FLAVOURS OF HERRIOT COUNTRY AWARDS ANNOUNCED

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WINNING FLAVOURS

All foodies great and small attended a celebratory lunch ceremony to hear the eagerly anticipated results of this year’s inaugural Flavours of Herriot Country Awards, held at Thirsk Racecourse on Thursday 17 November.

Welcome to Yorkshire and The Herriot Country Tourism Group supported the awards, previously known as the Flavours of Hambleton Awards, which are designed to celebrate food and drink businesses throughout Hambleton and Richmondshire. A record-number of local businesses from all areas of the food, drink and hospitality industry put themselves forward this year for scrutiny by a panel of some of Yorkshire’s top food experts.

Hosted by BBC Radio York presenter, Jules Bellerby, the awards were split in to 13 categories, including Breakfast of the Year, Village Shop of the Year, Outstanding Achievement of the Year and the coveted Readers’ Choice award. Winners were presented their award by each category sponsor (full list of winners below).

Having kindly lent their support to the awards, Jim Wight and Rosie Page, the son and daughter of the late Alf Wight (famous James Herriot) also attended. Both Rosie and Jim continue to support the World of James Herriot tourist attraction as well as raising money for charity. Jim said: “We’re delighted to attend the awards and would like to congratulate all those who were shortlisted as well as the winners.

“The Herriot name forms an important part of the county and dad’s love of food is well documented. He would have been very proud and happy that his name is now associated with these prestigious awards” continued Jim.

Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said: “It was a terrific event, showcasing the very best in food and drink businesses across Hambleton and Richmondshire, all of which play a vital part in attracting visitors into our county.

“Around 120 businesses entered the awards and there were 13 winners. It was a tough decision for judges as the standards were high, in-keeping with the reputation of the Herriot Country: one of Yorkshire’s iconic brands. Many congratulations to all the winners.”