Residents’ favourite food and drink businesses were honoured at the St Albans and Harpenden Food and Drink Awards 2014 held on Monday 6 October.
The awards ceremony at St Michael’s Manor marked the end of the two-week St Albans and Harpenden Food and Drink Festival. They are organised by St Albans City and District Council with the support of a steering group of advisors.
Earlier this year the public was invited to vote for their favourite food and drink businesses. The winners of the public vote were announced at the awards ceremony and are:
- Best Bar – Mokoko Cocktail Bar
- Best Independent Food or Drink Shop – Buongiorno Italia
- Best Café – The Pudding Stop
- Best Newcomer – The Pudding Stop
- Best Local Producer – Redbournbury Watermill and Bakery
- Best Local Restaurant – Lussmanns Fish & Grill
- Best Pub – The Verulam Arms
- Best Takeaway – Godfrey’s Fish and Chips
- Most Family Friendly Venue – Inn on the Park.
Two further awards were presented on the night.
Chris Evans from Hatch received the Kate D’Arcy Award for Exceptional Customer Service. This award was given in memory of Kate D’Arcy, a much-admired local restaurateur who died in June 2010.
An award for Food and Drink Champion of the Year was also presented to Johnny Shepherd from The Pudding Stop. The steering group selected Johnny from among the other award winners.