Over 12,000 votes have already been counted for the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2020 Finalists
GRAND FINALISTS REVEALED IN SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS 2019
GRAND FINALISTS REVEALED IN SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS 2019
The Grand Finalists in the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2019 have been revealed this week following an intensive eight-month judging process, supported by a record 18,000 public votes.
These inspirational Sussex food and drink heroes can now look forward to an exciting night of celebrations at ‘the Sussex Foodie event of the year’, the spectacular Sussex Food & Drink Awards Banquet on May 15 2019 at the Amex Stadium in Falmer, hosted by awards patron Sally Gunnell OBE and BBC’s Danny Pike, where the winners will be revealed and receive their trophies.
Sussex farmer and Nuffield scholar, William Goodwin, who is chairman of the judges, said: “Over the last decade, Sussex has really earned its place as one of the leading counties in the UK for producing superb food and drink and this year’s Grand Finalists line up offers an impressive range of first class, diverse businesses from across the county.
“The competition continues to get tougher year on year and the Grand Finalists announced so far, 21 from West Sussex, three from East Sussex and three from Brighton & Hove, should feel immensely proud at making it through to this final stage in the competition.”
Young Sussex Farmer of the Year category, sponsored by the South of England Agricultural Society in association with Farmers Weekly magazine, received a record number of entries from across the region. The final three who have made it through include 27-year-old cider maker, Rachel Knowles from Trenchmore Farm in Cowfold; 31-year-old farm director and dairy herd manager, Kate Lywood from Marshalls Farm in Kirdford; and 23-year-old Stephen Rusling, an arable and contracting manager from Holmsted Farm in Haywards Heath.
The Society worked with two volunteer judges, Richard Butterfield from Brinsbury Campus at Chichester College and local farmer, Jeremy Burdett, who thoroughly enjoyed the process of seeking out the most outstanding three young farming candidates, aged 35 years or younger, working within food or drink production in agriculture, horticulture or viticulture in Sussex.
The hotly contended Sussex Young Chef of the Year cook off takes place next week and the six chefs competing this year are Lucas Fielding from The Cat Inn in West Hoathly, Dan Ibbotson from etch. in Brighton & Hove, Ben Lippett from 64 Degress in Brighton & Hove, Isabella Racagna from Farmer, Butcher, Chef in Goodwood, Charlie Simmons from Rathfinny Tasting Room in Alfriston and Ben Welfare from The Preston Park Tavern in Brighton & Hove.
Lead judge is nationally acclaimed chef and Great British Menu Winner, Matt Gillan from Electro Pirate who will be accompanied by George Blogg from Gravetye Manor near East Grinstead, Tristan Mason from Restaurant Tristan in Horsham, Daniel Clifford from the renowned two Michelin star Midsummer House in Cambridge and Fran Villani, Food Blogger and designer in Brighton. Sponsor and former restaurateur Adrian Burr from Blakes Foods will join the judging panel and all are excited to see who will win this coveted title for 2019.
All 30 Grand Finalists will be invited to join over 350 leaders in the food, drink and farming industry at the awards banquet on May 15 to discover who will be crowned overall winner of Young Sussex Farmer, food producer, drink producer, young chef, farmers market, food shop, butcher, eating experience, street food and newcomer of the year.
