AWARD CATEGORIES

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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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 ambiance.

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Young Talent

(open to nominations within the New Forest District Council area)

Recognising the rising stars shaping the future of food and drink. This category celebrates individuals aged 25 and under who are making a meaningful impact across the food and drink world. We’re looking for passionate young people who bring fresh thinking, creative energy, and a commitment to doing things better.

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Food & Drink Hero

The winner of this award will be absolutely outstanding at what they do. Whatever food and drink role they play, what marks them out is the excellence they deliver and their willingness to champion the talents of others as well as their own.

Sustainability Hero

Open to both businesses and individuals, this category celebrates green trail-blazers within the local food industry. Whether they source solely local ingredients to curb food miles, turn leftovers into innovative dishes to combat waste or fuel their ovens via green energy, they are setting standards not only here and now, but for the future.

Hospitality Hero

Shining a light on businesses across the hospitality spectrum, 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.

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.

Producer of the Year

From cottage industries to large-scale manufacturers, this category is open to all producers, whether they are growing fruit and veg, brewing their own beer, baking bread or making cakes. The winner will be driven by both a personal passion and stellar professional standards.

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.

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.

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.

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.