THE finalists in the Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2018 have been revealed after an eight-month judging process, supported by a record 15,000 public votes.

The award will take place on February 7 at the Amex Stadium, hosted by awards patron Sally Gunnell and the BBC’s Danny Pike, where the winners will be revealed and receive their trophies.

Now in its 12th year, the awards are all about supporting and boosting farmers, food and drink producers and the outlets that use and sell local fare.

Sussex farmer and Nuffield scholar, William Goodwin, who is chairman of the judges, said: “We have such an exciting grand finalists line up this year, offering an impressive range of first class, diverse businesses from across the county.

“The competition was really tough this year and the 30 grand finalists, 19 from West Sussex, six from East Sussex and five from Brighton, should feel immensely proud of making it through to this final stage in the competition. Sussex’s reputation continues to grow and is now considered one of the leading regions in the UK for producing superb food and drink.”

AWARDS

Sussex Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by Southern Co-op

Bookham Harrison Farms, Rudgwick

Just Brownies, Shipley

Lighthouse Bakery & School, Robertsbridge

The Raw Chocolate Company, Henfield

The Real Pie Company, Crawley

Sussex Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Natural PR with support from The Pass at South Lodge Hotel

Brighton Gin, Brighton and Hove

Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling Common,

Wobblegate, Bolney

Sussex Food Shop of the Year, sponsored by Wealden District Council

Plaw Hatch Farm Shop, Sharpthorne

Rushfields Farm Shop, Poynings

The Sussex Produce Company, Steyning,

Sussex Butcher of the Year, co-sponsored by RP Meats Wholesale Ltd

Archers of Westfield, Westfield

Garlic Wood Butchery, Steyning

New Street Butchers and Deli, Horsham

Sussex Farmers Market of the Year, sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery

Chichester Farmers Market

Shoreham Farmers Market

Steyning Farmers Market

Sussex Eating Experience of the Year, sponsored by Blakes Foods

64 Degrees, Brighton and Hove

The Artisan Bakehouse, Ashurst

The Parsons Table, Arundel

Sussex Newcomer of the Year, co-sponsored by Kreston Reeves and Sussex Food and Drink Network

etch., Brighton and Hove

The Parsons Table, Arundel

Greyhound Brewery, West Chiltington

Young Sussex Farmer of the Year, Plumpton College in association with Farmers Weekly

Christopher Appleton, Arlington

Luke Spalding, Ditchling Common

Jack Stilwell, Forestside

Sussex Street Food of the Year, sponsored by Horsham Time Well Spent with support from Food Rocks and super chefs Steven Edwards and Ian Swainson

Garlic Wood Farm, Steyning

Jah Jyot, Southwater

Pig and Jacket, Lewes

Sussex Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Sodexo Prestige with support from super chef Matt Gillan

George Boarer from etch., Brighton

Michael Notman-Watt from 64 Degrees, Brighton

Michael Sutherland, The Star Inn, Alfriston

For more information about the awards and banquet ticket sales go to: sussexfoodawards.biz