To book tickets for the 2019 awards banquet and celebrate the very best in Sussex food and drink visit www.sussexfoodawards.biz
The 2019 Grand Finalists, strictly in alphabetical order, are:
Sussex Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by Southern Co-op
Goodwood Home Farm, Goodwood, West Sussex
Jengers Craft Bakery, Billingshurst, West Sussex
Real Patisserie, Brighton & Hove
Sussex Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Natural PR
Bolney Wine Estate, Bolney, West Sussex
Brighton Gin, Brighton & Hove
Langham Brewery, Lodsworth, West Sussex
Young Sussex Farmer of the Year, sponsored by The South of England Agricultural Society in association with Farmers Weekly magazine
Rachel Knowles, Trenchmore Farm, Cowfold, West Sussex
Kate Lywood, Marshalls Farm, Kirdford, West Sussex
Stephen Rusling, Holmsted Farm, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Sussex Farmers Market of the Year, sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery
Chichester Farmers Market, West Sussex
Lewes Farmers Market, Cliffe Precinct, East Sussex
Shoreham Farmers Market, West Sussex
Sussex Food Shop of the Year, sponsored by Sussex Food & Drink Network
Cowdray Farm Shop, Midhurst, West Sussex
Jeremy’s Two, Cowfold, West Sussex
Stansted Park Farm Shop, Stansted Park, West Sussex
Sussex Butcher of the Year, sponsored by RP Meats Wholesale Ltd
Cottenham’s of Lindfield, Lindfield, West Sussex
S K Hutchings Family Butchers and Graziers, Partridge Green, West Sussex
The Butcher and Deli, Rustington, West Sussex
Sussex Eating Experience of the Year, sponsored by Natural Partnerships CIC
etch. by Steven Edwards, Brighton & Hove
Farmer, Butcher, Chef, Goodwood, West Sussex
The Parsons Table, Arundel, West Sussex
Sussex Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by SRC-Time
Lorama Foods, Bosham, West Sussex
Skylark Cafe Restaurant, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Pollyanna’s Kitchen, West Chiltington, West Sussex
Sussex Street Food of the Year, sponsored by Horsham District Foodies supported by Food Rocks
Garlic Wood Events, Shipley, West Sussex
Mann and Moore, Horsham, West Sussex
The BBQ Project, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex
RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS
RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS
Over 200 Sussex businesses have entered this year’s Sussex Food and Drink Awards and with over 18,000 public votes, 3,000 more than last year, it is another record-breaking year for this prestigious awards scheme.
The countdown is now on for Sussex Food and Drink Awards banquet on 15th May 2019 at the Amex Stadium in Falmer. The panel of expert judges, chaired by prominent Sussex farmer and Nuffield Scholar, William Goodwin, is now carrying out the last stages of judging and three Grand Finalists in each of the ten categories will be announced early in March.
Olympic gold medalist and patron to the awards, Sally Gunnell OBE, will host the banquet in May with Danny Pike of BBC Sussex, where winners will be revealed and receive their coveted trophies. Guests will be treated to a wonderful ‘Sussex bubbly and Harvey’s ale reception’, supported by NFU Mutual Pulborough, followed by a stunning seven-course banquet created by Amex Stadium head chef, David Crawford and his team, using superb Sussex ingredients.
Organisers are urging people to book their tickets early for what is renowned as the Sussex Foodie event of the year’ at www.sussexfoodawards.biz for this lively awards ceremony and come and celebrate with 400 leaders in the food, drink and farming industry in the county.
Guests will be the first to know who is crowned Sussex Butcher of the Year, sponsored by RP Meats Wholesale Ltd; Sussex Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by Southern Co-op; Sussex Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Natural PR; Sussex Farmers’ Market of the Year, sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery; Sussex Food Shop of the Year, sponsored by Sussex Food & Drink Network; Sussex Eating Experience of the Year, sponsored by Natural Partnerships CIC; Young Sussex Farmer of the Year, sponsored by the South of England Agricultural Society in association with Farmers Weekly; Sussex Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by SRC-Time; and Sussex Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Blakes Foods.
Now in its 13th year, the Sussex Food and Drink Awards is run by Natural Partnerships Community Interest Company (CIC), co-directed by Hilary Knight of the Sussex Food & Drink Network, specialist consultant for local food businesses; and Paula Seager, Managing Director of Natural PR Ltd, a leading Sussex PR and community relations firm.
They believe that buying local food and drink is the environmentally responsible choice for everyone, reducing food miles, waste and packaging, as well as helping to sustain the local economy. Through these unique awards and other projects including www.southdownsfood.org, they are helping residents and visitors to the region to find out about dozens of fantastic artisan producers, as well as where to buy and enjoy local produce.
Said Hilary Knight, co-director of Natural Partnerships CIC, “We are absolutely thrilled that so many businesses, both familiar and new, have engaged with the awards again this year and to have received over 18,000 votes from the public makes us very proud and excited about the future. We keep beating record figures year on year and the quality of the entries demonstrates the superb innovation in Sussex food and drink and is testament to the recognition and value that is placed on winning these awards.”
Book your spot now for the 2019 awards banquet and come and celebrate the very best in Sussex food and drink at www.sussexfoodawards.biz
LAST CHANCE TO VOTE FOR YOUR SUSSEX FOOD & DRINK HEROES
LAST CHANCE TO VOTE FOR YOUR SUSSEX FOOD & DRINK HEROES
Over 12,000 votes have already been counted for Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2019 Finalists, which is seeking the best food and drink producers, farmers, butchers and places serving and selling local produce. With just a few days left, organisers are urging people to vote for their favourites by midnight on 17 January 2019 at www.sussexfoodawards.biz.
