-Business - council awards

Flavours of Hambleton Awards

Food and drink is a key player in the tourism industry - it is well known that having good places to stay, eat and drink leads to more visitors.

Last year tourism brought a massive £121.45 million into Hambleton - with the food and drink industry accounting for £21.29 million of it. And that segment rises year on year.
But it is not all about tourists - it is also important that the district provides top class facilities for our residents. They want good places to eat and drink too - and there is a real hunger for menus offering local dishes.

That's why in 2004 Hambleton District Council set out to strengthen its links with the food and drink sectors and encourage them to use local produce and develop a distinctive local cuisine. To celebrate this, the Flavours of Hambleton awards were established - to recognise excellence throughout this district of North Yorkshire.

Every year the number of nominations has also grown -there were almost 2000 in 2010 for over 100 businesses. As always that gave the judges a very hard task - mystery shopping each venue was a pleasure for them, but led to some soul searching when it came to choosing the winners!

Our 2010 winners were:

Breakfast of the Year - sponsored by the Yorkshire Moors and Coast Tourism Partnership.

breakfast 2010Winners Graham Howard and Peter Holligan with Ian Ashton from the Yorkshire Moors and Coast Tourism Partnership

The judge said 'the winner was an English breakfast in the true meaning of the word -everything was fresh, full of flavour and great value for money'.

 

 

 

food-producer 2010Food Producer of the Year sponsored by 'deliciouslyorkshire'

Jane Chamberlain from deliciouslyorkshire and winner Peter Richardson from River Home Farm

The judge said 'the winner is a business that focuses on seasonal produce, grows varieties for flavour not looks and has seen a 40% growth in business since last year. It has been described as 'inspirational''.

 

pub 2010Pub Food of the Year sponsored by ITV Tyne TeesTelevision

ITV Tyne Tees's Alex Watson, and the New Inn's Cameron Reid

This is a pub that is part of the local community, with a special atmosphere, focuses on local produce and serving excellent fresh local food in a great location

 

outside-caterer 2010Outside Caterer of the Year sponsored by Absolutely Food

Sponsor, Annie Stirk, with Heather Raines

The judge said 'The winner is an outside catering experience with a definite WOW factor, taking it a step above the usual offering. The business lunch was beautifully presented in a unique way'.

 

tearoom 2010Tearoom of the Year
sponsored by Madhatter Tea

Martin Binks from sponsor, Madhatter Tea, and Melanie Whitehead from the Corner Cupboard
The judge said 'The winner is a place that offers a special tea time treat - complete with cake stands and fine bone china - in very pleasant surroundings. Just the place for a catch up with friends whilst enjoying a superb cream tea'.

 

specialist-retailer 2010Specialist Retailer of the Year
sponsored by Dooleys of Easingwold

Daniel Howell and Barry Hutchinson from Roots with Phil Lancaster from sponsors, Dooleys

The winner took the award by the narrowest of margins - 1 point. The product range on offer represents the best from the butchery counter to home made cakes and the fantastic pies. The products are supplied to customers with much thought and passion whilst also respecting the offerings of other local businesses.

newcomer 2010Newcomer of the Year
sponsored by Hambleton District Council

Chris Hill from the Aldwark Arms and Cllr John Fletcher, Chairman of Hambleton District Council.

The award went to a business that serves high quality produce, has great service and has transformed a run down venture into not only a real community asset but one that brings trade into the village too.

pub-restaurant 2010Pub Restaurant of the Year
sponsored by Hambleton District Council

Phil Barker, Pablo and Caroline Bouza Causier and Paul Beaumont from the Bay Tree

All of the restaurants produced high quality food and service. The judges commented: 'Its a first time win for this establishment but it comes from a fine stable and didn't disappoint the panel. The gluten and dairy free meal was divine - especially the hastily prepared fruit salad....!

 

restaurant 2010Restaurant of the Year
sponsored by Hambleton District Council

Chapters Christopher Neal and Sean Wilkinson with Leader of Hambleton District Council Cllr Neville Huxtable

The judge said 'there was no doubt in the judges minds as to who this should be - it sets the standard for fine dining in Hambleton - quality ingredients, beautiful presentation, friendly staff and stylish surroundings'.

villlage-shop 2010Village Shop of the Year
sponsored by The Darlington and Stockton Times

Darlington and Stockton Times Editor, Malcolm Warne, and Will Smith from Tollerton Stores

The winner is a store that stocks a very extensive range of quality products under one roof - including locally produced meat, fresh fruit and veg and a bakery range to die for. Who needs supermarkets with this village shop on your doorstep?

Foods of the World
sponsored by The World of James Herriot

The award was won by Aroma of Northallerton and the judge said 'all the entries in this category came from Indian specialists and all three finalists were of a high standard and distinctive in their own way. But one edged ahead of the others for providing a fresh modern and memorable dining experience surpassing expectations on all levels and making the night special. The judges say they will be back!

outstanding-achievement 2010Outstanding achievement to the food and drink industry
sponsored by Grand Central Railways

Sean Wilkinson and Christopher Neal from Chapters with Steve Sands from sponsor, Grand Central Railway

The judges were unanimous in their decision that is should go to a business that has made a massive contribution to the world of food and drink in Hambleton and is one that should be looked up to by others. The winner has become a regular fixture at this event - Chapters of Stokesley. Sited in Stokesley's market place, the listed hotel goes back some 250 years and its character and charm has been blended into a modern contemporary feel. The restaurant and brasserie has won countless awards with general manager Christopher Neal devoted to giving guests first class service from the moment they walk through the door. Chef Sean Wilkinson sources only the finest ingredients for his ever changing menu - with as many as possible found locally to boost local businesses as well as reducing the carbon footprint. Its aim to promote the local area is followed through with the website and three podcasts. When Steve Bell took over the hotel it had three employees - now there are 30 and 75% of them are local to Stokesley! The hotel sponsors local events and supports local charities - it is truly a business Hambleton is proud to have within its boundaries.

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