The winners of the Suffolk Food and Drink Awards 2024 have been officially announced, heralding a moment to highlight and commend the exceptional accomplishments within Suffolk’s culinary sphere. This year, the esteemed title of Chef of the Year was bestowed upon Joey O’Hare of Husk in Thorington, while the Field to Fork award, sponsored by Suffolk New College, was presented to Sunshine and Green in Cavendish. It is prudent to delve into the profiles of these deserving winners and the other talented finalists who left an indelible mark at this year’s awards.
Commencing with the Field to Fork award, the highly deserving recipient of this accolade is none other than Sunshine and Green, a small yet extraordinary fruit and vegetable farm in Cavendish. This forward-thinking entity is wholeheartedly dedicated to establishing a sustainable and secure system for food production, all the while enhancing the countryside for local wildlife. Their delivery of veg boxes, directly to customers’ doors, stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to offering fresh, high-quality produce. Unsurprisingly, the judges were impressed by their “remarkable vision” and “inspiring” business narrative. Owner Greg Harrison expressed his gratitude for the recognition and articulated his aspirations of continuously enhancing their service for their esteemed clientele.
The competition was fierce, and the other finalists in this category also left an indelible impression. A Passion for Seafood, Fen Farm Dairy, and The Bildeston Crown each demonstrated their unique approaches to advocating local and sustainable produce, thereby reflecting their deep-rooted dedication to ethical and environmentally-friendly food practices.
Shifting our focus to the Chef of the Year award, the immensely talented Joey O’Hare of Husk in Thorington emerged as the victor. Joey’s culinary aptitude and profound comprehension of food systems and seasons have truly set her apart. Her steadfast commitment to crafting seasonal menus that exalt Suffolk produce, in conjunction with home-grown fruits and vegetables from their kitchen garden, undeniably captured the judges’ attention. As she looks towards the future, Joey eagerly anticipates showcasing even more of their home-grown produce on their menu during the forthcoming summer season.
The finalists in this category, including Daniel Russell-Poole, Ethan Barker, and Matthew Wyatt, each showcased their exceptional skills and unwavering passion for curating unforgettable dining experiences, thereby solidifying their status as influential figures in the local culinary landscape.
The Suffolk Food and Drink Awards serve as an exceptional platform to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals and businesses within the region. It represents an opportunity to acknowledge and applaud their dedication to sustainable and ethical food practices, as well as their ongoing endeavours to elevate the local culinary milieu.
For those seeking further insight into all the winners and finalists, a visit to the Suffolk Food and Drink Awards website is highly recommended. The success of these visionary individuals and businesses serves as a testament to the vibrant and thriving food and drink scene in Suffolk, and their achievements unquestionably warrant celebration.