No matter where you go in Norfolk, you’re never too far away from some delicious food and drink. That’s why it’s always a hard job for the judges of the Norfolk magazine Food & Drink Awards to narrow down the entries to just four finalists, and crown one of them as the winner in each category.
The finalists for each category will be revealed in the Eastern Daily Press on August 23 and the winners will be announced at the awards event at Caistor Hall Hotel on Monday, September 16.
Each category has two judges – a judge from the category sponsor and an industry expert.
These expert judges give their time because they’re passionate about our county’s food and drink industry, and we couldn’t do it without them.
Here we meet some of the expert judges for the Norfolk magazine Food & Drink Awards 2024.
BEST COFFEE SHOP/CAFÉ
Expert judge: Samantha Mattocks, author, writer and owner of The Delicate Diner
“I am a huge champion of the local food and drink scene, having shared my cooking through the virtual pages of The Delicate Diner and on MasterChef.
“It is a tremendous honour to be judging this year’s Norfolk magazine Food & Drink Awards, celebrating the very best that this region has to offer.”
Expert judge: Veronique Ananou, food and beverage supervisor at City College Norwich
“My main role is to support and inspire new food and beverage industry ambassadors. I am involved in learners’ training in the hotel school department.
“I have a master’s degree in hotel management from Oxford University and have worked in several hospitality businesses around Norfolk.”
FIELD TO FORK
Sponsored by City College Norwich
Expert judge: Sarah Savage, founder of Essence Foods Ltd
“I set up Logans sandwich bar, deli and café in 1992 in Swan Lane, Norwich, and also undertook outside catering, consultancy and product development for local and national food brands. I sold the business in 2004 and had a year off as a mum with two young children.
“In 2005, Essence Foods Ltd was established and I have worked ever since to bring unique, naturally delicious products to the public and trade.
“We now have three trademarked brands in our portfolio – Essence Botanicals, Montys and Beetella.”
Sarah’s fellow judge was Mark Bradly of City College Norwich.
CHEF OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Motorvogue
Expert judge: Eric Snaith, executive chef-owner, Titchwell Manor Hotel
“I’m delighted to be on the judging panel for the awards. It’s great to have the opportunity to highlight and support the amazing talent from the Norfolk food and drink scene.
“I have been working as a chef in Norfolk since 1997, and now own and run six hospitality businesses in our county, including Titchwell Manor on the north Norfolk coast, which has been owned and run by our family for more than 35 years.”
Eric’s fellow judge was Aime Russell of Motorvogue.
BEST NEWCOMER
Expert judge: Alex Larter, Tastebuds Collective manager, University of East Anglia
“Tastebuds is the rebrand of the Food Innovation Cluster, bringing together business, academics and the public sector to develop growth and innovation.
“I was born and raised in southwestern France – ‘foodland’ – and food has always been a big part of my life. Norfolk, for me, is the UK’s answer to that.”
Expert judge: Celia Holt of Chilfood Solutions Ltd
“For more than 10 years we have been helping food and drink businesses deliver growth through strategic planning, consumer-led new product development, project portfolio management and technical support.
“I have held director positions in major food and beverage manufacturing, managed large research and development teams, and launched hundreds of branded and own-label products.”
FRONT OF HOUSE EXPERIENCE
Sponsored by Caistor Hall
Expert judge: Oliver Trezise, founder of Overleaf Hospitality Consultancy and former regional director of City Pub Group
“Born and raised in the county, I’m extremely proud to judge this year’s Norfolk magazine Food & Drink Awards, having also spent much of my 20-year hospitality career utilising the county’s wonderful produce, celebrating it’s incredible attractions and natural beauty or working with it’s personable, passionate people.
“I can’t wait to see how the class of 2024 place the customer journey at the core of their businesses and excel in delivering truly memorable experiences to them!”
Oliver’s fellow judge was Nick Mills and Sian De Waal of Caistor Hall.
PUB/BAR OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by The Gin Trap Inn
Expert judge: Lucy Cousins, vice-chair of Norwich & District CAMRA and editor of Norfolk Nips magazine
“I’m passionate about pubs! I love everything about them – the heritage, the sense of community and the beer. So I’m over the moon to be judging Norfolk’s best pubs and bars.
