A celebration of the best of Coventry and Warwickshire’s food and drink scene is at the heart of a new awards program designed to support businesses as they re-emerge from lockdown.
The first Foodie Awards 2021, in partnership with Visit Coventry, lists among its guest judges Birmingham-born Michelin star chef Glyn Purnell and chef-turned-restaurateur Andreas Antona, founder of The Cross in Kenilworth.
Click here to read more about the judges. Entries are open now ahead of a finalists’ night on January 25th at the city’s new Telegraph Hotel – and a ceremony in May.
Judges and public votes will decide on winners in several categories that focus on quality, service and innovation with an emphasis on farm to fork, including best artisan food and drink producers, farm shop, independent food and drink retailer, newcomer, street food trader and chef or cook of the year.
Three further special awards will also recognise the extraordinary efforts of businesses and individuals throughout the coronavirus pandemic – including the COVID-19 Resilience Award sponsored by Visit Coventry and The Godiva Award, sponsored by Coventry BID. The Foodie Awards will also be raising money for The Trussell Trust network of eight foodbanks in Coventry and Warwickshire.
The next category under the spotlight on is Best Café/Coffee Shop
This award is for a café or coffee shop that serves great coffee with a high level of service, but also goes the extra mile to demonstrate excellence, becoming more of a community hub than just a food and drink pitstop.
The quality of food and drink on offer will be taken into account, as well as all the added extras that help a place win people’s hearts as well as their taste buds.
Foodies co-organiser Amanda Chalmers, of Chalmers News PR, said: “Everyone has their favourite coffee shop and it’s an essential part of any shopping trip. Who hasn’t put the world to rights over a Flat White or a Cappuccino?
“In these days of fluid working, they have, for many, also become an extension to our work space. So a friendly environment which serves up great food and drink on the go, is the mainstay of every high street – and we have desperately missed them during lockdown.
“This award will recognise those we’ve realised we can least live without in these times, those who offer excellent standards as well as a personal touch and a home from home.”
Closing date for entries is December 31st. For a full list of categories plus information on how to enter or become a sponsor, visit https://foodieawards.co.uk
