Grand Finalists For The Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2021

Here's a list of the Grand Finalists' businesses for the Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2021, which was carried over from 2020.

Organisers are encouraging people to support their local food and drink businesses as coronavirus restrictions begin to ease.

The winners will be revealed and receive their trophies on April 28.

Despite not being able to have the usual ceremony, organisers plan to hold an outdoor party in July.

William Goodwin, chairman of the judges said:

“All our Grand Finalists’ businesses have survived the covid pandemic, despite the incredible challenges they have all faced over the past year. They have been very patient and we can’t wait to announce the winners.”

“We are all disappointed not to be able to join together for our usual spectacular awards banquet, as restrictions still mean we won’t be able to, but we plan to celebrate together at an outdoor summer party in July.”

The awards received 17,000 public votes from members of the public and there are 30 Grand Finalists, 18 from West Sussex, 11 from East Sussex and one from Brighton & Hove, with categories covering everything from farm to plate.

The Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2021 Grand Finalists are:

Sussex Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by Southern Co-op
Bangers Galore, Horsham, West Sussex
Jengers Craft Bakery, Billingshurst, West Sussex
The Sussex Biltong Co, Balcombe, West Sussex

Sussex Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Natural PR
Bolney Wine Estate, Bolney, West Sussex
Long Man Brewery, Litlington, East Sussex
Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling Common, East Sussex

Sussex Butcher of the Year, sponsored by RP Meats Wholesale Ltd
Cottenhams of Lindfield - Craft Butchers, Lindfield, West Sussex
Nick The Butcher, Hartfield, East Sussex
Tablehurst Farm, Forest Row, East Sussex

Sussex Farmers Market of the Year, sponsored by Harvey's Brewery
Horsham Market (Saturday), West Sussex
Lewes Farmers Market, East Sussex
Shoreham Farmers Market, West Sussex

Sussex Eating Experience of the Year, sponsored by Lloyds Bank Cardnet
Into The Blue, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex
The Cat Inn, West Hoathly, West Sussex
The Fig Tree, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex

Sussex Food Shop of the Year, sponsored by Sussex Food and Drink Network
Jeremy's Two, Cowfold, West Sussex
Rushfields Farm Shop, Poynings, West Sussex
Veasey & Sons Fishmongers, Forest Row, East Sussex

Sussex Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by SRC-Time
Heritage by Matt Gillan, Slaugham, West Sussex
Heritage Wheat, Keymer, West Sussex
Skylark Cafe Restaurant, Eastbourne, East Sussex

Sussex Street Food of the Year, sponsored by Horsham District Foodies supported by Food Rocks
Mann & Moore, Horsham, West Sussex
Pizza Leonati, Ninfield, East Sussex
The BBQ Project, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex

Sussex Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Blakes Foods 
Dan Ibbotson from etch. in Brighton & Hove
Freddie Innes, who was working at Ockenden Manor Hotel, Cuckfield, West Sussex
Thomas Thwaites from Rathfinny Tasting Room, Alfriston, East Sussex

Young Sussex Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Natural Partnerships CIC in association with Farmers Weekly magazine
Conor Haydon, who was working at Goodwood Estate, Chichester, West Sussex
Dan Hird, Lambert Farm, Plumpton, East Sussex
Dan Wells, who was working at Holmbush Farm, Balcombe, West Sussex

William added:

"Over the last decade, Sussex has really earned its place as one of the leading counties in the UK for producing superb food and drink and this year's Grand Finalists line up offers an impressive range of first class, diverse businesses from across the county."