“I’m a pub campaigner, beer festival volunteer, magazine editor, real ale enthusiast and hospitality business owner, and I’m organising this October’s Norwich Beer Festival, taking place for charity at venues across the city, while restoration work is completed at The Halls.”
Lucy’s fellow judge was David Lamyman of The Gin Trap Inn at Ringstead.
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Benedicts
Expert judge: Zena Leech-Calton, chef, cookery tutor and food writer at Love Norwich Food
“I trained at The Hotel School at City College Norwich and have always been in catering. I worked as a chef in London for 12 years, then went into management for Leiths.
“As well as running holiday barns in Bawburgh for the last 12 years, and a cookery school from home for over a decade, I’ve also led food and drink walking tours in Norwich for the last nine years, showcasing local independent businesses using Norfolk produce.
“Being a judge for the Norfolk magazine Food & Drink Awards is the icing on the cake.”
Zena’s fellow judge was Richard Bainbridge from Benedicts in Norwich.
BEST NORFOLK PRODUCER
Sponsored by Jarrolds
Expert judge: James Ramm, head of sales at Woodforde’s Brewery
“I am immensely proud to support these awards and showcase the region’s rich agricultural heritage and diverse culinary talents. Local farmers, brewers and chefs have truly put Norfolk on the map.
“At Woodforde’s, we are proud to champion the incredible ingredients on offer in our wonderful county and support the growth of our economy.
“The finalists are a testament to our vibrant culture and share a commitment to preserving our unique regional flavours. Cheers to their success!”
James’ fellow judge was Nick Steven-Jones, CEO of Jarrolds Food Hall.
STREET FOOD VENDOR
Expert judge: Justin Unsworth, owner of The Cabin
“The Cabin was named winner of the Street Food Vendor category at the 2023 Norfolk magazine Food & Drink Awards. We serve delicious Asian-inspired food from our taco caravan. We cook everything from scratch and ensure that all the produce is Norfolk’s best.”
Expert judge: Alex Clare, head chef at Norfolk’s Edge
“I have been cooking up unique and memorable dishes across Norfolk for the past decade and was named Chef of the Year 2017 at the Norfolk magazine Food & Drink Awards.
“At Norfolk’s Edge we create a personal culinary journey for private dining, wedding and corporate events.”
FOOD AND DRINK RETAILER
Sponsored by Newman Refrigeration
Expert judge: Colin Kiddell, CS Sales Management Ltd
“I have 40 years’ experience in the food and drink industry. For the last 20 years I have been an independent consultant with my own company CS Sales Management Ltd, working with several food and drink companies, helping them with business development, new product development and company strategy.
“Before that, I worked for Colman’s of Norwich as a national accounts manager, Dairy Crest covering the non-doorstep side of the business, and Kettle Foods.”
Colin’s fellow judge was Rob Newman of Newman Refrigeration.
FOOD AND DRINK EXPERIENCE
Sponsored by Castlemeadow Care
Expert judge: Stacia Briggs, brand manager, The Assembly House Norwich
“After many years as chief writer for the EDP and judge for these awards, I left to become brand manager of The Assembly House, which is run by my husband, Richard Hughes.
“At the House, I design all the themed afternoon teas and am in charge of all marketing activities, including running all social media accounts.
“The Assembly House won the award I am helping to judge in 2023 and we are proud to be involved.”
Stacia’s fellow judge was Sanda Stott of Castlemeadow Care.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
Expert judge: Nick De’ath, De’Ath Hospitality
“I’m proud to be judging this award recognising excellence and the contribution to the success of outstanding achievements in the hospitality industry.
“Myself and my wife, Briony, have been working in hospitality for more than 30 years. We have grown our business from one pub to seven – each with their own style, menus and atmosphere but the same high standards.
“We have been at the helm of The Unthank Arms – a landmark Norwich pub – for more than 25 years. We are involved in every aspect of our businesses from menu planning, sourcing suppliers, recruiting outstanding staff and being on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly.”
Nick’s fellow judge was Emma Lee, editor of Norfolk magazine.
The finalists will be revealed in the Eastern Daily Press on August 23, and the Outstanding Achievement winner at the awards night on September 16.
To find out more about the Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2024, visit norfolkfada.co.uk
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