominated for this award is a real honour and marvellous surprise. We take great pride in maintaining the standard and quality of our beers and are incredibly excited to be recognised for our efforts. It has brought a smile to our faces and we can't thank our supporters enough.
- The White Horse Inn, Neatishead
To be at the final stage means the world to us. It is recognition for the work that goes into treating beer with the same regard food normally gets and curating an ever changing beer list of choice and variety.
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Pub of the Year
Sponsored by Foodcare
- The Brisley Bell, Dereham
This is a badge of honour that we, and our team, wear with pride. We currently employ 38 valuable members of staff. We are hugely appreciative of all their hard work and this nomination allows them to know of our customers' (and our) appreciation, helps motivate them and shows their worth.
- The Duck Inn, Stanhoe
We are thrilled to have been selected as finalists in the EAT Norfolk Food and Drink Awards. These awards are always filled with the very best of Norfolk food and drink producers, suppliers and businesses and many of our own heroes, and it is an honour to be included among such prestigious company.
- The Globe Inn, Wells
Running a popular pub like ours takes dedication from the whole team, it's never just one person, which is why we are delighted that The Globe Inn has made it to the finals. We know we run a great pub because our customers tell us so, but to hear it shouted from the rafters would be the icing on the cake!
- The Hare Arms, Stow Bardolph
Three years ago, we took over The Hare Arms, and made the decision to change the menu, build a new extension and refurbish the pub. In a small amount of time, being nominated as a finalist in this category is true recognition of all the hard work everyone puts into the business.
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Best Afternoon Tea
Sponsored by Castlemeadow Care
- The Crown Lodge, Outwell
We are so pleased to be selected as a finalist for this award. It is great for the team to be acknowledged for all the hard work and the genuine care that they put in, creating a product we believe to be a real treat. Perfect for all occasions.
- The Dial House, Reepham
We are all truly thrilled to be up for this award. It's so perfect that our fabulous pastry chef Jemima gets the recognition she so deserves. She does us proud every single day and we're all over the moon that she finally gets to go to the ball!
- The Maids Head Hotel, Norwich
We are immensely proud to be nominated as a finalist. Our chefs are passionate about using seasonal ingredients, sourced from local producers; whilst the service our team provides is designed to ensure that our guests have a memorable experience in the comfort of our recently refurbished lounges.
- The Norfolk Mead, Coltishall
The whole team is delighted to be a finalist! It is the culmination of six years hard work since James and Anna took over The Norfolk Mead in 2013! As an independent, family-run and local business, we are proud of our restaurant offering, and strive for excellence in hospitality for every guest.
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Field to Fork
Sponsored by Easton & Otley College
- Algy's Farm Shop, Bintree
It is a great pleasure to be a finalist. It gives all of our team a lift and helps encourage us to work harder for our customers so that we can supply more truly great-tasting local produce, supporting our own and other local businesses putting money back into the local community.
- Nortons Dairy, Frettenham
Reaching the finals of such well-known local awards is fantastic recognition of the hard work put in by our whole team throughout the year. We are delighted that we are able to play a part in celebrating the successes of the local dairy industry and help promote what it has to offer.
- Old Hall Farm, Woodton
It is wonderful to be a Field to Fork finalist. One of our main goals is to bring people back into contact with agriculture, so they can truly understand food provenance and farming. Our team are amazing, and being a finalist is a true testament to their dedication and hard work.
- Swannington Farm to Fork, Swannington
Swannington Farm to Fork is delighted to be a finalist in the EAT Norfolk Food and Drink Awards. It is great that our local food ethos is being recognised and a real tribute to the team who have worked so hard to build and develop the Swannington Farm to Fork brand.
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Outstanding Front of House
Sponsored by Norwich Accountancy Services
- Bishop's Dining Room & Wine Bar, Norwich
We are extremely excited to be in the finals for Outstanding Front of House. The staff work very hard to give our customers a great dining experience, so as a team we feel honoured that people took the time to vote for us. It shows that our efforts and dedication have paid off.
- Brasted's, Framingham Pigot
We are thrilled to be finalists in the Outstanding Front of House category in this year's awards. We have a fantastic team in place who literally live and breathe exceptional customer service so it is truly wonderful that Ashley and his team have been recognised for all their hard work.
- The Ingham Swan, Ingham
Following a devastating fire, The Ingham Swan re-opened in March 2019, re-built from the ground up. Outstanding front of house service remains a top priority for the team who work hard to keep customers happy, valuing every interaction and recognising how it helps to drive the business forward.
- The Wildebeest, Stoke Holy Cross
Having been finalists four times, the team recognise the importance of front of house service and continue to strive to improve and learn more, doing everything in their power to exceed customer expectations, valuing every customer interaction to help ensure the future sustainability of the business.
