Yes, it’s that time again… the Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards are back, and we want YOU to nominate
This year’s event is to be held on Monday, October 13, with our prestigious awards championing the fantastic food and drink businesses in our region. From local tea shops, cafés and pubs, to independent retailers and restaurants, cheese makers, butchers, bakers, wine producers, educators and farmers – we want you to nominate your favourites.
Our glittering event last year at Hatherley Manor saw us celebrating in fine style with the cream of the Cotswolds’ chefs, restaurants, pubs, producers, farmers and foodie heroes, and we aim to do just that this October. For that, we’ll need your help, so scroll down to find out how you can nominate… and please don’t be shy; as well as nominating other businesses, we’re also encouraging those who are working hard in the Cotswold food and farming industry to put themselves forward.
We’re also looking for valued sponsors for a few remaining categories to help us support the hard work and creativity of our food and drink superstars, so please get in touch with Stacey Hawkins on 07557 232084 or email stacey.hawkins@newsquest.co.uk if you want to find out more about the opportunities available.
So, let’s get ready to show some love for our foodie heroes in our 2025 Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards, and we hope to see you there.
Candia McKormack, Cotswold Life editor
Cotswold Life Food and Drink Awards 2025
Headline sponsor: Frank Smith & Co solicitors
‘Frank Smith & Co Solicitors are delighted to once again be Head Sponsor of the Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards 2025. As longstanding supporters of the awards, we are especially pleased to be presenting the Farmer of the Year Award for another year.
‘A local law firm based in the heart of Gloucestershire, we work with a number of entrepreneurial food and drink enterprises and assist many owners of cafés and restaurants set up in business.
‘We have an affinity with the farming and agricultural community, and we look forward to highlighting the importance of this sector, this year more than ever. These awards enable us to celebrate the variety of food and drink within the region, as well as the entrepreneurial and leadership skills behind those companies and our farmers. We will also highlight the challenges of farming in the current political climate.
‘Our law firm, based in Cheltenham, is a leading provider of legal services to individuals and businesses alike. We focus on Property and Private Client Services. Our property lawyers have expertise in agricultural and rural property, residential and commercial property, while our Private Client lawyers deal with Wills, Trusts and Probate matters as well as Powers of Attorney.
‘We have a friendly and supportive culture and offer a welcoming and personalised service to all of our clients. With many years’ experience in the legal sector, we pride ourselves on understanding the needs of our diverse clients, and we work hard to meet their expectations in a diverse and vibrant local economy.
‘A huge thank you to Cotswold Life magazine as we embark on another gastronomic journey, we can’t wait to be part of this special event for another year.’
Frank Smith LLB (Hons)
Food and Farming Hero Award
This category recognises an individual working within the Cotswold food, drink or farming industry who excels in their role and deserves to be applauded for their work and commitment. The Food and Farming Hero Award is not just a look back over a career, but also a look at the impact this businessperson is having both on the present and the future of Cotswold food, drink and farming.
The award isn’t open for nominations and the winner is chosen by the editor.
Pub of the Year
This category combines traditional country drinking pubs and those recognised as dining pubs. The whole experience needs to be taken into account for this category. Customer service, value for money and the quality of the food and drink should all be accounted for. How well does the establishment use and name local suppliers, and do they clearly understand their market? Judges will look for businesses that have reduced their impact on the environment through a specific initiative or can demonstrate a long-term sustainability improvement.
Café, Coffee or Teashop of the Year
This category recognises that tea and coffee shops are an integral part of the Cotswold food and drink scene, and this is a chance to nominate your favourites. Is there a good selection of coffees and loose-leaf teas to hand? Are the scones freshly baked and served with local jams? We're looking forward to hearing about your favourites. Judges will look for businesses that have reduced their impact on the environment through a specific initiative or can demonstrate a long-term sustainability improvement.
Corinium Carpets is a leading provider of premium quality carpets and flooring solutions in Gloucestershire and the surrounding area.
