It’s time to get your taste buds tingling! The finalists have been announced for the highly anticipated Norfolk & Suffolk Magazine Food & Drink Awards 2026, celebrating the very best of the region’s culinary talent, producers and innovators.
Following our 2026 submission period, where people were invited to nominate their food and drink favourites alongside entries from businesses, we saw an overwhelming number of submissions across both counties.
An expert panel of judges, including industry professionals and award sponsors, completed the judging process and selected the finalists across a range of categories.
The awards, hosted by Norfolk & Suffolk Magazine in association with the Eastern Daily Press and East Anglian Daily Times, shine a spotlight on the individuals and businesses that make Norfolk and Suffolk standout regions for food and drink in the UK.
Thank you to our valued sponsors, whose support makes the awards possible.
In particular our headline sponsor Alliance East Anglia and awards supporter Bread Hospitality, which has been an incredible ambassador for the awards and supporter of the food and drink sector.
Special thanks also go to our expert judges, who worked alongside our sponsor judges, dedicating their time and insight to the awards process.
The expert judges are:
- Anton Wimmer, The Kings Head Bawburgh
- Colin Kiddell, Proudly Norfolk Food and Drink
- Brendan Padfield, The Unruly Pig
- Day Harvey, Day One Training
- Rebecca Shepherd, Paddy & Scott’s
- Samantha Mattocks, author and MasterChef contestant
- Sarah Savage, Essence Foods
- Ben Hopkins-Lefevre, founder of Hopkins-Lefevre Marketing and co-founder of Naked Wines
- Charlie Hodson, chef and patron of Hospitality Action
- Pete Brown, author, writer and hospitality consultant
- Stacia Briggs, The Assembly House
- Veronique Ananou, The Hotel School at City College Norwich.
The winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at The Assembly House in Norwich on Monday, September 14, 2026.
The winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award, who will be selected by an expert panel, will also be announced at this event.
Guests will start the evening with a glass of fizz, then enjoy local wine and grazing boards during a relaxed social evening with people from across the sector.
The awards will be hosted by David Whiteley of ITV News Anglia. Every guest will also enjoy a curated gift bag full of Norfolk and Suffolk goodies.
With more than 150 influential guests expected to attend, the event offers an outstanding platform for local producers to showcase their products to key figures in the regional food and drink industry.
Businesses interested in getting involved and supplying products for the goody bags, please contact us at norfolksuffolkfada.co.uk
The Norfolk & Suffolk Magazine Food & Drink Awards are a powerful celebration of East Anglia’s thriving food and drink sector, highlighting the people and businesses who help shape its reputation nationally and beyond.
The Finalists
Food/Drink Vendor of the Year
Savannah Smoke Grill, Stowmarket
Savannah Smoke Grill is a fast-growing street food business specialising in freshly prepared, charcoal-grilled barbeque dishes with an authentic Caribbean influence.
Founded by Trinidad and Tobago native Tevin Clarke, it has quickly built a strong following through festivals, markets and charity events, earning recognition for its quality food, passion and vibrant hospitality.
The Thai Saxmundham
The Thai Saxmundham is an exciting food business championing authentic Thai flavours, created by husband-and-wife team Robbie and Priyakorn White.
Since opening in 2025, its unapologetically traditional dishes, vibrant street food-style lunches and flavour-packed takeaways have earned it a reputation for bringing a genuine taste of Thailand to every customer.
Christophe’s Crepes, Norwich
Christophe’s is a family-run food business that has grown from a small Norwich food truck into two thriving city-centre locations.
Founded by Chris Smith, who was inspired by his grandmother’s love of crêpes, the business has spent 15 years perfecting its craft, and has earned a loyal following for quality, authenticity and a genuine family ethos.
Pub/Bar of the Year
The Bildeston Crown
The Crown is a characterful country pub renowned for its estate-to-plate ethos.
Using homegrown produce from the Nedging Hall Estate alongside the finest local ingredients, the restaurant showcases seasonal, flavour-led menus crafted by talented chefs, alongside warm, personal hospitality and charming accommodation.
The Wine Cellar BSE, Bury St Edmunds
The Wine Cellar BSE is an independent wine merchant and wine bar dedicated to making quality wine accessible and enjoyable.
Through carefully curated wines, expert guidance and engaging tasting experiences, it has built a loyal following.
Its welcoming approach, community focus and passion for discovery have made it a respected destination for wine lovers and newcomers alike.
The Dabbling Duck, Great Massingham
The Dabbling Duck is a thriving village pub that has been at the heart of its community for nearly 20 years.
It offers up great food, comfortable rooms and genuine hospitality, and is known for its welcoming atmosphere and popular events appealing to residents and visitors alike.
It also has strong partnerships with other local businesses.
Best Product/Producer
Candi’s Cupboard, Reepham
Candi’s Cupboard is an award winning, family-run business based in rural Norfolk.
Known for handcrafting small-batch chutney, sauces and relishes, the brand relies on Candi Robertson’s culinary background to elevate condiments by focusing on bold flavours, created with solely seasonally sourced, British-grown produce.
Fen Farm Dairy, Bungay
Fen Farm Dairy is a pioneering family-run dairy business dedicated to producing exceptional dairy products while caring for the land, animals and community.
The business comprises a working farm, award-winning food production, farm shops and an online subscription service.
It is renowned for crafting premium products by hand, using milk from its own herd.
Sunday Charcuterie, Oulton Broad
Sunday Charcuterie is an artisan producer crafting traditional charcuterie entirely by hand using high-welfare East Anglian pork.