Said Paula Seager, co-director of Natural Partnerships CIC, who runs the awards, “It is fantastic to see so many people voting and giving our superb food and drink producers in the region the recognition that they deserve, which is what these awards are all about.
“Businesses from across the county have made it onto the list including 37 from West Sussex, 15 from East Sussex and five from Brighton and Hove. Please do go online and vote for your favourite to win, it’s really quick and easy and could make all the difference, as the competition is incredibly tight this year. The public vote will help our expert judges to select the top three Grand Finalists 2019 in each category, who will be announced in March.”
Sussex is renowned for its innovation in making artisan food products and this year's Sussex Food Producer of the Year category, sponsored by Southern Co-op, represents so much of what is special about the region. The impressive finalist line up includes an award-winning charcuterie, mouthwatering cheesemakers, organic farm produce, brilliant bakers, indulgent chocolatiers, specialist ice cream makers, delectable preserve producers and expert fish and meat smokers.
Farmers Markets are a familiar fixture in many of the towns and villages across the county and have grown enormously in popularity over the last decade. They are one of the best advocates in supporting local and regional food and drink producers and offer a great opportunity to sample some of the very best that Sussex has to offer. Seven of the best Sussex Farmers’ Markets have made it through as finalists for this category sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery.
From traditional family butchers who have passed down their skills from generation to generation, to resourceful outlets who specialise in locally sourced meats or farm shops that have managed to diversify and build a reputation in quality and zero carbon footprint, they are all well represented in this year’s Sussex Butcher of the Year category sponsored by RP Meats Wholesale Ltd.
Sussex Food Shop of the Year sponsored by Sussex Food and Drink Network presents a delightful spread of both new and old from across the region, each offering its own unique take on bringing plough to plate. Some familiar names as well as some exciting new can be found on the shortlist this year.
Residents of Sussex have an outstanding choice of where they choose to dine out from Michelin star restaurants, country pubs, elegant fine dining, trendy city establishments and gastro pubs, all of which are reflected in the finalist line up in this year's Sussex Eating Experience of the Year category, sponsored by Natural Partnerships CIC.
The Sussex Drink Producer category, sponsored by Natural PR, not only offers some of the county’s, but the country’s very best wine producers, brewers, non-alcoholic drink producers and specialist gin and spirit makers so make sure your favourite Sussex tipple makes it through to the final round.
Three other categories also remain open for entries until 17 January 2019, including Young Sussex Farmer of the Year, seeking a farmer aged 35 or under, who is making a real difference on their own or on someone else’s farm, sponsored by the South of England Agricultural Society in association with Farmers Weekly; and Sussex Newcomer of the Year sponsored by SRC-Time, which could be any new food and drink business doing something special in Sussex.
Top chefs aged 16 to 25 are being encouraged to enter the Sussex Young Chef of the Year sponsored by Blakes Foods and participate in a cook off in March 2019 at the Gallery at the Greater Brighton Metropolitan College. Nationally acclaimed chef, Matt Gillan from Pike and Pine/Red Roaster, Brighton and Electro Pirate will head up a new panel of judges which includes fellow Michelin star chefs George Blogg from Gravetye Manor near East Grinstead and Tristan Mason from Restaurant Tristan in Horsham; Daniel Clifford from the renowned two Michelin star, Midsummer House in Cambridge; Fran Villiani, Food Blogger and designer in Brighton; and sponsor and former restaurateur, Adrian Burr from Blakes Foods.
As well as earning the huge respect and recognition that these awards now carry, Grand Finalists from all ten categories will be invited to attend a BAFTA-style ceremony on 15 May 2019 at the Amex Stadium in Brighton, where the winners will be revealed and 400 guests will enjoy a seven-course Sussex produce banquet, hosted by awards patron Sally Gunnell OBE and Danny Pike from BBC Sussex.
Vote for your favourite now by visiting www.sussexfoodawards.biz
NEW JUDGING PANEL ANNOUNCED FOR SUSSEX YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR
A new and exciting, first-class line up of judges for the prestigious Sussex Young Chef of the Year 2019 competition has been announced this week, who are seeking top Sussex chefs aged 16 to 25 years to submit their entries before they close on 17 January 2019 at www.sussexfoodawards.biz.
