The winners of this year’s Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards have been recognised for their incredible achievements in a fabulous awards ceremony.

The winners across 11 categories were announced at the Chilston Park Hotel, near Maidstone, and celebrated for their contributions to the county’s buzzing hospitality industry.

Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and winners, and thank you to our readers for sending in hundreds of nominations and helping us shine a spotlight on some of Kent’s top food and drink heroes.

You can find the full list of this year’s winners below, along with some of our readers’ comments to tell us exactly why they deserved to win the award…

BEVERAGE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Kreston Reeves

CHAPEL DOWN, Tenterden

This award-winning winemaker has made an exceptional contribution to its industry, pioneering English sparkling wine and elevating the reputation of English wines globally. Chapel Down is perhaps best known for having its sparkling wine served at the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Buckingham Palace wedding reception, but it has also expanded its range to include still wines, spirits and beers.

“Chapel Down have a range that is unrivalled and a passion at the heart of what they do which makes simply delicious wines and fizz.”

“Fantastic products including award-winning English wines. Great tours and tastings are available too. Showcasing Kent at its best.”

CHEF OF THE YEAR Sponsored by kff

WILL SHENOW-BRADY OF THE DOVE AT DARGATE, near Faversham

Celebrated chef Will Shenow-Brady has been running the kitchen at the Dove at Dartgate since 2018. Will is the heartbeat of this village pub, creating new menus and forming partnerships with local growers, fishermen and meat suppliers. He brings more than a decade of experience working in the UK’s fine-dining restaurant industry.

“Absolutely incredible chef, always going above and beyond in creating new dishes and being inclusive regardless of allergies.”

“Will is an incredible chef. His presentation is superb and the combination of flavours is excellent. It is a joy to see the menu each time you visit.”

FARM SHOP OR DELI OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Clive Emson

MACKNADE, Faversham

Macknade’s food hall offers a great variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan bread and bakes, homemade cakes, flavoursome sauces and beer and cider from independent breweries and producers. The on-site cafe serves tasty hot food, while the outdoor street food village comes to life in the summer months with pop-up stalls, live music and family activities.

“Consistently high-quality products across the store. Knowledgeable and helpful staff. Great events throughout the year. My go-to shop for special occasions and treats.”

“Have had many a nice lunch there and lots of unique ingredients can be found in the shop.”

FOOD & DRINK HERO Sponsored by Bargain Warehouse

MARK ELLINOR OF ELLINOR’S ICE CREAM, Rainham

Mark Ellinor runs Ellinor’s Ice Cream and has been working at the family business for more than 20 years. He is a great supporter of the local community and always goes above and beyond to help others and local charities. The company uses top-quality ingredients to serve delicious ice cream at schools, community events and private functions.

“Does lots for the community including road safety colouring books, a dog menu, menus for the visually impaired and children can approach the van with confidence if in need.”

“The best ice creams with the best service, and great community involvement.”

FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Shepherd Neame

BEARS ICE CREAM IMAGINARIUM, Whitstable

Since opening in 2016, this creative ice cream parlour has been full of innovative flavours and toppings so each visit feels like a new experience. There are more than 40 different toppings to choose from, as well as a selection of Jersey milk-based ice creams. The company has also recently announced it is expanding with a wholesale range.

“Their ideas are so creative, and every flavour feels like something completely new and special. They always use great ingredients and clearly put so much care into everything they make. Their ice cream doesn’t just taste amazing - it’s an experience!”

“Bears is an awesome place serving some of the best ice cream in the country.”

HOSPITALITY CHAMPION Sponsored by Lipscomb Cars

CHRIS PEACH OF THE SPITFIRE, Kings Hill

Chris Peach has been behind the bar at The Spitfire for eight years and has become a well-known figure in the local community. He takes a hands-on approach to running The Spitfire, putting on quiz nights, live bands and family events, and his bubbly personality ensures his team and punters always have a smile on their faces.

“Such a welcoming pub suitable for all the family. The food is amazing and the varied events are always super entertaining. The staff are all super friendly and Chris is always eager to please.”

“The Spitfire is one of the places I love to visit. The staff are so welcoming and nothing is too much trouble, and the food is amazing, especially their roast dinners on a Sunday.”

HOTEL OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Jumeira

PORT LYMPNE HOTEL, Hythe

The winner of Hotel of the Year offers much more than beautiful accommodation and great service. The hotel is set within the grounds of Port Lympne, a stunning 600-acre wildlife park, and is surrounded by elegant gardens and its own restaurant. There are far-reaching views of the unique Kentish savannah with hundreds of rare and endangered animals.

“This is such a unique setting, with fabulous room designs and wall art; sumptuous bedding; and amazing views across the channel with glimpses of France. Exciting noises and sights of rare animals. Completely lost track of time here.”

“Love this place, have been going for years. Always great service and the accommodation is amazing - so many different places to stay.”

PUB OF THE YEAR Sponsored by One Maidstone

TAP 17, Headcorn

This small but mighty micropub is bursting with charm and hospitality. There’s a fantastic beer garden out the back, craft beer and real ale on offer and friendly faces behind the bar. There’s also regular live entertainment and a great selection of wines, ciders and spirits, topped off with excellent service and a picturesque village setting.

“Lovely micro bar which serves tasty tapas and great craft beer. An added extra is the amazing staff and owners!”

“Brilliant little village pub with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Never had a bad experience and been there many-a-time.”

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR Sponsored by East Kent Colleges Group

THE IVY, Canterbury

Despite only opening at the end of October, Canterbury’s new The Ivy restaurant has become a firm favourite in the city and has taken the coveted Restaurant of the Year award. Its grand opening had eager diners queuing around the block and, since then, the stylish eatery has got rave reviews for its contemporary decor, buzzing atmosphere and classic fine-dining dishes.

“A menu to suit many tastes, delicious tantalising plate after plate of food served with exceptional service in vibrant but decadent decor.”

“Excellent food and service. Great to have a top-class restaurant in Canterbury instead of going to London.”

STREET FOOD / POP-UP OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Clive Emson

BUN BUDDIES, Headcorn

Friends Harry, Jack and Abi have now won this category for the second year in a row with their pop-up burger joint. The group, who own Bun Buddies, are known for serving mouth-watering food, including chilli cheeseburgers, crispy fried chicken burgers and dirty fries, from their mobile truck. It’s been a huge year for the team as they also opened their permanent restaurant, Wings Bar at Headcorn Aerodrome.

“Year after year their food continues to improve. Down-to-earth local lads who started the business for fun and now arguably make the best food in Kent!”

“Had these guys for a corporate event we put on in the summer. Super professional and amazing-tasting food, couldn’t have asked for better!”

TEAROOM / COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Lumina Energy

HAMILTON AIRFIELD TEAROOM, Bilsington

This coffee shop is a new start-up located in the beautiful Kent countryside, overlooking the airstrip. It’s become a popular spot with cyclists, walkers and aviation enthusiasts, and also welcomes four-legged friends into the cafe. The menu is varied, offering everything from cream teas and artisan coffee to full English breakfasts and sandwiches.

“It is a charming new cafe and since the opening they have done so well and worked very hard. They really deserve to win and I love them so much.”

“We’ve had several great experiences at the Hamilton Airfield Tearoom. The food is cordon bleu standard and the cappuccino is better than the Italian inventors - and that’s saying something as I’m an Italian!”