The finalists for the Taste of Kent Awards 2018 have been announced – including four Thanet businesses.

The quartet have been rated in the top three in their category and now enter the final stages, hoping to be crowned winners.

Gadds No.3, a Ramsgate Brewery ale, is up for the Kent Beer of the Year award while Margate’s The Buoy & Oyster is a finalist in the Kent Restaurant of the Year category.

Meanwhile, the Chai Shop in Minster and Bessie’s Tea Parlour go head to head, hoping to win Kent Food Producer of the Year.

Stephanie Durling, of Produced in Kent, said: “The people of Kent have chosen the flavours, products, produce and venues they have enjoyed the most over the last 12 months.

“For the winners, these awards are the ultimate accolade from their customers and confirmation of their food and drink excellence.

“We are delighted to see some new names this year, including The Buoy & Oyster.

“We are also delighted to see some previous winners return to the list of finalists, including Chai Stop.

“It is a fantastic achievement to have been shortlisted from such stiff competition.”
The public voted for their favourite business and the three finalists in each category will now go forward to be judged by independent mystery shoppers, mystery dinners or expert judging panels.

Victoria Symons of awards sponsors Cripps said: “A nomination to the Taste of Kent awards shortlist is a huge achievement, indicative of the real passion consumers in the region have for top-quality food and drink.

“The nominees should feel rightly proud of the proverbial pat on the back they have received, and with so many outstanding entries we look forward to the big event with excitement.”

The winners will be announced on Thursday, March 8, in a ceremony at the Kent Events Centre in Maidstone.