Inspired by the heritage of Italian salumi, it combines simple ingredients, traditional techniques and meticulous craftsmanship to create products that celebrate provenance and the exceptional flavour of quality British pork.
Chef of the Year
Jordan Caswell, The Ingham Swan
Jordan Caswell is a talented Suffolk chef who has steadily risen through some of the region’s most respected kitchens.
From his apprenticeship training to leading the kitchen at The Ingham Swan as head chef, he has built a reputation for technical skill, consistency and a thoughtful approach to modern British cooking.
Barry Wood, Bishop’s Dining Room
Barry Wood is an accomplished Norwich chef whose career has spanned leading hotels, award-winning restaurants and respected fine dining kitchens.
Rising from kitchen porter to head chef, he has earned industry recognition, including multiple AA rosettes, and a reputation for strong leadership.
Barry is now preparing to launch The Bishops Hill Kitchen, bringing a long-held ambition of restaurant ownership to life.
Harvey Thompson, Source Bistro
Harvey Thompson is an ambitious chef-owner whose career has included some of East Anglia’s most respected kitchens, including Morston Hall and Tuddenham Mill.
Progressing from commis chef to senior sous chef, Harvey had become known for his leadership and technical skill before launching Source Bistro in Bungay in 2024, bringing his experience and passion to his own restaurant.
Best Coffee Shop/Café
The Farmhouse Kitchen, Wheatacre (near Beccles)
The Farmhouse Kitchen & Pantry is an award-winning field-to-fork café located at Wheatacre Hall Farm on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.
Set within a restored stable block, it champions seasonal produce from the farm and local suppliers.
Alongside its café, pantry and luxury accommodation, it offers visitors an authentic countryside experience rooted in quality, hospitality and local food.
The Grain Kitchen, Roudham
The Grain Kitchen is a restaurant and café located at The English Distillery in rural Norfolk, serving freshly prepared food in a welcoming countryside setting.
Open seven days a week, it has built a strong reputation for quality, hospitality and community engagement, offering memorable dining experiences for locals, visitors and tourists alike through its café, events and seasonal experiences.
The Old Store, Snettisham
This independent café group has grown from a small coffee shop into a thriving business comprising three cafés and a central bakery.
Renowned for its sourdough, craft pastries and creative brunch menus, it continues to evolve through expansion and innovation.
Its newest location at Fring Estate combines a fresh food concept with a curated pantry of local and speciality produce, while staying true to its family business values.
Best Newcomer
Blossom Restaurant, Norwich
Blossom Restaurant is one of Norwich’s most exciting new dining destinations, founded by chef-owners Fabio Miani and Mortimer Fraser.
Since opening in late 2025, it has quickly become known for refined seasonal menus, attentive hospitality and an intimate dining experience, bringing a fresh and ambitious addition to the city’s food scene.
Michael's Bistro, Holt
Michael’s Bistro is an independent family-run restaurant that combines globally inspired cuisine with warm, personal hospitality.
Led by owner Charlotte Taylor, head chef Michael Carr and general manager Brandon Taylor, it has earned a following through its imaginative seasonal menus and relaxed atmosphere, complemented by a friendly team.
Flour, Wells-next-the-Sea
Flour is one of North Norfolk’s standout hospitality newcomers, quickly building a strong following since opening its doors two years ago.
The business specialises in authentic Neapolitan pizza and freshly prepared street food, pairing traditional techniques with warm, efficient service. Its quality, consistency and welcoming atmosphere keeps customers returning.
Restaurant of the Year
Source Bistro, Bungay
Source is a neighbourhood restaurant with community at its heart, championing bold, flavour-led cooking rooted in classic techniques.
Blending refined yet approachable food with a thoughtfully curated wine list of European hidden gems, Source delivers warm hospitality and relaxed dining that balances quality and character.
The Dabbling Duck, Great Massingham
The Dabbling Duck is an award-winning restaurant with rooms that has spent two decades championing exceptional Norfolk produce.
Led by head chef Dale Smith, its menus celebrate seasonality and farm-to-fork principles.
It pairs refined cooking, including expertly butchered local meats and innovative seasonal specials, with a relaxed atmosphere for a memorable experience.
Brix & Bones, Norwich
Brix & Bones delivers a distinctive dining experience led by chef George Wood, showcasing bold, globally inspired flavours cooked over fire.
With a focus on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, house-made ferments and carefully crafted drinks, the restaurant’s focus on creativity, provenance and attention to detail have made it stand out.
Front of House Experience
1921 Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds
1921 Angel Hill is one of only two restaurants in Suffolk with three AA rosettes. It aims to provide exceptional fine dining and warm, intuitive hospitality.
The front-of-house team specialises in creating personalised experiences, carefully tailoring service to each guest, whether they seek a quiet evening or engaging conversation.
Through its popular tasting menu, 1921 guides diners on a relaxed and memorable culinary journey, showcasing creativity and outstanding guest care.
Blossom Restaurant, Norwich
Blossom Restaurant is an independent fine dining destination in the heart of Norwich, founded by chef-owners Fabio Miani and Fraser Mortimer.
Its refined seasonal menus and warm, friendly hospitality, have earned it a reputation, with customers praising its exceptional food, personalised service and intimate setting.
Sofia’s, Hunstanton
Sofia’s is a family-run restaurant in Hunstanton, founded on the principle of ‘hospitality with heart’.
Named after the owner’s granddaughter, it combines exceptional food and wine with warm, personal service.
Since opening in 2025, Sofia’s has earned a reputation for creating memorable experiences, genuine connections and a welcoming atmosphere that brings people together.
For more information on the Norfolk & Suffolk Magazine Food & Drink Awards 2026, please visit norfolksuffolkfada.co.uk
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