The excitement and anticipation builds each year for the deserving finalists, who learnt if they were gold, silver, bronze or commended winners at the Royal & Derngate.
Each year these awards shine a spotlight on the county’s culinary excellence, and fly the flag for buying and supporting local.
The annual event epitomises what the food and drink industry is all about. It brings talent from all over the county together, to celebrate each other’s achievements.
Addressing the room at the start of the evening, after the hundreds of attendees took their seats, awards director Rachel Mallows emphasised the importance of celebrating the guests’ successes and resilience – and that Northamptonshire is well and truly on the country’s food and drink map.
Rachel took great pride in sharing that two of our county’s pubs – The Red Lion and The Tollemache Arms – have received national recognition and urged everyone to visit these venues to continue to see them thrive.
Royal & Derngate CEO Jo Gordon and chief people and digital officer Stuart Branch from headline sponsor Weetabix also took to the stage to welcome guests, followed by a performance from local talent Billy Lockett.
Meet the gold winners across the 19 categories at this year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2024/25…
1. Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2024/25
The prestigious award ceremony was hosted at the Royal & Derngate on Thursday evening (October 17). Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
2. Canapé of the Year, sponsored by Portfolio Events
Awarded gold was Oscar Plomer from Tresham College, Corby. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
3. College Student of the Year, sponsored by The University of Northampton
Awarded gold was Chloe Smith from Moulton College, Northampton. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
4. Artisan Local Vegetarian/Vegan Product of the Year category, sponsored by the Daily Bread Cooperative
Awarded gold was the Chilli Shallot & Coriander Jelly by The Jam Queen. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds