THE countdown has begun to the Sussex Food and Drink Awards at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton.
The February 7 banquet is dubbed the “Sussex foodie event of the year” and 400 leaders in the food, drink and farming industry will be there.
Paula Seager, co-director of Natural Partnerships CIC which runs the awards, said: “We made the decision to change the awards banquet to February last year to move away from dry January and it was a sell-out.
“These awards are all about supporting and boosting our wonderful Sussex food and drink producers, farmers, local markets, farm shops, restaurants and pubs and we want to embrace that fully with our guests by continuing the awards banquet in fun February.”
Olympic gold medallist and patron to the awards Sally Gunnell will host the ceremony with Danny Pike of BBC Sussex.
Paula said: “We are so excited about celebrating with our superb grand finalists as they are all heroes in our eyes.
“There are so many hidden treasures on our doorstep and we hope these awards help people to discover them. We want to spread the word and encourage everyone to try something deliciously new and local.”
To book tickets visit www.sussexfoodawards.biz.
2018 grand finalists:
Sussex food producer of the year, sponsored by Southern Co-op
Bookham Harrison Farms, Rudgwick
Just Brownies, Shipley
Lighthouse Bakery and School, Robertsbridge
The Raw Chocolate Company, Henfield
The Real Pie Company, Crawley
Sussex drink producer of the year, sponsored by Natural PR
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
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
Greyhound Brewery, West Chiltington
The Parsons Table, Arundel
Young Sussex farmer of the year, sponsored by Plumpton College 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
Garlic Wood Farm, Steyning
Jah Jyot, Southwater
Pig and Jacket, Lewes
Sussex young chef of the year, sponsored by Sodexo Prestige
George Boarer from etch, Brighton and Hove
Michael Notman-Watt from 64 Degrees, Brighton and Hove
Michael Sutherland, The Star Inn, Alfriston
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