(Image: The Press)
A unique woodland dining experience that celebrates the best of Yorkshire produce has been crowned Specialist Venue or Event of the Year.
Free Range Kitchen's Feast by Fire at Woodend Sawmill near Stamford Bridge won the accolade at the first-ever Press Food and Drink Awards, held on Monday, for transforming a once-neglected woodland into a distinctive and memorable hospitality destination.
Free Range Kitchen Feast By Fire won Specialist Venue or Event at The Press Food and Drink Awards 2026.
Created by husband-and-wife team Michael and Lauren Sharp, the venue offers guests the chance to dine beneath the trees while enjoying a five-course menu cooked over open flames and inspired by the landscape around them.
Combining exceptional food with a magical setting, Feast by Fire has established itself as a must-visit experience for food lovers seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Free Range Kitchen Feast By Fire won Specialist Venue or Event at The Press Food and Drink Awards 2026.
Judges were particularly impressed by the passion and attention to detail that underpin every event. Guests are welcomed with fireside drinks and seasonal snacks before settling into comfortable woodland seating complete with blankets, roaring fire pits and carefully considered touches that ensure comfort without losing the connection to nature.
York Racecourse sponsored the Specialist Venue award.
Central to the venue's success is its commitment to local sourcing and sustainability. Ingredients are selected from Yorkshire producers and, where possible, foraged from the surrounding woodland. Menus evolve with the seasons, celebrating ingredients at their very best while supporting a network of local farmers, growers, cheesemakers, bakers and artisans.
One of the dishes served by Free Range Kitchen Feast By Fire.
The award also recognises the remarkable transformation of the site. With the support of family and friends, Michael and Lauren have built kitchens, covered dining areas, a bar and event facilities in the heart of the woods, creating a beautiful venue capable of hosting up to 40 diners.
Along the way, they have helped improve biodiversity across the woodland, encouraging wildlife and restoring habitats.
Fera Science was the awards' headline sponsor.
Following a successful first full year, every experience this season has sold out. The venue has also expanded to host weddings, private celebrations, live music performances and wellness events.
As it continues to grow, Feast by Fire remains rooted in its mission of bringing people together through outstanding food, local produce and unforgettable experiences, making it a worthy winner.
- A special souvenir supplement was published in The Press on Wednesday, October 7, celebrating the awards night and winners. Digital subscribers will be able to view the supplement online.
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