You have been nominating your favourite food and drink heroes for weeks, and now the bit we’ve all been waiting for has arrived - it’s time to reveal your finalists.

We will be sharing the three finalists in each category of the Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards online this week, starting with Chef of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Street Food/Pop-up of the Year.

Tomorrow we will be announcing the finalists for Hotel of the Year, Food Bank of the Year, Food Producer of the Year, Food and Drink Hero and Beverage Producer of the Year, so make sure you check back to see if your nominations made the top three.

You can also find the shortlists for Restaurant of the Year, Pub/Bar of the Year and Tearoom/Coffee Shop of the Year and discover even more great places to eat and drink across the county.

CHEF OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by kff, judged by Mark Prior of kff

Andy Holden at The Cave Hotel and Golf Resort, Faversham

“The food he produces for the restaurants at The Cave is incredible. I recently organised an event there and Andy was the chef in charge. He gave a presentation about the food, where it’s purchased from, how it’s used and he was passionate about what he creates.”

Patrick Hill at Thackeray’s, Tunbridge Wells

“An amazing head chef with a long-standing history of working at Thackeray's, continually developing new and exciting menus and helping young chefs to develop their skills. Thoroughly deserving of this award!”

Ben Beatty at Ben’s Kitchen, Tonbridge

“No one can cook BBQ’d meats like Ben! Although that’s not the only trick up his sleeve, Ben has a wide and varied skillset in any kitchen environment. He is a master in creating bespoke fine dining experiences and Michelin-style dishes.”

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by NFU Mutual Ashford Tenterden and Whitfield, judged by Richard Phillips

Ela Kendro, Gillingham

“Amazing authentic Greek food with staff who go above and beyond to make sure the needs of the customer are met.”

Kebbells, Broadstairs

“Such a great atmosphere. Out-of-this-world food and flavours. Such great, friendly staff. Cannot find anywhere even remotely like it.”

Rosemont, Folkestone

“Excellent food, excellent service, lovely staff, great atmosphere and when we went for dinner we felt like we were on holiday.”

STREET FOOD/POP-UP OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Halpern Charitable Foundation, judged by Richard Phillips

Barritos, Iwade

“Delicious home-cooked food where a takeaway doesn’t need to be unhealthy. It’s all about flavour with these guys and they’re well worth a nomination!”

Bun Buddies, Ashford

“The most glorious burgers and loaded fries you have ever seen! Constantly innovating new burger ideas and run by the loveliest group of friends.”

Mumma Soraya, Medway

“Absolutely lovely lady who cooks amazing food with passion! Come rain, snow or shine, she has the most amazing food to warm the cockles of your heart and belly.”

We will continue to announce each category's three finalists this week, so keep an eye out to see if your foodie favourite is in with a chance of winning at the first Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards.