A bakery based near Kendal has been named the North of England regional champion at the Great British Food Awards, winning six awards for its breads and baked goods.
Lovingly Artisan was among a host of Cumbrian food and drink producers recognised in this year’s awards, which celebrate food and drink made across the UK. Entries are judged by leading chefs, critics and industry experts, with products receiving gold, silver or bronze badges according to how they perform against the judging criteria.
Lovingly Artisan takes regional title
Lovingly Artisan won gold awards for its Heritage Rye Flour, Northumberland Rye bread and Wholemeal Barber Wheat Sourdough. Its Marmalade & Ginger Sourdough Bake and Rye Berry sourdough received silver awards, while its Malt Fruit Tea Loaf won bronze.
The six product awards were accompanied by the North of England regional champion title. Catherine Connor, who co-owns Lovingly Artisan Bakery with Aidan Monks, said: “Winning the regional award, alongside three golds, two silvers and a bronze, is one of the highlights of the year. It shows that, across the board, our bakery is producing the goods.
“Aidan and I want to say a huge thank you to every member of the team for their dedication and continued hard work during what has been an epic year.”
Kendal Mint Brew wins gold
The Lake District Tea Co also brought a gold award back to the area for its Kendal Mint Brew. The company, which is based near Ulverston, was recognised on its first time entering the awards.
Mike Sale from The Lake District Tea Co said: ‘’We can’t describe how chuffed we are to win any award. “It’s amazing for a small company like ours, but to win gold on our first time entering is epic. “We’ve had a pretty good year awards-wise, and being able to bring another award back to the Lakes is always a bit special for everyone in the team.”
Other Cumbrian producers recognised
Eden Yard, based in Plumpton near Penrith, won gold in the sustainable category for its Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil and silver in the Store Cupboard Essentials category for its Stoneground Flour.
Co-owner Jannike Taylor said the business had opened its Eden Yard Farmshop, continued working with Lovingly Artisan Bakery to grow heritage grains and expanded its own crops for rapeseed oil and locally milled stoneground bread flours.
“We’ve had a hectic but incredibly rewarding year, which has seen us open our Eden Yard Farmshop, continue working with Lovingly Artisan Bakery to grow heritage grains for them, and grow and harvest our own crops to craft our Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil and our own range of locally milled stoneground bread flours.
“To round off the year, we can now take a little time to celebrate winning our two Great British Food Awards before we get fully immersed in the festive build-up.
“It’s a huge result for our small family business and a wonderful way to round off what has been a very busy and exciting year.”
Ulverston-based Wolftown won bronze for Wolfton’s Damaro, a Lakeland damson aperitif. Founder John McKeown said the drink was created as a Lakeland take on bitter liqueurs from Italy.
“Receiving this recognition makes it feel like that you are on the right path, which is all you really want.”
Netherby Hall Botanical Gin, made in small batches at the estate near Carlisle, also won bronze. Hawkshead Relish collected four awards: silver for its Sun Dried Tomato and Herb Pasta Sauce and Tomato & Chilli Pasta Sauce, and bronze for its Christmas Ketchup and Ultimate Festive Chutney.
The awards were revealed last night, although the full list of winners is not due to be published until later this month. A single grand champion title and regional awards were also among the honours available.