There were honours across 14 categories at the EADT Suffolk Food and Drink Awards 2017. Meet the winners here!
The great and the good of the Suffolk food and drink industry gathered at the Atrium, Wherstead Park for the EADT Suffolk Food and Drink Awards 2017.
Hosted by headline sponsors the East of England Co-op, and catered by Patricia Sharman and Co, the event was compèred by BBC Radio Suffolk’s Lesley Dolphin and Suffolk magazine editor Jayne Lindill. It was the 10th year for the ceremony, which saw record nominations across 14 categories.
Speaking at the event, Jayne said: “I’ve written and said it so many times, but it’s always worth reminding ourselves just how important the food and drink industry is to us. Food sustains life and good food sustains good life. “We’ve come to understand that, when we care about where our food comes from and how it’s produced, cheap isn’t always the answer. It can without exaggeration, transform our life, our health, our environment, our general wellbeing, and even the way we do business.
In Suffolk, food and drink is part of our agricultural heritage. It’s all around us. It’s what we do. What we’ve always done. And it’s thanks to generations of excellent farmers, fishermen, and producers that we have such fabulous local ingredients to create with and to enjoy today. “So when we celebrate our modern success, I think it’s important to acknowledge that rich heritage.”
All the winners:
Best newcomer: Wooster’s
Sponsored by: The KBB Centre
The judges said: Wooster’s bakery have an amazing skill for baking. They have achieved a great deal from their small bakery in a very rural area and have won over the locals with their amazing bread and cakes.
Their passion shines and they manage to include a family heritage and a great humour in all that they do along with a good business brain for their expansion plans.
Finalists: Cradle, The Black Dog Deli
Pride of Suffolk: Hillfarm Oils
Sponsored by: Montage Communications
Judges said: Hillfarm Oils is a long-established family business that’s making strides nationally, whilst retaining its Suffolk roots and community spirit, and boasting significant environmental credentials.
As the first producer of cold-pressed rapeseed oil in the UK, Sam Fairs has shown a remarkable amount of innovation. The farm has been in the family for years, and the steps taken to transform it into the ever-growing business it is today has taken dedication and true commitment.
Finalists: Alder Tree, Truly Traceable
Best Independent Food and Drink Retailer: Earsham Street Delicatessen
Sponsored by: EADT
Judges said: Earsham Street Delicatessen has just celebrated its 10th anniversary. The deli provides an outstanding range of locally sourced products which makes it stand out in a very competitive category. The deli contributes to, and is a real credit to the food industry in Suffolk.
Finalists: Lavenham Butchers, The Pantry
Young Chef of the Year: Jessica Noy
Sponsored by: Feast Publishing
Judges said: Jessica Noy presented outstanding dishes at the live cook off. Her dishes were described as a ‘gamekeepers plate’ and presentation was described as fresh and stunning. Her main course of pigeon was excellent. Since starting at a farmers’ market stall in Suffolk Jessica has not looked back, and has branched into private catering, pop-up restaurants, street food and cookery teaching.
Finalists: Luke Cornelius, Jordan Bayes
Family Dining: The Four Horseshoes
Sponsored by: G + G Gallo
Judges said: The Four Horseshoes has a lovely atmosphere, offering a warm and friendly greeting and great surroundings. Staff are incredibly accommodating to dietary requirements and do all they can to ensure guests are content. Their children’s menu is not restrictive of age, and they also offer a smaller plate for those who would like it.
Finalists: The Crown (Stowupland), La Hogue
Best Coffee/Tea Shop: G&T’s Cafe and Kitchen
Sponsored by: Suffolk Magazine
Judges said: G&T’s Café and Kitchen is a little gem, tucked away in one of Sufolk’s prettiest spots within a former Post Office. The eating space is homely, the décor and feel of the café is warm and relaxing, as is the service, which is genuine and thoughtful. It’s clear the owners, Gina Knox and Thalia Barker have put a lot of love, passion and care into the business, sourcing numerous local ingredients, and producing an incredible list of fresh and interesting cakes every day.
