Local food and drink businesses celebrated at food awards evening

The presentation of the 2024 Nantwich Food Awards winners took place on Friday 11^th October at a glittering ceremony in Nantwich Civic Hall, sponsored by KBA, The Financial Planning Company.

The theme of the whole evening – the awards, decorations and dress code was ‘Black and white’, so the hall and guests looked quite spectacular.

The awards followed the annual Nantwich Food Festival that brings thousands of visitors to Nantwich every September.  Over 100 nominations for these eagerly contested awards were received, following which, local foodies voted to choose their favourite food and drink establishments. This made the awards evening the culmination of the opinions of all these interested local people.

The High Sheriff of Cheshire, Clare Hayward, MBE. DL, Councillor Marilyn Houston, Mayor of Cheshire East and Councillor Mary Slinn, Deputy Mayor of Nantwich Town Council were in attendance at the packed awards evening.

They, in addition to the sponsors, nominees, guests and Festival Volunteers enjoyed live music by local singer/songwriter, Megan Lee and Stepping Lane well into the night, while magician, Paul Kaye, worked his impressive close-up magic on all in the room. The Jolly Good Photo booth was well used, and all those present thoroughly enjoyed the delicious catering by Cheshire College South and West. Paul Boniface did a great job as compere of the evening.

Food Festival Chairwoman, Christine Farrall, said, “I am pleased to welcome you all to this Awards evening; Nantwich Food Awards recognise the high standard of food and drink businesses in Nantwich and the surrounding area that please locals and attract many visitors and tourists to the town.

“Following a difficult spell in recent years for the hospitality sector, it has now regained its vibrancy and continues to grow to the delight of local people and visitors alike. These awards have been in place for many years, and continue to be keenly contested each year; the winners proudly display their trophies for all to admire.

“We sincerely thank Cheshire East Council, Nantwich Town Council and all our generous sponsors for their continued support.”

Results were as follows:                

• Best Newcomer was won by Jordy’s Pizza, Nantwich; the award was sponsored by Stowe Family Law and was presented by Joanne Goodwin, Editor of Cheshire Life
• Bar Stars award again went to family run bar Six – their 3^rd year winning this trophy; THEFEEDMAG. sponsored this award, which was presented by Ross Willington, Directo
• Café/Coffee Shop of the Year was won by Ginger and Pickles, making this a great year for them, having also won the Cheshire Life award. Their trophy was sponsored by KBA Financial and presented by Sarah Hogan, Director and CEO; Cheshire East Council Mayor, Councillor Marilyn Houston accepted the award on behalf of the winner.  
• Best Pub with Food award was sponsored by Boughey Distribution and presented by Angela Carus, Managing Director, with The Leopard, Nantwich being the winner for what must be the 5^th year. Congratulations go to The Leopard for their continued success!
• Best Takeaway of the Year was won by Nantwich family-run baker, Chatwins; this award was sponsored by Concorde Trophies but was collected on  behalf of the winner by Nantwich Town Council Deputy Mayor, Councillor Mary Slinn
• Restaurant of the Year was won by St Martha’s, making this the 3^rd successive year that they have won this prestigious trophy; their award was sponsored by Applewood Independent, and presented by CEO David Pritchard
• Best Food Producer/Retailer: this award was sponsored by Swift Cheshire, presented by James Parker-Aiken, with Snugburys being the worthy winner
• Taste of Nantwich: a new and eagerly contested award to celebrate the use of local produce was won by The Leopard; this trophy was sponsored by Nantwich News and presented by Editor, Pete Leydon

The Headline Sponsor for the Nantwich Food Awards, KBA The Financial Planning Company, sponsored the awards for the second year; Company Director & Chartered Financial Planner, Sarah Hogan tells us “We are proud to have supported this fabulous event which recognises excellence in the local hospitality sector. Events like this are even more important after all the challenges the hospitality sector has faced over the last few years. 

“My team and I voted for our own favourites and we thoroughly enjoyed our time at the stunning gala awards evening, where we were able to congratulate the winners.

“At KBA our ethos is we want to “Help People Have Better Lives”. That relates to our clients and customers, our team and our local communities, so sponsoring events like the Nantwich Food Awards really means a lot to us.” 

Christine Farrall finished, saying “The Nantwich Food Festival and the Nantwich Food Awards are run entirely by Festival Volunteers. Some work for a few hours during the Festival, others the full weekend, whilst the Committee members work tirelessly the whole year through. The other Nantwich Food Festival Directors and I are enormously proud to be part of this group."

Further details about the Nantwich Food Awards, the Nantwich Food Festival and how to get involved can be found on www.nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk