When the Norfolk magazine Food & Drink Awards launched for 2024, we asked you to nominate your Norfolk food and drink favourites – and you rose to the occasion.
Now our team of expert and sponsor judges has finished its deliberations and we can reveal the finalists.
The 2024 Norfolk Food & Drink Awards are brought to you by Norfolk magazine in association with the Eastern Daily Press. We would like to thank all of our category sponsors, who make the awards possible: Benedicts, Caistor Hall, Castlemeadow Care, Hotel School at City College Norwich, Jarrolds, Motorvogue DS Store Norwich, Newman Refrigeration and The Gin Trap Inn.
We would like to thank our sponsor judges, and also our expert judges who have worked to select our finalists: Alex Clare, Alex Larter, Celia Holt, Colin Kiddell, Eric Snaith, James Ramm, Justin Unsworth, Lucy Cousins, Nick De’Ath, Oliver Trezise, Samantha Mattocks, Sarah Savage, Stacia Briggs, Zena Leech-Calton and Veronique Ananou.
The winners will be revealed at the 2024 Norfolk Food & Drink Awards night at Caistor Hall Hotel near Norwich on Monday, September 16.
Guests will enjoy a delicious meal, with beer by Woodforde’s and wine supplied by our drinks partner Booker and Makro.
Following dinner, there will be a short comedy set by local comedian Martin Westgate,
who will also host the awards ceremony. Each guest will leave with a bag full of Norfolk produce.
This is a great opportunity for Norfolk food and drink businesses to put their products in front of 250 influential figures in Norfolk’s food and drink scene, so get in touch via the website norfolkfada.co.uk if you’re a producer who is interested in getting involved.
Without further ado, here are the finalists...
FIELD TO FORK
Sponsored by Hotel School at City College Norwich
Barsham Brewery, West Barham
The sea air and unique micro-climate help to produce some of the finest malting barley at Barsham Brewery.
Its famous Maris Otter Barley is malted five miles away at Crisp Maltings, before returning to be blended with pure water from the site’s own bore hole and hops from around the world.
Mrs Temples Cheese, Wighton
Mrs Temple’s Cheese is an iconic Norfolk brand and the producer of Norfolk’s only blue cheese, Binham Blue.
As an authentic farmhouse producer, Mrs Temple’s adheres to national quality standards, prioritising the environment, staff and animal wellbeing and a quality product that is served in restaurants and retail across the region and beyond.
Old Hall Farm, Woodton
Comprising a farm shop, butchery, restaurant, deli and dairy, Old Hall Farm prides itself on quality, nutritious produce at sensible prices.
The farm sells its produce direct over the whole of the UK via its website as well as supplying a number of delis, shops and even Michelin starred restaurants.
The Kings Head Inn, Brooke
The Kings Head Inn prides itself on offering farm to fork food, with its fresh, homegrown ingredients sourced just nine miles away.
The chefs utilise the fresh meat and vegetables to create dishes that are not only visually stunning, but also packed with nutrients and flavours. They are also committed to sustainability.
BEST COFFEE SHOP/CAFÉ
Danomeys’, Norwich
Danomeys’ is a casual café and deli which pays homage to ethnic and street food culture from London and around the world, with unique hot and cold snacks.
In the recently introduced deli, customers can buy cheeses, meats, Brick Lane Beigels, antipasti and retail items from local and national suppliers.
Heydon Village Tea Room, Heydon
A quintessential English tea room, this café offers a range of nostalgic dishes featuring ingredients from Norfolk suppliers wherever possible.
The traditional afternoon teas are renowned for their variety and intricacy, featuring cakes, scones and teacakes all baked in house. It also offers light lunch options and Norfolk-produced wine, beer and cider.
Lime Kiln Kitchen, Kilverston
Lime Kiln Kitchen is a dog-friendly coffee house and eatery in Thetford Garden Centre, inspired by travels near and afar.
The kitchen serves fresh, lovingly made food and a range of drinks. It also prides itself on exceptional service, receiving great reviews and a number of awards since its launch.
Salhouse Farmshop & Café (Black Barn Farm), Salhouse
Salhouse Farm Shop & Café strives to provide excellent food at fair prices with second to none customer service.