Finalists: The Tea Hut, Cragg Sisters Tea Room
Food and Drink Hero: Barry and Henry Chevallier-Guild
Judges said: Barry joined Aspall in 1993, taking over the sales role from his father John, and becoming only the fourth salesman Aspall customers had seen in the whole of the 20th century. Henry joined his brother on an eighth-generation mission to create a brand out of a small family business. Reinvented, Aspall Cyder soon found itself at the forefront of a cider revival.
Henry spends much of his time at Aspall working with the development team on creating new products, and communicating the joys of Aspall and all things apple related. Barry, a lover of the countryside, oversees the running of the estate, which includes preserving ancient woodland and management of the orchards.
Chef of the Year: David Coyne
Sponsored by: Jam Tartz
Judges said: David Coyne produced some great dishes at the live cook-off, which were noted as aesthetically pleasing, balanced and cooked perfectly. He presented a vibrant main course and had a good use of Suffolk produce throughout his menu. David is now senior sous chef at The Eaterie, The Angel Hotel in Bury St Edmunds, joining the kitchen team after working at The Packhorse and a number of kitchens in Newmarket.
Finalists: Dave Wall, James Barber
Outstanding Customer Service: Hadley’s at Lavenham
Sponsored by: The Burgess Group
Judges said: The charming and cheerful décor at Hadley’s at Lavenham is matched by the warm and friendly welcome you receive the moment you step through the door. The judges were offered tasters of the fantastic range of homemade ice creams, whilst being given the provenance of all the ingredients – all of which are sourced from local suppliers. The enthusiasm of the service and the ability to anticipate customer needs was outstanding, making this a truly memorable visit.
Finalists: Arcade Street Tavern, The Maybush
Best Restaurant: 1921 Angel Hill
Sponsored by: Larking Gowen
Judges said: 1921 Angel Hill creates an excellent dining experience from start to finish. The dishes are outstanding and display a masterly, light touch, which enhances the quality of their ingredients and the many complementary flavours. It is a very efficient, friendly and quietly sophisticated restaurant.
Finalists: Tuddenham Mill, The Crown and Castle
Field to Fork: Ben’s Restaurant
Sponsored by: Ashton’s Legal
Judges said: Ben’s Restaurant was established by Ben Hutton, with his dream to supply his restaurant with the established, and growing, pig herd and sheep flock from his smallholding. Ben and his team source additional produce for the restaurant from a list of impressive local suppliers, and direct from the farmer where possible. Ben’s is developing a sustainable ‘field to fork’ supply chain.
Finalists: Alder Tree, Truly Traceable
Pub of the Year: Arcade Street Tavern
Sponsored by: EADT
Judges said: The Arcade Street Tavern is a beautiful Georgian town house which is set in the centre of Ipswich, offering something for all ages - an astonishingly large range of craft beers and gins, social events, tours and tastings and popular Street Food Fridays. Coupled with its knowledgeable and welcoming team, this creates a very individual offering which stands out from the crowd.
Finalists: The Woolpack (Ipswich), The Eel’s Foot Inn
East of England Co-op Special Recognition Award: David Wright
Judges said: David Wright of The Cake Shop Bakery in Woodbridge has helped transform this third generation business for the 21st century without compromising traditional values of quality and service.
Traditionally milled flour from Woodbridge Tide Mill is used in their products, and they also run workshops on tourism, food and education. The Cake Shop Bakery has won many awards, including ITV’s Britain’s Best Bakery competition in 2014, Best Business in the 2015 EADT Business Awards and Best Independent Food and Drink Retailer in the 2015 EADT Suffolk Food and Drink Awards. David is a leader and innovator among Suffolk’s Young Producers, who are taking up the reins of the county’s food and drink industry and helping to secure its future success.
Best International Restaurant: The Galley
Sponsored by: Inspire Suffolk
Judges said: The Galley is a traditionally decorated charming period building, encompassing four separate dining areas. The welcome is warm and inviting and throughout the dining experience the service is impeccable, offering a rare mix of attentiveness without intrusion. The menu truly embraces the definition of eclectic, offering dishes from six countries on the daily menu.
