There’s still time to nominate a hospitality star for the 2026 Cumbria Food Awards.
The independent awards, held in association with headline sponsor Caterite, are open for public nominations and business entries.
There are 13 categories for cafés, pubs, restaurants, chefs, food and drink producers, speciality shop owners, takeaways and service or front-of-house team members.
Business owners can put themselves forward or nominate one of their team, while members of the public can nominate their favourite places and people.
The awards are free to enter and are judged by a panel of industry experts.
The gala awards event will take place at Kendal College on Thursday March 12, hosted by TV presenter Chris Bavin, star of the BBC’s Eat Well For Less? and Best Home Cook.
Co-organiser Harry Atkinson said: “We understand things are tough in hospitality right now and so that’s even more reason for us to recognise and celebrate excellence across the industry in Cumbria.
“If you have a favourite place to eat or drink, or you think your business should be in the running, go to our website and tell us about them. It only takes a few minutes and you could help make someone’s year.”
At the awards event, Kendal College students will cook and serve canapés for a networking reception, followed by a two-course street food style dinner for 165 finalists, sponsors, judges and special guests.
Chris will present trophies for the competitive categories, the top award for The Dave Myers Cumbrian Food and Drink Hero, sponsored by Caterite and the new Growing Strong Award, supported by associate sponsor The Cumberland.
Cumbria Food Awards are also supported by media partner Cumbria Crack, Kendal College, Booths, Patron Simon Rogan and sponsors.
To enter, visit www.cumbriafoodawards.co.uk – entries are open until January 1 2026.
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
Special awards
No nominations are sought for these awards
- The Rising Star Award – Sponsored by Kendal College
- The Growing Strong Award – Sponsored by The Cumberland
- The Dave Myers Cumbrian Food and Drink Hero – Sponsored by Caterite