Based in Cheltenham, they specialise in offering a wide range of flooring options, including carpets, hardwood, LVT (luxury vinyl tiles), vinyl, and eco-friendly materials. They cater for residential, supply only and commercial needs.
With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, sustainability and craftsmanship, their mission is to provide customers with high-quality, durable and stylish flooring that transforms spaces. They aim to offer environmentally responsible options, also, that not only enhance the beauty of homes and businesses but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
Restaurant of the Year
This category is open to any restaurant that makes a significant contribution to Cotswold food and drink culture in the area, offering quality locally sourced produce. This restaurant will offer an incomparable dining experience, everything from the ambience to the service and, most importantly, the food. Are locally sourced ingredients used where possible? Look through the wine list; are there local as well as international wines and champagnes, and are the staff able to tell you more if you ask? We’d expect nothing less from the future Restaurant of the Year. Judges will look for businesses that have reduced their impact on the environment through a specific initiative or can demonstrate a long-term sustainability improvement.
*If you would like to sponsor this category, please email Stacey Hawkins.
Bakery of the Year
The judges want to find the best bakers in the Cotswolds. We want to hear about local produce being sold in nicely displayed shops or on market stalls. The shops must have high standards in hygiene and must have a commitment to training and development. Tell us about customer service and involvement in the local community. Ingredients should be sourced from the Cotswolds where possible. Judges will look for businesses that have reduced their impact on the environment through a specific initiative or can demonstrate a long-term sustainability improvement.
*If you would like to sponsor this category, please email Stacey Hawkins.
Butcher of the Year
The judges want to find the best butchers in the Cotswolds. We want to hear about local produce being sold in nicely displayed shops or on market stalls. The shops must have high standards in hygiene and must have a commitment to training and development. Tell us about customer service and involvement in the local community. Meat should be sourced from animals that have been reared in the Cotswold by means of good animal husbandry, free from the use of sub-therapeutic antibiotics or hormones, with plenty of access to outdoor space on pasture that has not been treated with artificial herbicides, fungicides, pesticides or fertilisers, and nourished with feed not containing animal by-products. Judges will look for businesses that have reduced their impact on the environment through a specific initiative or can demonstrate a long-term sustainability improvement.
*If you would like to sponsor this category, please email Stacey Hawkins.
Best Food Product or Producer
Today’s Cotswold food culture is a competitive one with consumers demanding top quality products. This category gives you a chance to nominate a food product, made by a Cotswold farmer, producer, retailer or manufacturer. Think about a product you trust, or one whose packaging and/or presentation you value and understand more than any other. Judges will look for businesses that have reduced their impact on the environment through a specific initiative or can demonstrate a long-term sustainability improvement.
A family-owned motorway services that celebrates the people and produce of Gloucestershire. In their farmshop, they work with over 130 farmers, growers, butchers, potters, patisserie chefs, chocolatiers, and cheesemakers, all within 30 miles. In the kitchen, proper food is cooked from scratch, using real ingredients, just as you would at home. The services was built as a unique partnership with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, a community development charity, and through them over half a million pounds every year is reinvested in organisations that bring about sustainable, positive change in the surrounding communities.
Best Drinks Producer
This is your opportunity to nominate your favourite drinks product made by a Cotswold producer. Consider the taste, indulgence and if the product is value for money. Does the packaging or presentation clearly state it is from the Cotswolds, and what entices you to purchase the product? Judges will look for businesses that have reduced their impact on the environment through a specific initiative or can demonstrate a long-term sustainability improvement.
*If you would like to sponsor this category, please email Stacey Hawkins.
Food Retailer of the Year
We’re interested in an imaginative initiative that’s changing the way good quality food and drink is being sourced and sold. It could be a wholesaler, website, farm shop or independent retailer that’s transforming your access to great local produce with an original idea. The store has to be at the heart of its community, selling the farm’s own produce and other local food products to regulars and visitors. Judges will look for businesses that have reduced their impact on the environment through a specific initiative or can demonstrate a long-term sustainability improvement.
