MORE than 100 Sussex food and drink business leaders gathered last night to learn the finalists of the Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2014/15.

Jeremy’s Restaurant, at Borde Hill Gardens in Mid Sussex, winner of the Best Sussex Eating Experience 2013/14, provided the venue to host farmers, butchers, chefs, shop keepers, brewers and vintners.

Paula Seager, awards director, said: “The quality is consistently high in this competition and we are urging people to try out the produce on the finalists list and vote for their favourites to win at www.sussexfoodawards.biz. Voting is open until 26th September and every vote counts!”

Some 65 finalists will vie for seven awards, with Gran Stead’s Ginger, Portslade, Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling, Hisbe, Brighton Rushfields Farm Shop, Poynings, and Bramptons Butchers, Kemp Town, 24 St Georges, Kemp Town, and Shoreham Farmers Market shortlisted.