TV presenter Chris Bavin said it was more important than ever for people in the hospitality industry to come together at events such as the Cumbria Food Awards.

Speaking at the fifth annual independent event, held at Kendal College, the awards host said he understood how tough it is for food and drink businesses at the moment.

Supporting one another could make a real difference, he said.

“Coming together and finding the time to be among your peers is so important, I think arguably it’s more important now than it has ever been. 

“Small artisan or independent family food businesses are the absolute lifeblood of this country and I think we should be celebrating them.”

He highlighted the importance of the event for marketing opportunities and congratulating the finalists, he added: “It’s fantastic to win but just by being here tonight, in this wonderful county, is amazing.”

Kendal College principal Jason Turton had spoken earlier in the night about the value of the visitor economy to Cumbria and how important it is for the college to continue to offer excellent hospitality training.

Paying tribute to the high standards in the industry, he said: “It’s exactly why the people in this room deserve the awards and the recognition you’re going to receive tonight.”

He praised the hard work put in by the college’s hospitality students, who prepared, cooked and served canapés and a street food style meal for 165 awards finalists, sponsors, judges and special guests.

Guests were welcomed to the college with a drinks and canapés reception followed by the street food style dinner, including short rib teriyaki, halloumi sliders, duck spring rolls and orange and white chocolate churros.

Co-organiser Harry Atkinson said: “We have loved planning and putting on the 2026 Cumbria Food Awards.

“Congratulations to all our finalists and winners, who have shown such talent and skill in what they do.

“We would like to thank our headline sponsor Caterite and all our sponsors and friends for their support.

“We couldn’t do it without them.”

Established to recognise and reward excellence in the hospitality industry, the independent Cumbria Food Awards, held in association with Caterite, are judged by a panel of 15 industry experts.

Host Chris Bavin announced the winners in 13 competitive categories, plus three special awards.

Long-standing family pub business and award-winning brewery were recognised with the evening’s top award.

Ian Bradley, the brewer behind the successful Coniston Brewing Co and his mum, Susan Bradley, were presented with the trophy for The Dave Myers Cumbrian Food and Drink Heroes, in recognition of their 50 years at the Black Bull Inn and Hotel in Coniston.

Their brewery is the only one in the county to have won the CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain, which they achieved for Bluebird Bitter in 1998.

In 2012, they repeated the feat with No9 Barley Wine.

The award for Acclaimed Restaurant of the Year was presented to two winners, after the pair had scored identical points and were the recipients of the very first joint award to be presented by the Cumbria Food Awards.

Unable to separate Simon Rogan’s three Michelin-starred L’Enclume in Cartmel and the Michelin-starred Forest Side at Grasmere, the pair were jointly crowned.

The Café of the Year award went to Harry’s at Yew Tree Barn in Low Newton and the Crown and Thistle at Rockcliffe, near Carlisle, was named the Pub, Bar or Taproom of the Year.

The new, special Growing Strong Award, sponsored by Associate Sponsor The Cumberland, was won by Eden Yard, from Plumpton near Penrith.

Organised by Michaela Robinson-Tate and Harry Atkinson, with Simon Rogan as the event’s patron.

Headline sponsor Caterite and Grapevine providing the ingredients for the awards dinner and drinks served during the evening.

Booths provide the ingredients for the canapés.

The awards brochure, printed materials and trophies are kindly supplied by sponsor Reeds, linen is by Shortridge and Linthwaite House near Windermere, part of the Leeu Collection, provided host’s accommodation.

See www.cumbriafoodawards.co.uk for more information.

Cumbria Food Awards 2026 Winners

Specialist Retailer of the Year Sponsored by Hawkshead Relish

Lovingly Artisan, Kendal 

Food Producer of the Year Sponsored by Booths

Mr Vikki’s, Penrith

Drinks Producer of the Year Sponsored by Grapevine

Witherslack Orchards, near Grange-over-Sands

Pub, Bar or Taproom of the Year Sponsored by Herdwick Cottages

Crown and Thistle, Rockcliffe, near Carlisle

Service of the Year Sponsored by Academy by Simon Rogan

Joel Pennington, The Cottage in the Wood, near Keswick

New Business of the Year Sponsored by Thomson Hayton Winkley

The Secret Table, Underscar, near Keswick

Sustainable Business of the Year Sponsored by Reeds

Lovingly Artisan, Kendal and Burneside

Café of the Year Sponsored by Cumbria Crack

Harry’s, Yew Tree Barn, Low Newton

Takeaway or Street Food Trader of the Year Sponsored by Plain Creative

Peace & Loaf Sourdough Pizza, Barrow-in-Furness

Casual Dining Venue of the Year Sponsored by Enterprise Answers

Bar eS Tapas, Keswick

Contemporary Restaurant of the Year Sponsored by Lamont Pridmore

The Schelly, Ambleside

Chef of the Year Sponsored by Westmorland Farmshop

Jack Bond, The Cottage in the Wood

Joint Acclaimed Restaurant of the Year Sponsored by More? The Artisan Bakery

Forest Side, Grasmere AND L’Enclume, Cartmel

Special Awards 

Growing Strong Award Sponsored by The Cumberland

Eden Yard 

The Rising Star Sponsored by Kendal College

Victoria Lawson

The Dave Myers Cumbrian Food and Drink Heroes Sponsored by Caterite

Ian Bradley and Susan Bradley