Following our 2026 submission period, where people were invited to nominate their food and drink favourites alongside entries from businesses, we saw an overwhelming number of submissions across both counties.

An expert panel of judges, including industry professionals and award sponsors, completed the judging process and selected the finalists across a range of categories.

The awards, hosted by Norfolk & Suffolk Magazine in association with the Eastern Daily Press and East Anglian Daily Times, shine a spotlight on the individuals and businesses that make Norfolk and Suffolk standout regions for food and drink in the UK.

Thank you to our valued sponsors, whose support makes the awards possible.

In particular our headline sponsor Alliance East Anglia and awards supporter Bread Hospitality, which has been an incredible ambassador for the awards and supporter of the food and drink sector.

Special thanks also go to our expert judges, who worked alongside our sponsor judges, dedicating their time and insight to the awards process.

The expert judges are:

Anton Wimmer, The Kings Head Bawburgh

Colin Kiddell, Proudly Norfolk Food and Drink

Brendan Padfield, The Unruly Pig

Day Harvey, Day One Training

Rebecca Shepherd, Paddy & Scott’s

Samantha Mattocks, author and MasterChef contestant

Sarah Savage, Essence Foods

Ben Hopkins-Lefevre, founder of Hopkins-Lefevre Marketing and co-founder of Naked Wines

Charlie Hodson, chef and patron of Hospitality Action

Pete Brown, author, writer and hospitality consultant

Stacia Briggs, The Assembly House

Veronique Ananou, The Hotel School at City College Norwich.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at The Assembly House in Norwich on Monday, September 14, 2026.

The winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award, who will be selected by an expert panel, will also be announced at this event.

Guests will start the evening with a glass of fizz, then enjoy local wine and grazing boards during a relaxed social evening with people from across the sector.

The awards will be hosted by David Whiteley of ITV News Anglia. Every guest will also enjoy a curated gift bag full of Norfolk and Suffolk goodies.

With more than 150 influential guests expected to attend, the event offers an outstanding platform for local producers to showcase their products to key figures in the regional food and drink industry.

Businesses interested in getting involved and supplying products for the goody bags, please contact us at norfolksuffolkfada.co.uk

The Norfolk & Suffolk Magazine Food & Drink Awards are a powerful celebration of East Anglia’s thriving food and drink sector, highlighting the people and businesses who help shape its reputation nationally and beyond.

Food/Drink Vendor of the Year

Savannah Smoke Grill, Stowmarket

Savannah Smoke Grill is a fast-growing street food business specialising in freshly prepared, charcoal-grilled barbeque dishes with an authentic Caribbean influence.

Founded by Trinidad and Tobago native Tevin Clarke, it has quickly built a strong following through festivals, markets and charity events, earning recognition for its quality food, passion and vibrant hospitality.

The Thai Saxmundham is an exciting food business championing authentic Thai flavours, created by husband-and-wife team Robbie and Priyakorn........

© Eastern Daily Press