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This non-entry category recognises and individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the county’s food and drink sector. The winner could come from any part of the industry – a grower, producer, cook, restauranteur, retailer, educator or local food and drink champion. The judges will select someone who is an expert in their field, has a proven track record, inspires colleagues, educates and sets standards at which others aim to attain. This award winner is selected by a panel of judges using their industry knowledge.   

1. Contribution and engagement with the industry 

2. Knowledge of the industry 

3. Contribution to society 

4. History/career highlights 

5. Commitment to people (Training, attraction, development) 

Sponsored by Castlemeadow Villages

The judges will look for the coffee shop/café in Norfolk or Suffolk which is able to create an outstanding customer experience – a warm welcome, high quality tea and/or coffee plus a range of other drinks, tasty food made from fresh, local produce, all served with an excellent level of customer service. Judges will be impressed by a relaxed, comfortable ambience, originality, an imaginative menu and aspects which make the café or tea shop special.   

Business entry evidence required – each point worth 20%.

1. Food & Drink Offering – Provide your full menu offering including specials and dietary extras. 

2. Locality of Produce – Give details of local products and services, other local sources and additional support to local businesses/suppliers.  

3. Premises - describe the premises looking at internal, external, ambience and accessibility. 

4. Customer Reviews – What do your customers say about you – provide reviews and feedback. 

5. Community Engagement & Marketing – Give details of your engagement, marketing, promotions, website link and social platforms and outreach. 

The award is open to any business or individual who has started a food and/or drink venture in the last three years. The judges will be looking for an outstanding early stage business which has already become a success story or shows promise to become one. The winner will be a company which is able to demonstrate a pioneering approach, strong performance over the past year, as well as the potential to flourish and be sustainable. Among the qualities the judges will be looking for are a dedicated effort to drive the business forward, potential and vision. 

Business entry evidence required – each point worth 20%.

1. Product Range/Experience offering – Dependent on business, detail your product range, pricing and sellers/ detail the food/ drink experience offering, pricing, history.  

2. Approach – Describe the reasons for the launch of your business and what inspired you to do so. 

3. Ambition & Growth – Tell us about your ambition for the company and any growth plans.  

4. Customer Reviews – What do your customers say about you – provide reviews and feedback.  

5. Business Performance – Detail your business performance to date – including current figures and projected figures. 

The judges will be looking for a unique and exceptional food experience, where creativity, craftsmanship, and personalisation set the business apart. This category celebrates innovative food businesses that offer customised, artisan, or specialty dishes, catering to niche markets, dietary needs, or gourmet experiences. Vendors eligible for this award should be based in Norfolk or Suffolk and provide a distinctive offering, whether through personalised menus, handcrafted items, or exclusive culinary concepts. 

Business entry evidence required – each point worth 20%.

1. Offering -Provide details on your signature dishes, speciality products, or customised food experiences. Explain how your offering is unique, including ingredients, presentation, and personalisation. 

2. Marketing, Promotion & Community Engagement - Share how you engage with customers, promote your business, manage your social platforms, and participate in community outreach. 

3. Business Performance - Outline your business performance, including current financial figures and projections for growth. 

4. Ambition & Growth – Tell us about your vision, expansion plans, and how you intend to elevate your bespoke food offering in the coming years. 

5. Customer Reviews - What do your customers say about you? Provide reviews, feedback, and testimonials that highlight their experience with your unique food offerings. 

Sponsored by Sizewell C

This prestigious award is open to chefs of any level who are currently working within the Norfolk or Suffolk food and drink industry. Competitors may come from all areas of the hospitality business, including hotels, restaurants, pubs, contract catering, fine dining, private and public sectors. This will recognise the close link of fine food with using the best of local produce.  

Readers, businesses and chefs are able to nominate in this category. Chefs will be contacted to to submit a formal entry.  

Business entry evidence required – each point worth 20%.

1. Personal Experience – Provide details on training, employment and background. 

2. Food Style and provenance –Provide a three course tasting menu you would cook for the judges to showcase your food and style.  

3. Personal Style – Provide detail of your individuality, style, skills, techniques etc. What makes your food stand out?

4. Locality of Produce – Give details of local products and services, other local sources and additional support to local businesses/suppliers. 

5. Customer Reviews – What do your customers say about you – provide reviews and feedback. 

Judges are looking for individuals or businesses with the ability and vision to grow food or drink produce in this region. These are growers and producers who are passionate about what they do and who have the talent and skill to grow, develop and market outstanding and commercially scalable food or drink produce. They also need to show environmental credentials and demonstrate contribution to the local community. 

Business entry evidence required – each point worth 20%.

1. Product Offering - Provide details about your product(s), including: Product range and any signature items, Key features or qualities that make the product stand out, and pricing. You may also attach product images to support your entry.

2. Route to Market, Collaborations & Marketing- Explain how your product reaches customers, including: Where your product is sold (retailers, stockists, online, markets, etc.) Any partnerships that support production, distribution or sales. How you promote your product (branding, marketing activity, promotional campaigns) You may attach marketing assets or examples of promotional materials. 

