A CELEBRATION of the very best in food, drink and hospitality took place at a lunchtime ceremony at Tennant’s Garden Rooms today.

The seventh Flavours of Herriot Country Award recognised the dedication of the producers and service providers across Hambleton and Richmondshire, and saw speeches by special guest Rosie Page, daughter of James Herriot author Alf Wight, and BBC antiques expert David Harper .

Awards were given out in 12 categories including best breakfast, tea room, local product, pub food, restaurant and customer service.

There was a special award for the Wensleydale Creamery for its commitment to the prosperity of the Yorkshire Dales.

Presenter Elly Fiorentini from BBC Radio York said the awards were a “fabulous event that was a privilege to attend”.

Breakfast of the year went to the Wensleydale Heifer in West Witton. Judges, led by head judge Susie Brindley, said: “Very generous Yorkshire-sized, freshly cooked English breakfast and the creamiest scrambled eggs. It was spot on.”

Tearoom of the year was the White Rose Book Cafe in Thirsk, for its “super relaxed atmosphere that feels like a community venue. The food is delicious and interesting”.

Local product of the year was the Yorkshire Dales Distillery, which opened in 2016. Judges called its products “epic” and “all fantastic, full-bodied with great aroma, sweetness and some crazy flavour combination”.

Cafe of the year was Coppice Cafe in Aysgarth, which also won the Darlington and Stockton Times Reader’s Choice Awards for its “superb range of home cooked cakes and treats”.

Customer service of the year was for The Buck Inn at Thornton Watlass, and young chef of the year was Jack Baldwin from the Bruce Arms in West Tanfield.

On Mr Baldwin the judges said: “The young chef did unbelievably well throughout the competition. His work ethic was exceptional and was always trying to better himself.”

The Wensleydale Brewery won locally produced beer of the year for its Wensleydale’s Gamekeeper – an ale with “significant substance, flavour and character”.

The event concluded with speeches by David Harper and Rosie Page from Herriot Hospice Homecare charity.