Shortlist revealed for Food & Drink Awards

Coventry & Warwickshire food and drink businesses are defying the current economic downturn and proving that value for money, quality, commitment to local produce, service and innovation counts in order to survive.

An impressive 35 businesses have now been shortlisted for the prestigious 2009 Coventry & Warwickshire Food and Drink Awards.

The awards, which recognise and reward excellence and innovation in locally sourced produce are organised by Warwickshire County Council and supported by Advantage West Midlands.

Despite the challenging economic climate, the standard of entries submitted this year has been extremely high indicating the value placed on winning an award. Winners not only benefit from extensive PR but increased awareness and recognition of their quality standards and commitment to local food sourcing which is paramount in today’s competitive marketplace.

All shortlisted candidates for the 8 categories will now receive anonymous visits by the independent judging organisation ‘Quality in Tourism’. All shortlisted entries will automatically be entered into three further awards: Champion of Local Produce, Best Local Food and Drink Experience and Champion of Customer Service.

Around 150 businesses are expected to attend the prestigious Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Monday 21 September at Ardencote Manor Hotel to find out which businesses have won. Guests will dine from a special menu designed using locally sourced produce.

Simon Haigh, Michelin-starred Head Chef at Mallory Court Hotel and Chair of the judging panel stated “The quality of entries have been very impressive this year making it extremely challenging in selecting our final shortlist. In these challenging economic times businesses are determined more than ever to up their game and demonstrate value for money, attention to detail and the use of locally sourced produce. Our shortlisted businesses have shown that they know and understand what their customers want, how to add value and not compromise on quality. It will be an even bigger challenge to choose just one winner in each category.”

The businesses shortlisted by category are as follows:

Best Restaurant:
Ashton Lodge Country House, Nr Rugby
Chapel House, Atherstone,
Malbec Restaurant, Stratford-upon-Avon
Restaurant 23, Leamington Spa

Best International Restaurant:
Agra Palace, Nuneaton
Raffles Restaurant, Kenilworth
Agra Palace, Nuneaton
The Coconut Lagoon, Kenilworth
Tumeric Gold, Coventry

Best Dining Pub/Inn:
The Bell, Alderminster
The Bell Inn, Welford upon Avon
The Bluebell, Henley in Arden
The Granville @ Barford
The Halford Bridge, Halford
The Peacock @ Oxhill
The Red Lion, Hunningham
The Stag at Offchurch, Offchurch

Best Coffee House/Tea Shop:
Bread & Co Ltd, Leamington Spa
McKechnies independent tea and coffee bar, Stratford-upon-Avon
Hatton Locks Café, Hatton

Best Restaurant/Cafe within a Visitor Attraction:
Hatton Locks Café, Hatton,
Compton Verney, Nr Kineton
Planters Restaurant, Freasley, North Warks
RSC Courtyard, Stratford-upon-Avon

Best Breakfast:
Ashton Lodge Country House, Nr Rugby
Planters Restaurant, Freasley, North Warks
Loxley Guesthouse, Loxley
White-Sails, Stratford-upon-Avon

Best Local Food or Drink Producer:
Ragley Estate Meats, Nr Alcester
Lighthorne Lamb, Lighthorne
Ringswood Icecream, Nr Rugby,
Sarah Edward Cakes, Leamington Spa
Turkey Talk, Coventry

Champion of Local Produce (Retailer):
Bread & Co Ltd, Leamington Spa
Ragley Estate Meats, Nr Alcester
Talton Mill Farm Shop, Newbold-on-Stour

Full details of the awards scheme can be found at foodanddrink2009.co.uk.