3. Future Growth - Describe your plans for development, such as: New product launches, Scaling up production, entering new markets and Investment or sustainability ambitions 

4. Provenance & Production Story - Detail the journey behind your product, including: Sourcing of ingredients or materials, production methods and craftsmanship or unique techniques that set your product apart  

5. Quality of Product - Provide evidence of your product’s quality, such as: Customer reviews and testimonials, Industry awards or recognition, feedback from retailers or partners and any relevant quality standards or certifications 

Sponsored by City College Norwich

The judges will be looking for a food or drink vendor offering exceptional products—whether it’s artisanal coffee, indulgent desserts, handcrafted beverages, or delicious street-style meals. Vendors eligible for this award should be based in Norfolk or Suffolk and regularly attend markets, fairs, events, and shows. The judges will be impressed with high-quality offerings, an enticing menu, a commitment to local produce, and accessible, competitive pricing. 

Business entry evidence required – each point worth 20%.

1. Offering -  Provide your full menu, including specials, dietary extras, pricing, and details on the locality and sourcing of your ingredients..

2. Marketing, Promotion & Community Engagement -Share how you engage with customers, promote your business, manage your social platforms, and participate in community outreach — including any collaboration with local producers or suppliers.

3. Outline your business performance, including current financial figures and projected growth.

4. Ambition & Growth -Tell us about your vision for the future, expansion plans, and how you intend to elevate your brand in the coming years.

5. What do your customers say about you? Provide reviews, feedback, and testimonials that reflect your quality, service, and the impact of your locally focused approach.

The judges will be looking for a standout farm shop/Deli that offers an exceptional selection of locally sourced, high-quality produce while creating a welcoming and engaging customer experience. This category celebrates businesses that champion sustainability, support local farmers, and bring fresh, seasonal ingredients to their community. Eligible farm shops and Deli's should be based in Norfolk or Suffolk, providing a diverse range of products—from fresh fruit and vegetables to artisanal cheeses, baked goods, meats, and homemade specialties. 

Business entry evidence required – each point worth 20%.

1. Offering - Provide details on your product range, including fresh produce, local specialties, unique items, and seasonal offerings. Highlight how you source your ingredients and maintain quality. 

2. Marketing, Promotion & Community Engagement - Share how you engage with customers, promote your farm shop or Deli, and support the local community through initiatives, events, or partnerships. 

3. Business Performance -Outline your business performance, including current financial figures, footfall, and plans for growth. 

4. Ambition & Growth - Tell us about your vision for the future, expansion plans, and how you plan to enhance your farm shop or Deli's impact. 

5. Customer Reviews - What do your customers say about you? Provide reviews, feedback, and testimonials that showcase your shop’s reputation and service. 

Judges in this category will be looking for the level of front of house provision that makes a truly enjoyable visit to the restaurant, café or pub. A warm welcome, understanding and anticipating customers’ needs, good knowledge of menus, dishes and provenance of ingredients will be expected as well as a personable approach that complements the establishment and really enhances the visit. This category seeks to recognise an often overlooked yet extremely important sector of the hospitality industry.  

Business entry evidence required – each point worth 20%.

1. Premises - describe the premises looking at internal, external, ambience and accessibility. 

2. Service & Details – Describe your service style, detail special extras, care given, attentiveness, dietary obligations.

3. Customer Experience & reviews – Detail the experience of a typical customer from booking, visit and post-visit. What do your customers say about you – provide reviews and feedback. 

4. Food and drink offering – Provide your full menu and drinks offering including specials and dietary extras. 

5. Staff training – what do you do to ensure staff are trained to a high standard, know your offering and do all they can to ensure every guest has a great experience.

Nominations will be accepted for pubs and bars across Norfolk and Suffolk which have created a high-quality offering for their customers – bars, traditional drinking pubs and those that have built a reputation for their restaurant and/or bar menu will be considered for this award. Common to all finalists will be great standards of customer service and understanding of their market, technical expertise in sourcing and providing a good range and standard of drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – plus a sense of character that makes a visit to these pubs or bars an enjoyable well rounded experience.  

Business entry evidence required – each point worth 20%.

1. Premises - Describe the premises looking at internal, external, ambience and accessibility.  

2. Food and Drink Offering – Provide your full offering of food (including specials and dietary extras) as well as drinks (including non-alcoholic). List any local suppliers.    

3. Customer Reviews – What do your customers say about you – provide reviews and feedback. 

4. Community Engagement & Inclusivity – What do you do to engage with the community, do you hold events, have a charitable focus. Are you inclusive in being dog friendly for example. 

5. Marketing – Give details of your marketing, promotions, website link, social platforms and outreach.  

Nominees will be accepted for restaurants across Norfolk and Suffolk which have the ability to create an incomparable dining experience from ambience to the service, and most importantly the menu will be varied, using local fresh produce and be served with an excellent level of customer service.  

Business entry evidence required – each point worth 20%.

1. Premises - describe the premises looking at internal, external, ambience and accessibility. 

2. Food & Drink Offering – Provide your full food and drink menus offering including specials and dietary extras. 

3. Customer Reviews – What do your customers say about you – provide reviews and feedback.

4. Locality of Produce – Give details of local products (food & drink) and services, other local sources and additional support to local businesses/suppliers. 

5. Community Engagement & Marketing – Give details of your engagement, marketing, promotions, website link, social platforms and outreach.