Food Drink Devon Awards 2024/2025
Celebrating Culinary Excellence: The Food Drink Devon Awards 2024
On October 7, 2024, the vibrant community of food and drink enthusiasts gathered in anticipation as the Food Drink Devon Awards took place, honouring the outstanding businesses that make Devon a gastronomic haven. These awards are a testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of local producers, retailers, and hospitality establishments. This year’s event was particularly special, showcasing the achievements of several remarkable businesses within Mid Devon, which continued to shine on this prestigious platform.
A Night to Remember
The awards ceremony brought together a diverse group of local businesses, chefs, and food lovers, celebrating the best of Devon’s culinary talent. The evening was filled with excitement, joy, and a shared commitment to sustainability, quality, and community support.
Sustainability Pioneer Awards
Mid Devon’s commitment to the environment was underscored by the Sustainability Pioneer Award awarded to Cottage Beer Project in Morebath, who took home the Gold Award. Their dedication to sustainable brewing practices and community engagement has set a benchmark for others in the industry, making them a deserving recipient of this accolade.
Hospitality Awards
Hospitality in Mid Devon flourished, with multiple establishments receiving well-deserved recognition. Bonne Bouche, Mrs Gill’s, The Bakehouse, The Duck at Yeoford, The Steamer Coffee House & Kitchen, and The Swan all achieved the Gold Award for their exceptional service and culinary offerings. Additionally, Butterleigh Inn and The Hickory Inn were honoured with Silver Awards, showcasing the strength of Mid Devon’s hospitality scene.
Retailer Awards
In the Retailer category, Copplestone Farm Shop stood out as the Best Small Retailer. Their commitment to sourcing local produce and delivering quality products exemplifies the spirit of local commerce and community support that the Food Drink Devon Awards aim to celebrate.
Training School Awards
Training the next generation of culinary talent is vital for the industry’s future, and Devon Cookery School was awarded a Gold Award, recognising its contribution to culinary education and skill development. Their innovative classes and workshops help empower aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts alike.
Producers Award
The heart and soul of Devon’s food scene lies within its producers, and the Producers Award spotlighted some incredible products this year.
- Best Food Product went to Pipers Farm for their exquisite Boneless Rib of Beef.
- The Platinum Awards were dominated by notable products such as Cottage Beer Project’s Panther and Hit For Six and Utopian Brewing’s Utopian Premium Lager, showcasing the depth of quality in local brewing.
Gold awards were presented to many exceptional products, including:
- Beer Factory & Kitchen for their Truffle Mayo
- Granny Gothards for their delightful Gingerbread Ice Cream & Green Apple Sorbet
- Pipers Farm for their Natural Plain Pork Sausages
- Quicke’s Traditional for their Extra Mature Clothbound Cheddar & Goat’s Milk Clothbound Cheese
- Rull Orchard’s Starlight
- Sandford Orchards’ Devon Red & Devon Rosé
In addition, we’ve got lovely mentions with Silver Awards acknowledging the intricate flavours of products like Mrs Gill’s Cakes, Waterhouse Fayre, Quiot at Cross, The Ginger Cat Deli and Wellhayes Vineyard proving the diversity and creativity present in Mid Devon’s food and drink scene.
A Toast to Devon’s Culinary Community
As we reflect on the accomplishments celebrated at the Food Drink Devon Awards 2024, it’s clear that the passion, innovation, and resilience of the Mid Devon businesses continue to elevate the region’s reputation as a culinary destination. Each award represents a commitment to excellence in service, sustainability, and community, ensuring that Devon’s rich food culture thrives for generations to come.
We are also thrilled to share that seven of these businesses received funding support through Mid Devon District Councils’ Shared Prosperity Fund which helped cover the costs of memberships for these businesses to become members of Food Drink Devon. This demonstrates the positive impact this engagement has had on the businesses and the benefits of joining this brilliant network.
Let us continue to support our local businesses and celebrate the incredible talent that exists in our communities. Here’s to another year of delicious experiences and culinary exploits in beautiful Mid Devon!