Customers can enjoy breakfast, light bites and lunch, made using as much local produce as possible, or browse the on-site farm shop and pop-up shops.
The barn also hosts a monthly farmer’s market.
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Benedicts
L’Hexagone Bistro Français, Norwich
L’Hexagone Bistro Français serves simple French food in a relaxed bistro setting.
The restaurant comprises an open kitchen and eight covers downstairs and an upstairs dining room with a further 18 covers, and aims to create a warm, friendly atmosphere where people can relax and enjoy great French fare.
Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall, Caistor St Edmunds
Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall was established in 2023 and has already earned a spot in the Michelin guide.
The Georgian country house, with contemporary interiors and a manicured lawn and terrace, provides a stunning backdrop for diners, who can enjoy a three-, six- or eight-course tasting menu which changes with the seasons.
The Last, Norwich
The Last is a newer restaurant which aims to bring another option into the relaxed fine dining market in Norwich and Norfolk. Its has strong ambition in all areas, from food to service.
It serves lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, as well as hosting special events and celebrations, and has already earned a plethora of five-star reviews and accolades from customers.
The Steam Packet, Norwich
The Steam Packet is a traditional pub and restaurant serving four rotating cask ales and six keg lines, plus a regularly evolving wine list.
The food offering includes European cuisine with a strong British influence, using food sourced locally from farms and vegetable growers around Norfolk. The pub also hosts quiz nights and drink and tap takeovers.
FOOD AND DRINK RETAILER
Sponsored by Newman Refrigeration
Algy’s Farm Shop, Bintree
Algy's Farm Shop is part of a family-run farm which has been in operation since the 1930s.
The shop sells a range of seasonal, homegrown produce including asparagus, pumpkins, cauliflower, cabbages, broccoli and kales, plus other products sourced as locally as possible.
Daily deliveries of bread, meat, fish and milk are also available throughout the year.
Church Farm Shop, Hethersett
Church Farm Shop is an independent and family-owned/run farm shop in a former
grain store on a working farm, meaning it can stock the freshest produce alongside a wide range of local products and homemade cakes.
The site’s homegrown asparagus is also supplied to garden centres, restaurants and wholesalers.
The Norfolk Delicatessen, Hunstanton
The Norfolk Deli's shelves are brimming with a selection of locally sourced delights, ranging from artisan cheeses, charcuterie, jams and chutneys to Norfolk-made beers, wines, ciders and spirits.
Alongside the shop is a café which offers award-winning sandwiches, sausage rolls, quiches, cakes and salads, all made in-house.
The deli also hosted The West Norfolk Seasonal Food & Drink Festival in 2024.
Willow Tree Delicatessen, Wroxham
Nestled among the independent shops at Wroxham Barns, Willow Tree Delicatessen stocks a carefully curated selection of charcuterie, cheeses, antipasti, ciders, beers, wines, spirits and fine foods centred around local producers.
Each customer receives personalised service from owner Martin Dupée, with each product telling a story of quality and craftsmanship inspired by Martin’s background in tourism and love of the county.
BEST NEWCOMER
BUN X, Norwich
A small, independent business operating out of Micawbers Tavern, Bun X is a burger
joint with a focus on ‘proper’ hospitality.
Fun food served in a relaxed atmosphere is the focus, and the menu is created using only the best local producers and suppliers. The team is made up of people who genuinely love their craft.
Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall, Caistor St Edmunds
Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall offers diners a choice of a three-, six- or eight-course tasting menu which changes with the seasons.
The dining room is inspired by the Hall’s Roman surroundings and the beautiful gardens.
Even the logo features the River Tas, which flows through Caistor St Edmunds.
The Grain Kitchen, Roudham
The Grain Kitchen is focused on providing fresh, local and seasonal food in a relaxed environment.
The family-friendly eatery believes that food should be fun, and champions fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.
It also offers spaces for events, and has recently rolled out monthly evening events, including wine tastings and calligraphy workshops.
The Steam Packet, Norwich
The Steam Packet is a Grade II listed pub which dates back to 1836.
Taken over and refurbished by Ellen Grove and Jacob Emerson in 2022, the pub serves local ales, cider, wine and craft beer, while the first-floor restaurant creates the feel of a European bistro with British-inspired, seasonal dishes.
