There are just a few days remaining to make a nomination or entry for the Cumbria Food Awards.
There are 13 competitive categories open for business entries from chefs, producers, pub landlords, takeaway owners, service stars, café owners, restaurateurs and speciality shopkeepers. Meanwhile, members of the public can nominate their food heroes for a coveted trophy.
The closing date for entries and nominations is Thursday January 1.
The independent awards, held in association with Caterite, were set up to recognise and reward excellence in the county’s hospitality industry.
Free to enter and judged by a panel of industry experts, the 2026 awards take place at Kendal College next March, with host TV presenter Chris Bavin, star of the BBC’s Eat Well For Less? and Best Home Cook, on hand to present the trophies.
The gala awards evening will open with a drinks and canapés reception, to be followed by a two-course street food style meal prepared by college students for 165 guests.
Co-organiser Michaela Robinson-Tate said: “The countdown has begun for entries and nominations for the Cumbria Food Awards.
“If you’ve had a fantastic Christmas celebration at a Cumbrian restaurant or you’re heading to your favourite café or pub during the festive break, why not put them forward for an award?
“Our judges also want to hear from business owners who believe they should be considered for a 2026 trophy. You have to be in it to win it, so please don’t miss out.”
Cumbria Food Awards are supported by headline sponsor Caterite, associate sponsor The Cumberland, media partner Cumbria Crack, Kendal College, Booths, Patron Simon Rogan and sponsors.
To enter, visit www.cumbriafoodawards.co.uk by Thursday January 1
Cumbria Food Awards 2026 categories
The following categories are open for nominations:
- Specialist Food Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Hawkshead Relish
- Food Producer of the Year – Sponsored by Booths
- Drinks Producer of the Year – Sponsored by Grapevine
- Service of the Year – Sponsored by Academy by Simon Rogan
- Pub, Bar or Taproom of the Year – Sponsored by Herdwick Cottages
- Sustainable Business of the Year
- Casual Dining Venue of the Year – Sponsored by Enterprise Answers
- Takeaway or Street Food Trader of the Year
- New Business of the Year – Sponsored by Thomson Hayton Winkley
- Café of the Year – Sponsored by Cumbria Crack
- Contemporary Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by Lamont Pridmore
- Chef of the Year – Sponsored by Westmorland Farmshop
- Acclaimed Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by More? The Artisan Bakery
