A WEALTH of culinary talent and specialist producers have gathered to celebrate the very best in their field at the Flavours of Herriot Country Awards.

The ceremony, which took place at the Garden Rooms at Tennants, Leyburn, saw food businesses from across Hambleton and Richmondshire battle it out for an award marking them as the pride of the region.

Rodney Tennant, chairman of Tennants, opened proceedings and praised the region for its rich and diverse food and drink culture, from the producers to the pubs, restaurants and cafes.

The awards, now in its fourth year, was hosted by chair of judges Elaine Lemm, former chef-restaurateur turned national food and travel writer, and North Yorkshire chef Stephanie Moon, chef consultant for All Things Food, and creator of The Wild Cooks’ Blog.

Ms Lemm said the judges had a tough time in deciding the winners – but that it was a process they all enjoyed.

“We had a whole new team of judges, and we hand-picked some of the best in the country. They have done an amazing job, out there on the road finding the best in the region.”

The award for Best Breakfast went to the cafe at Lewis and Cooper in Northallerton, and Best Tea Room and Readers’ Choice Award, voted for by readers of the Darlington and Stockton Times, went to the Pantry in Thirsk.

Best Local Product went to Seasonal Salads based in Battersby Junction near Stokesley; Best Pub was the White Bear Hotel in Masham; Best Butcher went to Lister’s Farm Shop in Boroughbridge; and Best attraction catering went to Byland Abbey Inn and Tearoom.

Best Specialist Retailer went to The Little Chocolate Shop in Leyburn; Best Local Beer was awarded to Wensleydale Brewery in Bellerby; the Best Restaurant was The Hare in Scawton; and Best Customer Service went to the Curious Table in Easingwold.

Chairman of the awards Irene Myers said: “The Garden Rooms at Tennants is such a beautiful venue for us to celebrate.

“I’m filled with great pride with all the support and goodwill for these awards.”

Richmond MP Rishi Sunak said he was proud to fly the flag for Herriot Country produce and hoped to see the region on the world wide map as a food destination.

He said: “My aspiration is for our area to have the same world-renown as places like the Napa Valley – a place that can be recognised across the world not just for its beautiful countryside but for its excellent food and drink.

“There is a lot of buzz about what’s happening in British food – and Herriot Country is right at the heart of that.”

Event sponsors included Darlington and Stockton Times, Wensleydale Creamery, Hambleton District Council and Welcome to Yorkshire.