FRONT OF HOUSE EXPERIENCE
Sponsored by Caistor Hall
Bishop’s Dining Room & Wine Bar, Norwich
Bishop’s Dining Room & Wine Bar offers a unique dining experience characterised by warmth and culinary excellence.
Dishes aim to exceed expectations, bursting with flavour and creativity and leaving a lasting impression.
The restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence has earned it the prestigious AA Rosette award.
SugarBeat Eating House, Swainsthorpe
Diners at SugarBeat Eating House are encouraged to sit back, relax, and let the friendly team do the rest.
With an eclectic mix of old-school favourite dishes and modern classics, together with weekly seasonal specials, SugarBeat’s menu includes its famous breakfasts, wholesome and tasty lunches and dinner for occasions big and small.
Titchwell Manor Hotel
Titchwell Manor Hotel’s restaurant holds three AA rosettes for its food. It is run by chef-owner Eric Snaith and his creative and collaborative team.
The restaurant is open to all diners, whether hotel guests or regular passing patrons, and focuses on modern British food. Every dish and the ingredients used are carefully considered.
Wells Crab House Seafood Restaurant
A small, intimate restaurant with a relaxed and welcoming ethos, Wells Crab House is home to an enthusiastic team that cooks and serves creative dishes using local and seasonal seafood.
The dishes are often a fusion of the chefs’ travels and experiences and the talented front of house team enhances the meals with their knowledge.
PUB/BAR OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by The Gin Trap Inn
The Carpenters Arms, Wells-next-the-Sea
The Carpenters Arms turns fantastic local produce into delicious dishes which can be enjoyed in the pub’s beautiful beer garden in the summer months, or the cosy interior, with a double-sided wood burner.
Since being taken over in 2019, the pub has gone from strength to strength and is busy throughout the year.
The Fox at Lyng
The Fox is a charming, family-run pub which believes in the importance of community and the value of local produce.
Whether visiting for a casual pint, a family meal, or a special occasion, The Fox’s staff are dedicated to delivering a memorable experience, serving a variety of dishes crafted from local ingredients wherever possible.
The Gamekeeper, Old Buckenham
The Gamekeeper is a landmark pub which embraces the local area and its broad customer base, with a diverse and ever-changing range of local ales, interesting wines and uncomplicated British food, enlivened with a modern European twist.
The menu includes the pub’s homegrown herbs and vegetables and champions heritage cooking techniques.
The Kings Head, Letheringsett
A Georgian Inn with four boutique bedrooms, The Kings Head houses a beautiful bar and a one-rosette restaurant which champions Norfolk produce. Its large suntrap garden is also serviced by its own garden bar and kitchen.
The pub plays a huge part in the village community, putting on monthly quiz nights, events and supporting local charities.
CHEF OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Motorvogue DS Store Norwich
Thomas Aubrit – L’Hexagone Bistro, Norwich
Thomas Aubrit specialises in simple French food in a relaxed bistro setting.
He trained at La Rochelle in France for four years before moving to the UK in 2017 and opening L’Hexagone in 2020.
He takes pride in cooking with love using the freshest local ingredients, and credits his mother and her cooking as his inspiration.
Mortimer Fraser – The Last, Norwich
To say that Mortimer Fraser was born into the trade is not an exaggeration – coming from a family of hospitality veterans and cooking from an early age.
He has worked at and trained at some of the best restaurants in Norfolk and London and has now taken on the head chef position at The Last in Norwich.
Mark Poynton – Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall, Caistor St Edmund
Mark Poynton started out in catering as a waiter, then a chef.
He spent eight-and-a-half years at Midsummer House, helping to earn and maintain two Michelin stars before taking his first solo roll at Alimentum, where he earned a Michelin star.
Mark’s classic French cooking style is often described as delicate and feminine.
Barry Wood – Bishop’s Dining Room & Wine Bar, Norwich
Barry Wood started his career at the age of 16 as a kitchen porter at the Norwich Mercure Hotel and has worked in various restaurants since then, including The Maid’s Head Hotel, Prime at The Edith Cavell and Benedict’s.
After being offered the opportunity to run the kitchen at Bishop’s, he led the restaurant to achieve a two-AA Rosette Award in 2024.