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Best Newcomer
Sponsored by Archant
- Give It Some Beans, Coffee, Mattishall
Making the finals in the EAT Norfolk's Food and Drink Awards as Best Newcomer in the current business climate has given us an incredible sense of achievement in a highly competitive marketplace. Being a finalist in these prestigious awards, we believe this will extensively benefit us through our business development and future growth.
- Shambles Café Bar Bistro, North Walsham
Entering the hospitality business is daunting. We were clear about our ethos from the start; we wanted to employ lovely people, create a happy and welcoming environment, sell excellent, locally-sourced food and be sustainable. To be a finalist for this award is so incredibly encouraging, it will really help us to achieve our goal.
- Soul Café & Restaurant, King's Lynn
We are thrilled to be finalists, and recognised for the passion and hard work that goes into our creation: Soul Café, serving up a funky fusion of Caribbean and British culinary delights and delicious cocktails, with after-dinner DJs at weekends. Being a finalist has given the whole team a fabulous boost.
- VanVino, Marlingford
The VanVino team works incredibly hard to ensure our clients' events run perfectly. To be a finalist in Best Newcomer means a great deal. It is recognition of our hard work. There are many great food and drink businesses in Norfolk so it is an honour to be a finalist.
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Pride of Norfolk
Sponsored by Norwich Research Park
- Bullards Spirits, Norwich
We feel honoured to be a finalist for the Pride of Norfolk award. Our passion and pride for the city of Norwich is encapsulated within our trademark 'The Spirit Of Norwich' and sharing our good spirit through community collaborations and institutions such as Norwich City Football Club, we feel helps promote our fine city nationally as well as internationally. All the team here at Bullards take great pride in representing our brand and are proud of the gin we create and reaching the finals of Pride of Norfolk award really shows that it's a team effort and winning would involve a huge team celebration!
- Flint Vineyard, Bungay
We are blown away to be finalists in this category. Norfolk is such an amazing county for food and drink and it has welcomed us with open arms since moving here four years ago. We feel more passion and pride for the county than anywhere else we've ever lived.
- Letheringsett Watermill, Holt
Being a finalist in the Pride of Norfolk category is a great achievement. It is wonderful to feel that the public think we deserve to be in the running for the award, this will really put Letheringsett on the map and make people aware of the local products we produce.
- Norfolk Saffron, Kings Lynn
2019 is a very special year for Norfolk Saffron as it's our 10th anniversary, and to be chosen as a finalist for Pride of Norfolk is absolutely fantastic. Our team are all thrilled at the news. I'd like to thank whoever nominated us, plus thank all our customers and supporters.
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Best Independent Food & Drink Retailer
Sponsored by the Eastern Daily Press
- Back to the Garden, Holt
We are delighted to be a finalist in this very competitive category, Best Independent Food and Drinks Retailer. Our team are justifiably very proud; they all work extremely hard to deliver a great service for all of our customers.
- Jarrold, Norwich
We are absolutely delighted and honoured to have reached the finals of the Eat Norfolk Food and Drink Awards. At Jarrold we take pride in striving to support local and independent food producers and suppliers, not only by stocking them in our popular deli but by collaborating with them on in-store events, tastings and in marketing initiatives.
- Old Hall Farm, Woodton
Recognition of the hard work that we and our team put into sourcing quality and truly local goods is brilliant so early on in our journey. It is wonderful encouragement and support for what we are trying to achieve. It means a lot to our team, and to our wonderful customers.
- Walsingham Farms Shop, Walsingham
Being a finalist in the category of Best Independent Food and Drink Retailer is a fantastic achievement for all of our team. It is recognition for all their hard work and effort throughout the year and is recognised by judges that are specialists in their field making the achievement of being a finalist even more special. This is certainly one for our team to enjoy across all our locations!
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Home Chef of the Year
Sponsored by Richard Hughes Cookery School
The Richard Hughes Cookery School is delighted to sponsor the Norfolk Home Chef category in the EAT Norfolk Food and Drink Awards because eating food in the county is just as much about the people who cook at home as it is about suppliers, producers and restaurants. Our cook-off in the teaching kitchen was fabulous: the standard was incredibly high and all seven cooks produced great food that showcased Norfolk's finest produce. The judges had a tough decision choosing just one winner! The four finalists are:
- Chris Payne, Thorpe St Andrew
- Kate Royall, Harleston
- Ross Cook, Hethersett
- Sally Millsopp, Cawston
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Outstanding achievement
Sponsored by Hansells
The winner will be revealed on the night of the awards.
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