The awards organisers, Lindsay Molloy and Michaela Robinson-Tate, both previously worked in magazine publishing. Lindsay was formerly Newsquest group creative director for lifestyle magazines and Michaela was formerly editor of Cumbria Life magazine.
According to the organisers, Cumbria Food Awards 2022 will celebrate everything that’s excellent about the industry in a county renowned for its restaurants, producers and food scene. The food and drink sector is hugely important to the county’s economy, generating hundreds of millions of pounds each year and employing thousands of people. The independent event is intended to give the industry a lift at a time when businesses are struggling with a double whammy of trading restrictions and recruitment problems.
The awards will culminate in a presentation evening to be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Kendal College, one of the UK’s leading providers of hospitality training.
Students will cook a three-course dinner for the awards finalists, guests and some of the county’s best known chefs and industry leaders, before the winners are announced.
Richard Axford, Kendal College’s head of faculty for leisure and service industries, said: “We want to support the Cumbria Food Awards because it’s a really exciting proposal and something we think is very relevant to the Cumbrian food and drink industry.
“There are some exceptional places to eat and drink in Cumbria and these awards are about highlighting the people who are doing an exceptional job.”
The awards are supported by independent grocer Booths, which will be providing the food for the event dinner.
Booths head of trading and marketing John Gill said: “Booths are delighted to support the Cumbria Food Awards. Now more than ever, people who work hard to make and grow exceptional food and drink need to be supported and celebrated.
“Food plays a pivotal role in all our lives and we’re delighted to help recognise the brilliant efforts of chefs, producers, growers and makers across Cumbria.”
The media partner for the awards will be news website Cumbria Crack.
John Holliday, MD of Barrnon Media, the home of Cumbria Crack, Cumberland & Westmorland Herald and Keswick Reminder, said: “Cumbria is the food capital of the country – outside of London. We believe the awards will provide restaurants, chefs and everyone involved in the industry with a welcome boost during what’s been an incredible last 16 months.
“Our team Cumbria Crack and Barrnon Media is delighted to be associated with the Cumbria Food Awards. We want to celebrate the achievements of the hospitality sector, which continues to offer customers and diners an amazing experience and I’m confident our content will reflect that.”
Categories will cover restaurants, chefs, cafés and food and drink producers.
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