Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards 2026
This year saw a record number of you voting for your favourite foodie hotspots in the Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards.
Now, it’s time to see who made the cut in our 12 categories.
The awards, presented by KM Media Group and sponsored by DDS International, aim to celebrate those who work hard to create the county’s buzzing hospitality industry.
The three businesses or individuals with the most nominations from KentOnline readers in each category are listed below. The winners are chosen from the shortlists by a panel of independent, industry-expert judges.
Our overall winners will be announced on Thursday, April 23 at Chilston Park, near Lenham and on KentOnline the same day.
Chef of the Year
Saurav Chakraborty of Saurav Ki Rasoi, Folkestone
Charlie Davis of the Curious Taprooms & Kitchen, Ashford
Scott Venn of the Prince of Wales, Hoath, near Canterbury
Sponsored by
Farm Shop/Deli of the Year
Macknade, Faversham
Perry Court Farm Shop, Canterbury
Walmer Court Farm Shop, Deal
Sponsored by
Farmers' Market of the Year
Cliftonville Farmers' Market
Lenham Country Market
Whitstable Foodies Market
Sponsored by
Food/Beverage Producer of the Year
Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium, Whitstable
Ellinor's Ice Cream, Rainham
Franks Bakery, Headcorn
Sponsored by
Restaurant of the Year
Gurkha Fire, Chatham
The Ivy, Canterbury
The Old School House, Hamstreet, near Ashford
Sponsored by
Street Food/Pop Up of the Year
Bun Buddies, Headcorn
Chutney Street, Rochester
Smokey Joe's, Herne Bay
Sponsored by
Food Destination of the Year
Folkestone Harbour Arm
The Goods Shed, Canterbury
The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells
Hospitality Hero
Marc Campos of Marc Pierre's Kitchen, Ramsgate
Paul Hartfield of the Flying Horse, Smarden
Steve Hawkins of Bossie's Ice Cream, Rainham
Sponsored by
Hotel of the Year
Boys Hall, Ashford
Eastwell Manor, Ashford
Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells
Pub/Bar of the Year
Flying Horse, Smarden, near Ashford
Kings Head, Sutton Valence
Tap 17, Headcorn
Takeaway of the Year
Iwade Mezze Grill, near Sittingbourne
Jhal Chilli, Maidstone
Willesborough Fish & Chips, near Ashford
Tearoom/Coffee Shop of the Year
Sabaho, Chatham Dockside
Tea Barn Little Fant Farm, East Farleigh, near Maidstone
Waterside Cafe at Banbridge, East Peckham, near Tonbridge
- Winners will be revealed
Chilston Park Hotel, near Maidstone, on Thursday, April 23 2026
The Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards are presented by KM Media Group