The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards is a true celebration of what the county has to offer – and the fifteenth annual ceremony was no exception.
Hundreds gathered at the Royal & Derngate on Wednesday evening (November 1) and the spirit was high from start to finish.
After scooping the top spot in their award categories, the gold winners took the time to speak to this newspaper.
Here is what they all had to say moments after learning of their newest prestigious accolades – and it is fair to say everyone was more than pleased.
9. One to Watch – Restaurant Ember
“This award is a new one we’ve not entered before, so super humbled and lucky to be picked as someone that could potentially represent the county going forward for things we’ve done,” said chef and owner James Peck. “It’s a testament to the team. The hard work never stops but it’s a nice night to get the team together to reflect on the work that goes into what we do. It shows you work hard and things pay off. It’s a good motivator at a time when hospitality is a bit rough. There’s too much to dwell on in the negative space, so getting dressed up, feeling good for a night, forgetting about the landscape and celebrating all the hard work.” Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
10. One to Watch – Santina’s Woodfired Pizza Co.
Oliver Nesbitt, joined by Rhys Davies-Barrass, said: “We are flabbergasted, we cannot believe it. I’m on cloud nine. Starting from humble origins on my mum and dad’s driveway in 2020 after losing my job, to now have a restaurant in town called Pala and our mobile set up with Santina’s. We run two or three events every night. It’s all thanks to people like Rhys and the team, and of course my mum Santina who is there to stay. In that room alone, the amount of positivity and the people that are doing good things for the county – employing over 60,000 people is a massive achievement for the county and for the town. We should all be really proud of what we’re doing.” Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
11. F&B Achiever of the Year – Joe Buckley, The Tollemache Arms
Following his first award win of the night, Joe shared: “It’s incredible. To win F&B Achiever of the Year is something I’ve looked up to for a long time – I’ve seen some industry legends win it. It’s amazing to win.” Joe has grown up working in the hospitality industry across the county since he was 16 and spoke of the “industry legends” in attendance at the awards. He said: “There’s some incredible people there that I’ve looked up to for a long time.” Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
12. F&B Achiever of the Year – Eddie and James White, Whites of Earls Barton
Eddie, joined by his brother James, said: “It’s absolutely amazing. Never really done any awards, and to be selected and win the gold award, we’re really proud that we’ve got to this point. It hasn’t been an easy ride along the way but with the support of our staff, family and good customers – that’s what’s got us through. There’s some absolutely outstanding people out there tonight and some of the others that were in our category, I’m surprised they didn’t beat us. We got what we did because of all our hard work.” Photo: Kirsty Edmonds