BEST NORFOLK PRODUCER
Sponsored by Jarrolds
Barsham Brewery, West Barsham
Barsham Brewery has been making award-winning beers on the Norfolk coast since 2012.
Its famous Maris Otter Barley, used as the base malt for the beers, is malted five miles away at Crisp Maltings, and then blended with pure water from the site’s own bore hole and hops from around the world to create a a true Norfolk product.
Chet Valley Vineyard, Bergh Apton
First planted in 2010, Chet Valley Vineyard now boasts 20 acres of vines and a state-of-the-art winery producing 29,000 bottles of wine each year.
The vineyard utilises sustainable growth methods, and grapes are pressed, bottled and labelled on site. It has won multiple awards for its prowess in winemaking.
Mrs Temples Cheese, Wighton
Producer of Norfolk’s only blue cheese, Binham Blue, Mrs Temples Cheese is an authentic farmhouse producer with a strong reputation in the county and beyond.
The business supplies restaurants and retail outlets nationwide, and prides itself on its green strategy, and staff and animal wellbeing, in the creation of its quality products.
Old Hall Farm, Woodton
Old Hall Farm is a farm shop, butchery, restaurant, deli and dairy which aims to provide quality, nutrient-rich produce at sensible prices.
It has achieved a three-star Great Taste Award for its butter and one-star awards for its yoghurt and ghee. It also produces soya-free pork, eggs and 100pc pasture-fed beef.
FOOD/ DRINK EXPERIENCE
Sponsored by Castlemeadow Care
Love Norwich Food & Drink Walking Tours
Love Norwich Food & Drink celebrates the fine food offering in the city via five different guided walking tours.
Run by foodie and chef Zena Leech-Calton, the business also offers tours for corporate groups, hen parties, bespoke tours for between two and four people and group tours for up to 12.
Rocky Bottoms, West Runton
Rocky Bottoms in West Runton was launched in 2015 by local fishing family, The Matthews. The business delivers local shellfish from pot to plate in a laid-back environment.
Richard Matthews catches crabs and lobsters in his faithful Anna-Gail fishing boat, before boiling them while wife Alison prepares the produce.
The Maids Head Hotel, Norwich
An 800-year-old, AA four-star silver award-winning hotel, the Maids Head Hotel boasts 84 contemporary bedrooms, six event spaces and a two AA rosette WinePress restaurant. It also hosts weddings and events.
Both a la carte and tasting menus are produced seasonally, while the bar champions local vineyards, distilleries and breweries.
Yalm, Norwich
Yalm is a two-storey multivendor food hall which was launched in 2022 after a full refurbishment.
The food hall’s eight kitchens and three bars curate some of the county’s’ finest chefs and street food vendors under one roof. Customers can order on their phones from multiple kitchens in one transaction.
STREET FOOD VENDOR
The Bodega, Norwich
The Bodega is a New York-style sandwich shop known for its substantial sandwiches filled with fresh local ingredients.
This summer, the business is taking part in approximately 18 pop-ups, events and festivals, with a view to attend an event every weekend from spring to the end of summer across next year.
The Chocolate Bar Baker, Norwich
A chocoholic’s haven, The Chocolate Bar Baker originally started making handmade cakes before diversifying to create chocolate bars in the four years since launch.
The family business toured the country while serving desserts from a street food trailer before settling in its permanent location. It became a limited company last year.
The Durban Grill
The Durban Grill is a mobile South African street food van catering for events, weddings, private functions and more.
It specialises in traditional Zulu and South African recipes including the use of exotic meats such as ostrich, buffalo and crocodile. It uses local suppliers for some ingredients and regularly attends pop-ups across the county.
Yellow Door Eats, Hethersett
Established in 2020 during lockdown, Yellow Door Eats is a family-run wood-fired pizza catering company which is passionate about supporting the community.
Every pizza is made from Yellow Door Eats’ own 48-hour proofed dough. Fresh, quality local ingredients provide the toppings, and the business has even recently started growing its own herbs and vegetables to use.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The winner of this award will be announced at the awards ceremony on Monday, September 16 at Caistor Hall Hotel.
Visit norfolkfada.co.uk for more details on the Norfolk Food & Drink Awards 2024.
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