Norfolk Food and Drinks Awards 2017: Glamourous ceremony celebrates the very best our region has to offer

Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2017. Photo: Simon Finlay (Image: Simon Finlay)

Names from the finest in food and drink in the county came together last night in a prestigious award ceremony for the EDP Norfolk Food and Drink Awards in association with East of England Co-op at Norwich Open.

The annual awards celebrate the best of food and drink, from great chefs to fabulous produce, from inspiring work in hotels and cafes to brilliant pubs and restaurants.

Judges had the tough task of choosing 12 winners from the incredibly high standard of finalists, but after a summer of tasting and interviewing the talented nominees, the judges made their decisions.

All the finalists for the Best Restaurant category were chosen by the public and this category received a record-breaking number of votes.

Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2017. Photo: Simon Finlay (Image: Simon Finlay)

Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, provided by Julie Abbs Catering, and the awards were hosted by BBC1 Inside-Out presenter David Whiteley.

Best Family Dining sponsored by Booker and Makro

Winner: The Gardeners Kitchen at Green Pastures

Runner-up: The Cellar House

Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2017. Photo: Simon Finlay (Image: Simon Finlay)

Runner-up: Nick's Diner

Pride of Norfolk sponsored by Norse Catering

Winner: Candi's Chutney – Winner

Runner-up: The Norfolk Brewhouse

Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2017. Photo: Simon Finlay (Image: Simon Finlay)

Runner-up: Walsingham Farms Shop

Best Independent Food and Drink Retailer sponsored by the EDP

Winner: Norwich Market

Runner-up: East Coast Gelato

Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2017. Photo: Simon Finlay (Image: Simon Finlay)

Runner-up: Thornham Deli

Best Afternoon Tea sponsored by Castlemeadow Care

Winner: Heydon Village Tea Room

Runner-up: Blakeys Bus Cafe

Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2017. Minnie Moll from sponsors East of England Co-op. Photo: Simon Finlay (Image: Simon Finlay)

Runner-up: The Assembly House

Best Newcomer sponsored by Zaks

Winner: Figbar

Runner-up: Tofurei

Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2017. Dominic Castle, EDP Norfolk magazine editor. Photo: Simon Finlay (Image: Simon Finlay)

Runner-up: White House Farmshop and Butchery

Outstanding Front of House sponsored by Broadland Wineries

Winner: Benedicts

Runner-up: Brasted's

EDP Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2017 winners. Photo credit Simon Finlay Photography. (Image: Archant)

Runner-up: The Wildebeest

Chef of the Year sponsored by City College Norwich

Winner: Alex Clare - The Ingham Swan

Runner-up: George Dack - Warwick St Social

Runner-up: Jason Wright - The Swan

Best Pub sponsored by Lacons Brewery

Winner: The Brisley Bell

Runner-up: The Boars, Spooner Row

Runner-up: The Cellar House

Best Restaurant sponsored by Gerald Giles

Winner: Tamarind Fine Indian Dining

Runner-up: The Pheasant Hotel & Restaurant

Runner-up: The Wildebeest

Best Coffee/Tea Shop sponsored by EDP Norfolk Magazine

Winner: Thornham Deli

Runner-up: Britons Arms Coffee House and Restaurant

Runner-up: The Sitting Room

Field to Fork sponsored by Easton and Otley College

Winner: Godwick Turkeys

Runner-up: The Fritton Arms

Runner-up: Candi's Chutney

Outstanding Achievement Award sponsored by Hansells Solicitors and Financial Adviser

Aileen and Nick Mobbs