insideKENT Magazine Issue 25 - April 2014 | Page 66

The prestigious Taste of Kent Awards took place on Thursday 13th March
2014, in recognition of the food, drink and farming stars of the county this
year. There were celebrations all round as Kent's ‘edible Oscars’ saw some
exciting new businesses clinch awards for the first time, whilst other former
winners returned to claim their victory on the night.

Presenter Kevin Field hosted, while speeches were made by Amanda Cottrell
OBE, patron of Produced in Kent; Ed Martin, manager of Produced in Kent;
Jean Beatton, partner and head of the Corporate and Commercial Team
at Vertex Law, part of Cripps Harries Hall; and guest speaker, Sian Holt of
Lyminge-based Fudge Kitchen.

The brainchild of Produced in Kent, the sparkling ceremony was hosted in
new surroundings this year, fittingly taking place at the agricultural wonder
that is the Kent Event Centre at Kent Showground, Detling. Guests at the
black tie dinner were treated to a Kentish sparkling wine reception upon
arrival – with canapés, a three-course dinner, wine, coffee, chocolates and
the glittering awards presentations to follow. On this occasion, the fantastic
feast was created and cooked up by The Minnis Bar and Restaurant's chef
patron, Jason Freedman.

The anticipated winners of the night were individually selected by an expert
panel of judges, who picked from three finalists who were shortlisted for
each award category. The shortlisted finalists received the most votes in
each award category and had been nominated and voted for by members
of the public. From Rochester to Folkestone, the people of Kent chose the
tastes, flavours, products, produce and venues that they have enjoyed the
most over the last 12 months.

...and without further ado, here are your 2014 WINNERS:

Best Kent Juice Producer
sponsored by Kent County Council

Best Kentish Cider or Perry
sponsored by Wilkins Kennedy FKC

Kent Artisan Food Producer of the Year
sponsored by Shopper Anonymous

Winner: Little Stour Orchard, Margate
Finalists: Biddenden Farm Pressed Apple
Juice, Biddenden / Newlands Juices,
Faversham

Winner: Duddas Tun Cider – Pine Trees
Farm, Doddington
Finalists: Strong Kentish cider – Biddenden
Vineyard, Biddenden / 10 ACRE Orchard
Cider – Little Stour Orchard, Margate

Winner: Kent Fine Foods, Gillingham
Finalists: Samovar, Nonington, Dover /
Simply Ice Cream, Ashford

Best Kentish Beer
sponsored by Rix & Kay Solicitors
Winner: Genesis – Goody Ales, Herne
Finalists: Farriers 1606 – Old Forge Brewery,
The Farriers Arms, Mersham / Gadds’ No. 3
Ramsgate Brewery, Ramsgate

Kent Butcher or Meat Producer of the Year
sponsored by sff
Best Kentish Wine
sponsored by Investaco
Winner: Ortega 2012 – Biddenden
Vineyards, Biddenden
Finalists: Bacchus – Chapel Down,
Tenterden / English Rose – Chapel Down,
Tenterden

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Winner: Court Farm Butchery & Country
Larder, Halling, Rochester
Finalists: A.J.Barkaway, Faversham /
Chandler & Dunn, Ash, Canterbury