A YOUNG chef revealed the secret of his success after being named Sussex Young Chef of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony.

Michael Sutherland, who works at The Star Inn, Alfriston, was one of the top winners at the Sussex Food and Drink Awards after impressing judges including Great British Menu finalist Matt Gillan.

Michael was a runner-up last year but went one better this time with his imaginative menu, which included mackerel, loin of venison and poached peaches.

He told the packed audience at the American Express Community Stadium: “I put it down to passion, passion for what I do, That’s what makes it so good.”

The annual awards highlight the county’s top food and drink producers.

They are run by the Natural Partnerships Community Interest Company, co-directed by Hilary Knight of the Sussex Food and Drink Network and Paula Seager, managing director of Natural PR Ltd.

The independent chairman of judges is Sussex farmer and Nuffield scholar William Goodwin.

Celebrity Olympian Sally Gunnell, OBE DL, said: “This is my fifth year as patron for the awards which are all about supporting and boosting local farmers, food and drink producers and the outlets which use and sell superb local fare.

“Starting from small beginnings, the awards have grown to become prestigious and respected, attracting huge support from business in the county, bringing together the whole local food and farming community.

“It’s an outstanding achievement.”

Paula Seager said this year’s line up was impressive.

She said: “This event is all about celebrating our Sussex food and drink heroes and we know the future is bright for all of them.

“Several new sponsors and supporters have come on board this year alongside our loyal, longstanding partners and we want to thank them all for sharing a vital role in making these awards such a great success.”

Guests also had the opportunity to enter a prize draw with the chance of winning a Sussex VIP Foodie Tour, donated by several of the finalists and partners at the awards ceremony.

The winning package included complimentary meals at The Set, The Earl of March and The Fountain restaurants; a wine tasting tour of Ridgeview Wine Estate; and a Magnum of Nyetimber.

It also included a flight on British Airways i360 for two people with a glass of sparkling wine at the Nyetimber Sky Bar on board and a year’s supply of pies from The Real Pie Company.

Winners and Runners up for 2017

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

Winner: The Real Pie Company, Crawley 

Runners up: Noble and Stace Chocolatiers, Midhurst and Ouse Valley Foods, Piltdown

Sussex Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Rix & Kay Solicitors

Winner: Nyetimber, West Chiltington

Runners up: Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling Common and Wobblegate, Bolney 

Sussex Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Sodexo Prestige

Winner: Michael Sutherland, The Star Inn, Alfriston 

Runners up: Rachel Burroughs, Camelia Restaurant, South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding and Anna Shopland, The Fountain Inn, Plumpton Green 

Sussex Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Natural PR in association with Farmers Weekly

Winner: Andrew and Joanne Knowles, Trenchmore Farm, Cowfold

Runners up: Jeremy Davis and Lynne Curtis, Lynne’s Organic Farm, Eridge, and Camilla and Roly Puzey, Saddlescombe Farm, Poynings

Sussex Butcher of the Year, co-sponsored by Plumpton College & RP Meats Wholesaler Ltd

Winner: A C Coughtrey Butchers, Pulborough 

Runners up: Glyn Thomas & Son Ltd, Lindfield and Nick the Butcher, Hartfield

Sussex Farmers Market of the Year, sponsored by Harveys of Lewes

Winner: Shoreham Farmers Market 

Runners up: Forest Row Village Market and Lewes Food Market, Market Tower (weekly)

Sussex Eating Experience of the Year, sponsored by SuperFast Thermapen®

Winner: The Earl of March, Lavant

Runners up: The Crown, Hastings, and The Sussex Ox, Polegate

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

Winner: Cowdray Farm Shop, Midhurst

Runners up: Eggs to Apples, Hurst Green and Tablehurst Farm Limited, Forest Row

Sussex Street Food Vendor of the Year, co-sponsored by Food Rocks and Horsham District Food and Drink Festival

Winner: Jah Jyot, Southwater

Runners up: Garlic Wood Farm, Steyning and Pig and Jacket, Lewes 

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

Winner: The Bluebird Tea Co Shop, Brighton

Runners up: The Artisan Bakehouse, Ashurst and The Set Restaurant, Brighton