REVEALED: First finalists in prestigious Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2026/27
The first load of finalists in the prestigious Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2026/27 have been revealed.
This year’s entries for College Student, Artisan Local Product, Artisan Vegetarian/Vegan Product, and Artisan Local Drink showcase emerging talent, creativity and craftsmanship that continue to define the county’s innovative food and drink scene.
18 have risen to the top and secured their place in the spotlight as they compete for gold, silver and bronze at the ceremony in October.
The artisan label highlights products made in small batches, often by hand or using traditional methods, and this year’s entries reflect an exciting new wave of talent.
Awards director Rachel Mallows MBE DL said: “This year’s artisan entries demonstrate remarkable innovation. The originality and quality on display made judging both exciting and exceptionally challenging. We couldn’t limit ourselves to the usual five finalists per category.”
Tom Heygate, director at Heygates Flour and Animal Feed Millers, added that he and his team are “excited and proud” to once again support the awards in 2026.
“As a local and family owned farming, milling and baking business, it is fantastic to celebrate success with other like-minded, talented food and drink companies from across our county,” he said.
Take a look at the finalists for the artisan categories…
Artisan Local Product of the Year, sponsored by Heygates Flour and Animal Feed Millers
GG’s Homemade Sourdough – GG’s Local Cheese & Jalapeno Organic Bloomer
Northampton Charcuterie Company Ltd – Northamptonshire Wild Venison Sausage Royale
Queen & Co (Made by the Beekeeper) – Mead Vinegar
JJ Cakes – Artisan Handcrafted Fruit Shaped Desserts
Your Cool – Scone & Jam Ice Cream
Choccies by Sara – The Blackcurrant & Cassis
Artisan Local Drink of the Year, sponsored by Warner’s Distillery
Braybrooke Beer Co – Braybrooke Keller Lager
Merry Tom – Merry Tom Wine
New Lodge Vineyard – Pinky Boots
Queen & Co (Made by the Beekeeper) – Mead
Towcester Mill Brewery – Black Fire
Wharf Distillery – Caramel Latte Rum Liqueur
Artisan Local Vegetarian/Vegan Product of the Year, sponsored by Segro
Millie’s Bakery Ltd – Rustic Sourdough
The Northampton Cheese Company Ltd – Little Howie
GG’s Homemade Sourdough – Olive & Homegrown Rosemary Bloomer
Bakeworks Co – Cinnamon Roll
Your Cool – Dairy-free Dark Chocolate ‘Ice Cream’ With a Hint of Rum
Choccies by Sara – Brown Butter Salted Caramel
The Food and Drink College Student competition has also seen an increase in interest, with young people demonstrating exceptional creativity, skill and professionalism in hospitality and culinary arts.
Entries showed originality, technical ability and composure under pressure. While the hospitality sector continues to face challenges, judges noted strong optimism for the future, driven by a new generation of skilled professionals. Here are the finalists…
Food and Drink College Student
Leyli Khatiri, Tresham College
Maddie Lindsay, Tresham College
Sophia Hills, Moulton College
Sophie Kelly, Northampton College
Kaiden McCreath, Northampton College
The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards shine a spotlight on local culinary excellence by recognising and celebrating the county’s brilliant people, places and producers.
The remaining category finalists are soon to be announced and the results of the competition will be revealed at the Royal & Derngate on October 15 during the annual celebration, supported once again by Portfolio Events.