Nationally acclaimed chef, Matt Gillan from Pike and Pine/Red Roaster, Brighton and Electro Pirate will head up the new panel which includes fellow Michelin star chefs George Blogg from Gravetye Manor near East Grinstead and Tristan Mason from Tristan's in Horsham; Daniel Clifford from the renowned two Michelin star, Midsummer House in Cambridge; Fran Villiani, Food Blogger and designer in Brighton; and sponsor and former restaurateur, Adrian Burr from Blakes Foods.
Said Matt, “I think the Sussex Food and Drink Awards are simply great and I am really excited to be returning to judge the Sussex Young Chef of the Year for the third year and joined by some of my close colleagues and leading chefs in the UK. This competitive category gives such a fantastic opportunity and platform for young chefs to put their own thoughts down on paper and bring them to life. It’s so important that we keep inspiring the next generation and with limited opportunities to have that sense of ownership and achievement at a young age, this competition really does have a huge impact on them.”
This popular category, sponsored by Blakes Foods, is always bursting with talent and those making it through to the shortlist from their written application will have to prepare and produce a full three-course menu in a MasterChef style cook off, which takes place in March 2019 at the Gallery at the Greater Brighton Metropolitan College.
Adrian Burr, Director of Blakes Foods, “As suppliers to the Sussex catering industry, we at Blakes are thrilled to be part of this prestigious and established award category. It’s vital we recognise the talent of young chefs who really understand working with seasonal fare and who can produce incredible dishes with local ingredients. I am really looking forward to the cook off to see what our top young talent can achieve.”
Two other categories remain open for entries until 17 January 2019, including Young Sussex Farmer of the Year, seeking a farmer aged 35 or under, who is making a real difference on their own or on someone else’s farm, sponsored by the South of England Agricultural Society in association with Farmers Weekly; and Sussex Newcomer of the Year sponsored by SRC-Time, which could be any new food and drink business doing something special in Sussex.
The public can also vote online until midnight on 17 January for their favourite Sussex Food Producer of the Year sponsored by Southern Co-op; Sussex Farmers Market of the Year sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery; Sussex Butcher of the Year sponsored by RP Meats Wholesale; Sussex Food Shop of the Year sponsored by Sussex Food & Drink Network; Sussex Drink Producer of the Year sponsored by Natural PR and Sussex Eating Experience of the Year sponsored by Natural Partnerships CIC.
Paula Seager, co-director of Natural Partnerships CIC, who runs the awards as a not-for-profit scheme to boost the local and artisan food and drink industry said, “A record 15,000 votes were received for the Sussex Food and Drink Awards last year and we really want to beat that again this year. Sussex is blessed with a wealth of amazing food and drink and we want everyone to get out there this Christmas and support our local farmers, food and drink producers and the outlets that use and sell this superb local fare and most importantly vote for your favourite to win, it only takes a few minutes.”
As well as earning the huge respect and recognition that these awards now carry, Grand Finalists from all ten categories will be invited to attend a BAFTA-style ceremony on 15 May 2019 at the Amex Stadium in Brighton, where the winners will be revealed and 400 guests will enjoy a seven-course Sussex produce banquet, hosted by awards patron Sally Gunnell OBE and Danny Pike from BBC Sussex.
For more information and to vote for your favourites visit www.sussexfoodawards.biz
VOTING NOW OPEN FOR SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS 2019
VOTING NOW OPEN FOR SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS 2019
Food and drink lovers across the county will be voting in their thousands over the next two months to ensure their favourite food and drink heroes have their chance to reach the grand finals in this year’s Sussex Food and Drink Awards.
The top ten finalists were announced this week for Sussex Food Producer of the Year sponsored by Southern Co-op; Sussex Farmers Market of the Year sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery; Sussex Butcher of the Year sponsored by RP Meats Wholesale Ltd; Sussex Food Shop of the Year sponsored by Sussex Food & Drink Network; Sussex Drink Producer of the Year sponsored by Natural PR; and Sussex Eating Experience of the Year sponsored by Natural Partnerships CIC.
Sussex is blessed with a wealth of amazing food and drink producers and over the last 13 years the Sussex Food and Drink Awards have helped enormously to support and boost local farmers, food and drink producers and the outlets that use and sell this superb local fare.
A record 15,000 votes were received for the Sussex Food and Drink Awards last year and the expert judging panel, chaired by local dairy farmer and Nuffield Scholar, William Goodwin, is hoping that even more people will vote for their favourite to win at www.sussexfoodawards.biz by 17 January 2019.
