THE Press can reveal the finalists in our inaugural Food and Drink Awards which are celebrating the best of York and North Yorkshire’s vibrant hospitality and food scene.
Scores of nominations have poured in for the awards which were launched this year and have the backing of headline sponsor Fera Science.
Judges have chosen a shortlist for each of the ten categories spanning cafés, restaurants, producers and community projects, highlighting both established names and exciting new ventures.
Fera Science is the headline sponsor.
(Image: The Press)
These awards, which also include an honour for ‘Outstanding Contribution’, are the first of their kind for the area, covering the breadth of the sector and showcasing the exceptional talent, flavour and creativity within this thriving culinary community.
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In the Coffee Shop/Café category, which aims to recognise the café that delivers exceptional offerings, warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere, finalists include Pot Still Coffee Shop at Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery in Hunmanby, Cedarbarn Café in Pickering, and Florian Poirot in York and Malton. Florian Poirot is also shortlisted for Food Retailer alongside Love Cheese and Brew York Brewery.
Rachel and Adam Chambers from Little Blondie Bakehouse which has been shortlisted in the Independent Bakery/Patisserie category.
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Since opening boutiques in York and Malton, Florian Poirot has earned a strong reputation for its premium macarons, seasonal pâtisserie and strong customer experience. It combines French technique with Yorkshire produce, supports the high street, and invests in training. Its plans for growth include wholesale gifting, e-commerce expansion and recruitment, while maintaining quality despite the challenge of rising costs.
The New Opening of the Year was a hotly-contested category, as it recognises an outstanding new venue that has made a significant impact with its concept, quality, and buzz since launch.
The shortlist includes Black Wheat Club in Fossgate, which has become a standout York independent, blending bakery and restaurant into one concept. Since 2025 it has built a loyal following, earned national recognition, and champions seasonal, sustainable food, warm hospitality, and strong community and supplier relationships.
Other shortlisted New Opening contenders are Salt Pig Sandwiches, also on Fossgate, renowned for its freshly-baked focaccia-style sandwiches with premium fillings, along with Fifth Flavour, a sustainable, locally-sourced food trailer in Acomb that focuses on seasonal produce, foraged and home-grown ingredients. Now in its second year, the venture offers gluten-free, vegetarian and meat options, alongside community foraging events, cooking demos and education on food origins.
Celebrating a pub or bar that shines through exceptional drinks, service, atmosphere, and community spirit, the Pub/Bar of the Year finalists are Brew York Taproom & Beer Hall, Hooting Owl and The Drovers Arms.
Freerange Kitchen is a finalist in The Press Food and Drink Awards.
(Image: Jacob Mayled)
York Gin Distillery, Free Range Kitchen - Feast by Fire and Yorkshire Appetite Food Tour are recognised as finalists for Specialist Venue or Event which seeks to celebrate a niche venue or event that offers a unique, memorable food or drink experience.
Producer or Grower finalists are Yorkshire Heart Vineyard, Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil and Soanes Poultry. This award honours food and drink producers or growers who craft outstanding products with passion, quality, and innovation at their core.
The Farm Shop/Deli award aims to recognise those that showcase local produce, artisan goods, and exceptional customer service. The shortlist features York deli Love Cheese, which is known for its artisan cheeses, drinks and locally sourced-produce; Cedarbarn Farm Shop, and Whole Hogg Farm Shop, while top Restaurant of the Year contenders are Fish & Forest, Pig & Potato and York Minster Refectory for delivering exceptional food, service, atmosphere, and originality across the board.
In the Independent Bakery/Patisserie category, judges struggled to whittle their choice of finalists down to three, instead naming their favourite four as Little Blondie Bakehouse, V’s Artisan Kitchen, Little Arras and Bar Hashery Bakery.
The Real Junk Food Project is a finalist in The Press Food and Drink Awards.
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Finally, judges singled out Kitchen For Everyone, Hoping Street Kitchen and Planet Food: The Real Junk Food Project as finalists for the Community Food & Drink Project. This recognises initiatives, businesses or individuals that make a significant positive impact on the local area through food or drink, improving sustainability, reducing food poverty or social engagement, or by using food or drink to improve inclusion and accessibility in the community.
Winners, and the Outstanding Contribution Award, will be announced at a ceremony which will take place from 7pm on Monday, October 5 in Station Hall at the National Railway Museum.
Hoping Street Kitchen is a finalist in The Press Food and Drink Awards.
(Image: Submitted)
Nigel Barden will host The Press Food and Drink Awards ceremony at the National Railway Museum.
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The ceremony will be hosted by the renowned food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden whose experience, passion and expertise in the food and drink industry, makes him the perfect compère for our inaugural awards.
He said: “I’m delighted to be hosting The Press Food and Drinks Awards in October at the National Railway Museum. Having worked as a Yorkshire-based wine merchant, I was fully aware of the diverse and vibrant eating out scene in York and I am delighted to say that it has become even more exciting over recent years.
“This includes a busy café culture, pubs offering quality food and a restaurant scene to suit all price points, feeding both hungry students and diners in search of Michelin rated cuisine. I look forward to the awards ceremony to discover who’ll be carrying off the accolades - they’ll need to be good!”
THE PRESS FOOD AND DRINKS AWARDS FINALISTSCoffee Shop/ Café of the Year
Pot Still Coffee Shop at Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery
Cedarbarn Café
Florian Poirot
Food Retailer of the Year
Florian Poirot
Love Cheese
Brew York Brewery
New Opening of the Year
Black Wheat Club
Salt Pig Sandwiches
Fifth Flavour
Pub/ Bar of the Year
Brew York Taproom & Beer Hall
Hooting Owl
The Drovers Arms
Specialist Venue or Event
York Gin Distillery
Free Range Kitchen-Feast by Fire
Yorkshire Appetite Food Tour
Producer or Grower
Yorkshire Heart Vineyard
Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil
Soanes Poultry
Farm Shop/ Deli
Love Cheese
Cedarbarn Farm Shop
Whole Hogg Farm Shop
Restaurant of the Year
Fish & Forest
Pig & Potato
York Minster Refectory
Independent Bakery/ Patisserie
Little Blondie Bakehouse
V’sArtisan Kitchen
Little Arras
Bar Hashery Bakery
Community Food & Drink Project
Kitchen For Everyone
Hoping Street Kitchen
Planet Food The Real Junk Food Project
Outstanding Contribution Award
To be announced on the night