the Sussex
foodie event of
the year
Year is one of the best categories in
these awards and the physical challenge
that all the chefs have to face in the cook
off is very similar to my experiences on
MasterChef.”
Steven also helped to pick the winning
ticket for the prize draw with the Wallace &
Gromit Children’s Charity, raising £2,400
for Sussex’s only children’s hospice,
Chestnut Tree House during the evening.
The Sussex Food & Drink Awards, now in
their eighth year, are all about supporting
and boosting local farmers, food and
drink producers and the outlets which use
and sell superb local fare. Starting from
small beginnings, the awards have grown
to become prestigious and respected,
with huge support from business in the
county, bringing together the whole local
food and farming community.
Said Sally Gunnell OBE DL, “This is my
second year as patron for the Sussex
Food & Drink Awards and just one look at
the Grand Finalists list reassures me that
these awards are just getting better and
better! I am thrilled to see a wonderful
range of small, young companies and
larger, established businesses coming
forward to win these awards. They are
innovative, imaginative, sustainable and –
very importantly – make us delicious food
and drink to enjoy.”
The awards scheme is run by Natural
Partnerships Community Interest
Company (CIC), co-directed by Hilary
Knight of the Sussex Food & Drink
Network and Paula Seager, Managing
Director of Natural PR Ltd, with support
from a loyal and high ranking group of
sponsor judges.
Said Paula Seager, “We are proud of
the Sussex Food & Drink Awards and
want to wish our winners, grand finalists
and finalists this year our warmest
congratulations. We would also like to
thank our patron Sally Gunnell OBE DL
and our sponsors, judges and media
partners, who all share a vital role in
making these awards a success.”
Winners
Best Sussex Eating Experience
Sponsored by Mayo Wynne Baxter
Winner - Jeremy’s Restaurant, Balcombe, West Sussex
Runners up - The Crabtree, Lower Beeding, West Sussex and
The Horse Guards Inn, Tillington, West Sussex
Sussex Farmer of the Year
Sponsored by Spofforths Chartered Accountants
Winner - Charlie Hughes, Southview Farm Dairy, Pulborough, West
Sussex Runners up - David and Marian Harding, Court Lodge Farm,
Hailsham, East Sussex and Tim and Charles Harrison, Harrisons Farm,
Rudgwick, West Sussex
Sussex Food Producer of the Year
Sponsored by The Southern Co-operative
Winner - Goodwood Home Farm, Chichester, West Sussex
Runners up - Kate’s Cookhouse, Steyning, West Sussex and
Montezuma’s, Birdham, West Sussex
Sussex Farmers Market of the Year
Sponsored by Harveys
Winner - Horsham Local Produce Market, West Sussex
Runners up - Lewes, East Sussex and Steyning, West Sussex
Sussex Drink Producer of the Year
Sponsored by Sussex Food & Drink Network
Winner - Hepworth and Co Brewers, Horsham, West Sussex
Runners up - Plumpton College, Plumpton, East Sussex and
Wobblegate, Bolney, West Sussex
Best Sussex Food/Farm Shop
Sponsored by Natural PR and Cheese Please
Winner - Veasey and Sons Fishmonger, Forest Row, East Sussex
Runners up - Sharnfold Farm Shop, Hailsham, East Sussex and
Rushfields Farm Shop, Poynings, West Sussex
Sussex Butcher of the Year
Sponsored by Natural Farms
Winner - Archers of Westfield, Hastings, East Sussex
Runners up - J Heath and Son, Eastbourne, East Sussex and
John Murray Butchers, Loxwood, West Sussex
By Isabel Gander
sussexfoodawards.biz
52
Young Chef of the Year
Sponsored by Sodexo Prestige
Winner - Nick Bennett, The Curlew Restaurant, Bodium, East Sussex
Runners up - Joseph Otway, The Ginger Pig, Hove, East Sussex and
Ricki Weston, South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding, West Sussex