The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards is a true celebration of what the county has to offer – and the fifteenth annual ceremony was no exception.
Hundreds gathered at the Royal & Derngate on Wednesday evening (November 1) and the spirit was high from start to finish.
After scooping the top spot in their award categories, the gold winners took the time to speak to this newspaper.
Here is what they all had to say moments after learning of their newest prestigious accolades – and it is fair to say everyone was more than pleased.
13. Patrons’ Award – Phil Martin, Northampton College
Phil won the second surprise award of the evening and told this newspaper: “I feel honoured and surprised, almost speechless. Took me a second or two to actually discover who they were referring to and I’m absolutely delighted. I love working for the sector. I've worked for it for many, many years and I just love it.” Phil has been the curriculum manager for culinary arts, and travel and tourism at Northampton College for the past eight years – but has worked in the hospitality sector for almost 50 years now. He added: “It’s wonderful year after year. I’ve taught so many people, worked with so many people. It’s not just about me, it’s the staff and my team.” Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
14. Farming Environment Award – JA Knight & Son Ltd
Matthew Knight, joined by John Knight, said: “We were second last year so it’s great to get gold this year. It’s just a process and a journey. We’re always keen on the environment and it works hand-in-hand with farming and creating a decent quality crop. If you work with nature it rewards you with crops you grow.” Talking about everyone gathering for the ceremony, Matthew added: “It’s a great event and it’s really well-supported. It’s a good, diverse range of businesses all working towards food – for it to be from Northampton is even better.” Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
15. Healthy Food and Wellbeing Producer Award – Mango Explosion Granola by Salma Soulful
Salma Shah, founder of Salma Soulful, said: “I’m really shocked, really surprised, I wasn’t expecting it at all. There were some amazing chefs and producers in the category so I was just really happy to be here, with all these talented businesspeople. It feels nice to be recognised and it’s given me a confidence boost to push my product forward.” Mango Explosion Granola is both the customers’ and Salma’s favourite flavour. Though it was only on offer for a limited run, Salma may bring it back over the Christmas period following the award win. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
16. Healthy Food and Wellbeing Workplace Award – Soul Laug Haven
Following their second gold award win of the night, founder Sammuel Yisrael said: “We have to be honest, we weren’t expecting to get one award. To get two golds is absolutely amazing. It recognises the work we’ve done, the people that we help, it’s just amazing.” Natasha Caton added: “It’s not about us, it’s not about recognising Sammuel and Natasha. It’s about recognising all of the team that makes it work. We’re absolutely overwhelmed with excitement, joy, love and most of all gratitude – towards the judges, Rachel and the awards.” Photo: Kirsty Edmonds