Warwickshire winners galore at the Foodie Awards

This month’s WMB Guest Column by Aaron Corsi sets the scene for why Warwickshire food and drink matters. Also on the menu, here, is a look at the Warwickshire-based winners of Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards 2022 which showcased the region’s best in hospitality. 

In partnership with Visit Warwickshire and Visit Coventry, the Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards 2022, hosted by Fargo Village, brought together more than 50 businesses across 17 food and drink categories which explored quality, service and innovation, with an emphasis on farm to fork.

The finalists were judged by big names in the industry, including Michelin Star chef Paul Foster, who runs Stratford’s Salt restaurant, British Bake-off winner Candice Brown and food and drink broadcaster and champion Nigel Barden. 

The excellence of Warwickshire's Food & Drink offer was fully reflected by its array of winners. These were: 

Food and Drink Experience Award: Enchanted Tea Room, Leamington 

A forest-themed tea room combining the tradition of afternoon tea with live theatre style performance. 

Co-owner Kelly Isles said: “This award was perfect timing for us as we’ve worked so hard to save our business and are absolutely thrilled to win this award.” 

Young Foodie Award: Veg Food Enthusiast, Katie Todd, Henley-in-Arden 

Twenty-five-year-old Katie established this vegan blog in 2020, creating easy plant-based recipes as well as running a street food event called The Veg Weekender. 

Katie said: “I am over the moon to be named Young Foodie of the Year and be recognised alongside so many fantastic people and businesses here in the Midlands.” 

Foodie Start-up Award: St Maur, Alcester 

This handcrafted elderflower liqueur business was established by The Earl and Countess of Yarmouth, William and Kelsey Seymour when they first created a unique drink for their wedding day. 

William said: "We have been aware that there is a vibrant food and drink scene in the heart of England, but The Foodie Awards has really opened our eyes to the diversity, quality, and abundance of what there is to offer in Warwickshire and Coventry." 

Best Casual Dining Establishment Award: Dough and Brew, Warwick 

A multi-award-winning pizza restaurant that marks six years of trading this year. 

Owner John Martin said: “We are delighted and humbled to have won against such great competition."  

International Taste Award: The Cork and Tile, Stratford 

A Social Enterprise training kitchen and restaurant serving up authentic Portuguese cuisine - newly opened this year with the aim of training and retraining people returning to work who may have experienced homelessness. 

Neil Perry, owner, said: “What an incredible honour, we’re so grateful to everyone in Stratford Upon Avon for supporting us and we would like to thank all our partners within the Fred Winter Centre.” 

Farm Shop of the year Award: The Farm, Stratford 

The Farm, located in Snitterfield, champions independent businesses within Warwickshire and neighbouring counties and includes a Cookery School. 

Charlie Wells, Director, said: “It’s such a great feeling to be recognised for all our hard work through these challenging times, and what fantastic farms shop to be alongside. We are thrilled!” 

Artisan Drink Producer Award: Napton Cidery, Napton

The team at this family-run independent cidery harvests, presses, bottles and distributes more than 100,000 litres of craft cider a year using 17 types of apples and perry as well as juices, spirits and vinegars.  

Co-owner Charlotte Olivier said: “It was such a surprise to win this award and also fly the flag for craft cider. We are very passionate about what we do and so proud of this recognition.” 

Artisan Food Producer Award: Vittle and Smoke, Southam 

A family-run business using traditional smoke craft to enhance premium ingredients paired with a complementary wood smoke (plus additional ingredients) to enhance the flavour profile. 

Owner Kieran Ingham-Burroughes said: “We are so happy to have won our very first award and humbled by the overwhelming number of messages of congratulations following the event.” 

Independent Food or Drink Retailer of the Year Award: LOLA Provisions, Leamington 

A small neighbourhood wine shop and bar sourcing and selling sustainable and organically made wines whilst serving the best coffee and food and provisions from British charcuterie through to award-winning Scottish chocolate. 

Katie Jenson, who runs the business with her husband James, said: “We couldn’t be more humbled and touched for the recognition receiving this reward brings.” 

The Best Cafe or Coffee Shop Award: Forrest Coffee House, Kenilworth 

An independent coffee house in the heart of Kenilworth offering fresh cakes made in house every day, locally roasted coffee and a selection of retail items from local makers. 

Molly Shanahan said: “We’re thrilled to have won a Foodie Award - we have had a whirlwind year opening Forrest in the midst of a pandemic and welcoming our son Ned into the world so this is just the cherry on top and credit to our wonderful team.” 

Best Pub or Bar Award: The Coach House, Stratford 

The Coach House opened in May 2021 following major refurbishment which blended the 475-year-old history of the building with a stylish environment reflecting the history of Stratford. 

General Manager Linzi Toon said: “We have worked hard to create a super environment and experience for our valued customers…it’s wonderful to see that hard work realised in this prestigious award!” 

The awards evening showcased businesses from Alcester, Southam, Stratford, Kenilworth, Leamington, Warwick and the rural areas.  

Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Economy & Place, Cllr Martin Watson said: "These businesses are integral to the health of our local economy and communities and it was wonderful to see Warwickshire businesses on the stage receiving the recoition they deserve."

The Awards also raised more than £500 through a raffle on the night for The Trussell Trust network of eight food banks in Coventry and Warwickshire.