*If you would like to sponsor this category, please email Stacey Hawkins.
Farmer of the Year
This award recognises all types of farmer, no matter the size of the land or farm managed, who have shown vision in developing their business to meet the requirements of the market. In doing so, he or she will have developed the herd/crop and farm, showing attention to detail at every level, including nutrition, fertility, forage and grassland management, rigorous standards on animal welfare, feeding and veterinary care, nitrate vulnerable zone regulations, environmental stewardship, water quality, investment and dedication.
The judges will be looking for farms which are clearly businesses, not just ways of life, and which have embraced the need for quality management carried out on business lines and are also conscious of today’s requirements for conservation, diversification and good husbandry.
Chef of the Year
The Cotswolds is filled with talented chefs who make up the fantastic array of restaurants we have here. The Chef of the Year will be someone who has devoted him or herself to the cause of serving the best possible food. They will display fantastic technical ability, use a wide range of seasonal ingredients, present food in a striking manner, and have an understanding of how flavours work together. Judges will look for a chef that has reduced their impact on the environment through a specific initiative or can demonstrate a long-term sustainability improvement.
Malvern St James is a leading independent day and boarding school, welcoming students from around the world into a value-driven community where individuality is celebrated. Their small school setting ensures personalised support, helping students thrive academically and personally. Exceptional academics sit alongside a rich co-curricular programme, offering over 100 activities, from equestrian to dissection club. Students benefit from outstanding pastoral care, leadership opportunities and career guidance through our Head of Futures. Malvern St James empowers students to become confident, compassionate and ambitious individuals, equipped with the skills to succeed and make a positive impact in a global society.
Food and Farming Education Award
This award is open to culinary schools, schools, colleges, universities and those working to educate in food, drink or farming. There is a disconnect between people, agriculture and where food and drink comes from, and this award celebrates those who are changing that. The judges want to hear about how they are driving sustainable practices and encouraging a seasonal, farm-to-plate approach. They are looking for those initiating inspiring, high quality learning experiences that are making an impact.
Rendcomb College embraces sustainability across its beautiful Cotswold campus. It is committed to reducing its environmental impact through initiatives like renewable energy and biodiversity enhancement. Food plays a key role: prioritising local sourcing, some from their estate, and minimising waste. Their educational programs instil a deep understanding of sustainability, empowering students to become responsible citizens through student-led activities. By integrating ecological principles into operations and the curriculum, Rendcomb College fosters a thriving environment where learning and sustainability flourish together. Rendcomb College is an independent 3-18 co-educational school set in 230 acres of gorgeous parkland, achieving strong pupil outcomes at GCSE and A-Level.
Best Customer Service Award
This category is on the hunt for an outstanding level of service that makes for a truly enjoyable visit to the food and drink venue. The ability to understand and anticipate customers’ needs, good knowledge of menus, and dishes, provenance of ingredients and of familiarity of drinks will all be taken into account. A personable approach that complements the establishment and enhances the visit is key. They are a person whose achievements have helped put the Cotswolds firmly on the map as an innovative and dynamic place within food and drink.
Wotton Auction Rooms has been located in this picturesque market town on the southern tip of the world-famous Cotswolds for over 150 years. They hold two-day sales every five weeks, with additional specialist auctions, single-owner collection sales and on-site estate sales throughout the year. They are able to assist across a broad spectrum of categories, from jewellery, silver, watches and coins, through to furniture, glass, ceramics, as well as the more unique and miscellaneous. They offer all types of valuations including for auction, market, probate, and insurance with a full complement service including transport and clearance. Contact: 01453 708232 or info@wottonauctionrooms.co.uk
Programme sponsors: Challinor Hitchcock-Yoo / Root Construction
NOMINATE IN THE 2025 COTSWOLD LIFE FOOD & DRINK AWARDS NOW!
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