The Countdown Is Over: Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards Finalists Unveiled

The highly-anticipated Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards, sponsored by Café Nucleus, has unveiled its finalists and the fortunate recipient of the prize drawing. This event has been a celebration of the top culinary talent within the region, ranging from innovative chefs to charming village pubs and thriving farm shops to luxury hotels.

The categories and finalists for the awards are as follows:

– Beverage Producer of the Year:
– Say It With Gin, Ashford
– Moot Brewery, Halling
– Canterbury Cider

– Chef of the Year:
– Andy Holden at The Cave Hotel and Golf Resort, Faversham
– Patrick Hill at Thackeray’s, Tunbridge Wells
– Ben Beatty at Ben’s Kitchen, Tonbridge

– Farm Shop/Deli of the Year:
– Brambledown Farm Shop, Sheppey
– Macknade, Faversham
– Perry Court Farm, Ashford

– Food and Drink Hero:
– Josie and Sarah at A Better Plaice, Maidstone
– Peter at the Bearded Foodie, Dartford
– Soraya at Mumma Soraya, Medway

– Food Bank of the Year:
– Community Cupboard, West Kingsdown
– Gillingham Street Angels
– Maya’s Community Support Centre, Herne Bay

– Food Producer of the Year:
– Korker Sausages, Cranbrook
– Lower Ladysden Farm, Goudhurst
– Simply Ice Cream, Deal

– Hotel of the Year:
– The Cave, Faversham
– Port Lympne Hotel, Hythe
– The Sun Inn, Faversham

– Kent Hospitality Champion:
– Martin at George and Dragon, Tonbridge
– Scott at Larry’s Bar, Chatham
– Wendy at the Queen’s Head, Kingsnorth

– Pub/Bar of the Year:
– The Plough Inn, Langley
– The Queens Head, Sutton Valence
– Three Sisters, Rainham

– Restaurant of the Year:
– Ela Kendro, Gillingham
– Kebbells, Broadstairs
– Rosemont, Folkestone

– Street Food/Pop-up of the Year:
– Barritos, Iwade
– Bun Buddies, Ashford
– Mumma Soraya, Medway

– Tearoom/Coffee Shop of the Year:
– Bethany’s Cafe, Westgate
– Coffee Corner, Ashford
– Heart of Higham, Gravesend

The entire event was sponsored by various organizations whose esteemed support has made the event possible. This encompasses generous sponsors such as Clive Emson, KSS Air Ambulance, Rochester Bridge Trust, and various others.

The fortunate winner of the prize draw, entitling them to £100 to spend at their preferred pub or restaurant, drawn from the nominations, was Kelly Simpson from Rochester.

A hearty congratulations to all the finalists! The winners of the Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards will be announced during the awards ceremony. Be on the lookout for further updates regarding this exhilarating culinary event.