The Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards are back and ready to celebrate a brand new collection of the county’s best chefs, landlords, bakers, baristas and more.

This year’s nominations are open so, if you’ve got an unsung food and drink hero in your area that we need to know about, you can nominate here.

Last year, these awards gave Kent and Medway’s buzzing hospitality industry a chance to shine with some fantastic winners.

The Queen’s Head in Sutton Valence was named Pub of the Year last year. The village boozer hosts live music and quiz nights, has a large garden for the summer and offers local beers and a menu of cosy pub grub.

Ben Beatty of Ben’s Kitchen in Tonbridge scooped Chef of the Year for his spicy sauces, meaty marinades and flavoured oils, while seafood restaurant Kebbells, overlooking Viking Bay in Broadstairs, won Restaurant of the Year.

The awards also gave a shout-out to street-food pop-ups, cafes and tearooms, hotels, farm shops, drink producers and more. You can find the full list of winners and finalists here.

If you think you know a person or place that tops last year’s list of award-winners, make sure you get your nominations in here before 5pm on Thursday, January 9 2025.

If you send us your nominations, you will be automatically entered into our prize draw for a £150 champagne dinner at The Ivy in Canterbury or Tunbridge Wells.

Don’t worry if you’ve already sent in your nominations – all entries since the launch of the awards up until Monday, December 1 will be automatically entered into the prize draw.