CATEGORIES
Chef of the Year
If you know a chef whose menus always delight and never disappoint, this is their category. The top spot will go to someone who’s pushing culinary boundaries, whether innovating with new flavours, textures, techniques or zero-waste menus, and inspiring both diners and the next generation of chefs along the way.
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Farm Shop/Deli of the Year
We’re looking for stores which sell the highest quality local, seasonal and speciality goods, are staffed by knowledgeable and helpful teams, and provide a welcoming atmosphere too - all of which turns the weekly shop from chore to pleasure.
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Farmers' Market of the Year
The county's farmers' markets have plenty to bring to the table. Organic veg, less packaging, lower food miles plus fantastic, freshly produced fare. But where is your top spot for a feel-good shop? East or west, north or south, let us know your No.1 Kent farmers' market - just make sure it takes place at least once a month and is absolutely unmissable.
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Food/Beverage Producer of the Year
From cottage industries to large-scale manufacturers, this category is open to all the county's food and drink producers, whether they are growing fruit, baking bread, brewing beer, creating cakes or making wine. The winner will be driven by both a passion for food and drink plus an army of followers and customers.
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Restaurant of the Year
The winner of this category will offer all-round excellence, topping the charts with its menu, drinks list, service and venue. It will be distinctive too; setting rather than following culinary trends.
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Street Food/Pop Up of the Year
Open to street food vans, pop-up restaurants and kitchen takeovers, this award will go to a business which brings fun, flair and lots of flavour to the local menu, whether they’re flipping crepes, topping tacos, building Buddha bowls or scooping gelato.
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Food Destination of the Year
With its innovative cafes, restaurants, bars and pop-ups, Kent is home to one of the UK's most vibrant food scenes. But where is your go-to food destination? Could it be Folkestone Harbour Arm, Bluewater, Whitstable Quay, the Goods Shed or The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells? Big or small, old or new, just let us know the address you tap into the sat-nav when you need fab food with a full serving of fun on the side?
Hospitality Hero
Shining a light on businesses across the hospitality sector, the winner will provide excellent customer service and a unique experience - and will always be evolving and innovating to keep loyal customers engaged and attract new audiences. If your pub landlord needs saluting or local restaurant boss some recognition, nominate them here.
Hotel of the Year
A true all-rounder will take home this title. From the warmth of the welcome and the appeal of the setting to the quality and diversity of the food and drink offering, anyone visiting the winning hotel, whether for drinks or dinner or an overnight stay, will give it five stars.
Pub/Bar of the Year
All pubs and bars are eligible, no matter what their theme or style, but good vibes and excellent drinks are essential. There must be something which sets this venue above the rest, whether it doubles as a community hub or simply serves best-in-class beer.
Takeaway of the Year
Some nights, you want all the joys of restaurant-quality food without having to leave the comfort of home. Luckily, this is the 21st century and we are blessed with the wonderful invention that is the takeaway. Whatever you choose to scoff on the sofa - Chinese, Turkish, Indian, Caribbean, Mexican or simply good old fish and chips - we want to know your favourite. The food just needs to be delicious, and the takeaway not part of a massive chain.
Tearoom/Coffee Shop of the Year
With our area home to numerous outstanding tearooms, coffee shops and cafes - and more opening every month - this is set to be a hotly contested category. The winner will provide excellent food, drink, service and ambience.