Said William Goodwin, “We are delighted to see that the quality in this competition remains consistently high with yet another impressive line up of finalists this year. The festive season is the perfect time of year for everyone to get out and about and sample the wonderful products from these amazing Sussex food and drink businesses and to vote for their favourites to win. The public vote is a vital part of the judging process in these unique awards. It only takes a minute or two and can really make all the difference.”
Entries remain open until 17 January 2019 for Young Sussex Farmer of the Year category, sponsored by the South of England Agricultural Society in association with Farmers Weekly, as well as Sussex Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by SRC-Time and Sussex Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Blakes Foods.
As well as earning the huge respect and recognition that these awards now carry, Grand Finalists from all ten categories will be invited to attend a BAFTA-style ceremony on 15 May 2019 at the Amex Stadium in Brighton, where the winners will be revealed and 400 guests will enjoy a seven-course Sussex produce banquet, hosted by awards patron Sally Gunnell OBE and Danny Pike from BBC Sussex.
For more information and to vote for your favourites visit www.sussexfoodawards.biz
Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2019 Finalists:
Sussex Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by Southern Co-op
Alsop & Walker, Five Ashes, East Sussex
Beal’s Farm Charcuterie, North Chailey, East Sussex
Goodwood Home Farm, Goodwood, West Sussex
Jengers Craft Bakery, Billingshurst, West Sussex
Lorama Foods, Chichester, West Sussex
Noble and Stace Chocolatiers, Easebourne, West Sussex
Real Patisserie, Brighton & Hove
Sussex Ice Cream Company, Littlehampton, West Sussex
Perfectly Preserved, Worthing, West Sussex
Weald Smokery, Flimwell, East Sussex
Sussex Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Natural PR
Bedlam Brewery, Plumpton Green, East Sussex
Bignose & Beardy, Framfield, East Sussex
Bolney Wine Estate, Bolney, West Sussex
Brighton Gin, Brighton & Hove
Dark Star Brewing Company, Partridge Green, West Sussex
Hepworth & Co Brewers Ltd, Pulborough, West Sussex
Langham Brewery, Lodsworth, West Sussex
Ridgeview Estate Winery, Ditchling Common, East Sussex
Tom Cat Spirits, Crowborough, East Sussex
Wobblegate, Bolney, West Sussex
Sussex Food Shop of the Year, sponsored by Sussex Food and Drink Network
Cowdray Farm Shop, Easebourne, West Sussex
Crates Local Produce, Horsham, West Sussex
Eggs to Apples, Hurst Green, East Sussex
Jeremy’s Two, Cowfold, West Sussex
Lodsworth Larder, Lodsworth, West Sussex
Milland Village Stores and Cafe, Milland, West Sussex
New House Farm Shop, Horsham, West Sussex
Perryhill Orchards Farm Shop, Hartfield, East Sussex
Stansted Park Farm Shop, Stansted Park, West Sussex
The Fresh Fish Shop, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Sussex Butcher of the Year, sponsored by RP Meats Wholesale Ltd
A C Coughtrey Butchers, Pulborough, West Sussex
Archers of Westfield, Westfield, East Sussex
Barfields Butchers, Brighton & Hove
Cottenhams of Lindfield, Lindfield, West Sussex
Garlic Wood Farm (online), Shipley, West Sussex
Goodwood Home Farm, Goodwood, West Sussex
May’s Farmers and Butchers, Lewes, East Sussex
Michael Courtney Butchers, Midhurst, West Sussex
S K Hutchings Family Butchers and Graziers, Partridge Green, West Sussex
The Butcher and Deli, Rustington, West Sussex
Sussex Farmers Market of the Year, sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery
Chichester Farmers Market, West Sussex
Florence Road Market, Brighton & Hove
Forest Row Village Market, East Sussex
Lewes Farmers Market, Cliffe Precinct, East Sussex
Pulborough Farmers Market, West Sussex
Shoreham Farmers Market, West Sussex
Steyning Farmers Market, West Sussex
Sussex Eating Experience of the Year, sponsored by Natural Partnerships CIC
etch., Brighton & Hove
Farmer, Butcher, Chef, Goodwood, West Sussex
Rathfinny Tasting Room, Alfriston, East Sussex
The Crabtree, Lower Beeding, West Sussex
The Dining Room, Worthing, West Sussex
The Earl of March, Lavant, West Sussex
The Milk Churn, Rudgwick, West Sussex
The Parsons Table, Arundel, West Sussex
The Richmond Arms, West Ashling, West Sussex
Wingrove House, Alfriston, East Sussex
