More than 250 people gathered at Open in Norwich yesterday evening for the prestigious EDP Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2016, in association with the East of England Co-op.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2016 Richard Bainbridge.Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2016 Richard Bainbridge.

The event celebrates the very best of Norfolk's food and drink industry, from great chefs and inspiring school food projects, to fabulous produce and brilliant pubs.

Last night judges had the difficult task of choosing 11 winners from an exceptionally high standard of finalists. It followed an intensive summer of tasting, visiting and interviewing the numerous entries into the competition.

Guests from more than 40 businesses within the industry attended the event, where they were treated to a three-course meal, provided by Julie Abbs Catering.

It was hosted by David Whiteley, who presents Inside Out on BBC1, along with Norfolk Magazine editor Angi Kennedy.

She said: 'These wonderful awards showcase the brilliant food and drink that our region has to offer – as well as the stars and experts who are the true champions of this important industry.

'Once again we have seen many new businesses enter the awards, as well as those who have been an inspiration to the food and drink industry for many years.

'This year's nominations have been extremely high in both quality and quantity. We would like to congratulate all of the finalists who have made it through the judging process' The competition saw a record-breaking number of votes this year in the Norfolk's Best Pub and Norfolk's Best Restaurant categories, which were chosen by public vote.

One of the event's most prestigious titles, the Outstanding Achievement Award was won by John Davies.

Sponsored by Hansells Solicitors and Financial Advisers, the award recognises an individual's outstanding contribution to the industry.

• WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP

Norfolk's Best Restaurant (EDP and EDP Norfolk magazine readers' choice, sponsored by Makro and Booker Wholesale)

Winner: Benedicts Restaurant, Norwich

Runner-up: The Cliff Hotel, Gorleston

Runner-up: The Gardeners' Kitchen at Green Pastures, Bergh Apton

Norfolk's Best Pub (EDP and EDP Norfolk magazine readers' choice, sponsored by Makro and Booker Wholesale)

Winner: The Fox at Lyng

Runner-up: The Swan, Loddon

Runner-up: The Banningham Crown

Chef of the Year (sponsored by City College Norwich)

Winner: Marcin Pomierny, of Maids Head Hotel, Norwich

Runner-up: Nathan Rackham, of The Wildebeest, Stoke Holy Cross

Runner-up: Mark Dixon, of Kings Arms, Fleggburgh, and Kindreds Restaurant, Wymondham

Outstanding Front of House (sponsored by Broadland Wineries)

Winner: Brasted's, Framingham Pigot

Runner-up: Benedicts Restaurant, Norwich

Runner-up: The WinePress at Maids Head Hotel, Norwich

New Face of Norfolk Food & Drink (sponsored by Zaks)

Winner: Jamie Gooda of the Assembly House, Norwich

Runner-up: Harry Dawes of Park Farm Hotel, Hethersett

Best Afternoon Tea (sponsored by Castlemeadow Care)

Winner: Strattons Hotel, Swaffham

Runner-up: Biddy's Tea Room, Norwich

Runner-up: Titchwell Manor

Best Independent Food and Drink Retailer (sponsored by EDP Norfolk magazine and the Eastern Daily Press)

Winner: Thornham Deli

Runner-up: Priors of West Lynn

Runner-up: Walsingham Farms Shop, Little Walsingham

Best School Food Project (sponsored by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association)

Winner: White Lion Café, Norwich

Runner-up: Cromer Academy

Runner-up: The Crown Inn and Pulham Primary School, Pulham Market

Made in Norfolk Award (sponsored by Kettle Foods)

Winner: Winbirri Vineyards, Surlingham

Runner-up: Crush Foods, Salle

Runner-up: Booja-Booja, Brooke

Best Family Dining (sponsored by Makro and Booker Wholesale)

Winner: Café Britannia, Norwich

Runner-up: The Globe Inn, Wells

Runner-up: The Pigs, Edgefield

Outstanding Achievement Award (sponsored by Hansells Solicitors and Financial Advisers)

Winner: John Davies