List of Categories and Judging Criteria
The categories are split into 2 areas of nominations. The first seven categories are open to public, businesses and self nomination and you can nominate in as many categories as you wish. The final two categories are open to nominations from restaurants, hotels, colleges, schools and self nomination only.
The following notes are designed to help you choose which category or categories you might want to nominate in.
Public, Businesses and Self-nomination
Baker of the Year | |
Sponsored by Marriages the Master Millers (visit website) | |
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We are looking for the best traditional independent baker in Essex who provides high quality bread and confectionary, along with some regional specialities, all baked fresh daily. Is the presentation and variety of products on sale well displayed, clearly described and clearly priced? How is the appearance and cleanliness of the shop? Are the staff knowledgeable about their products and polite when serving customers? |
Restaurant of the Year | |
Sponsored by Colchester Institute (visit website) | |
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We are looking for an unforgettable dining experience, combining fresh local produce and providing an unsurpassed level of customer service, demonstrating an understanding of the diner's expectations. Technical expertise, customer service and an overall dining experience is what the judges will be looking for in this category. |
Best Farm Shop | |
Sponsored by NFU Mutual (visit website) | |
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The key to a good farm shop is not only about the range of products but the principles the owner supports as well. Is most of the produce grown or raised on the farm? Does the farm shop offer a box scheme and a good variety of products. Is the service friendly and do the staff know their produce? |
Best School Food Initiative | |
Sponsored by Writtle College (visit website) | |
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This category is open to both junior and secondary schools and there will be a separate winner in each category. To have a good "whole school approach" the school needs to be serving standards in school food and vending that really celebrates the revolution going on in school meals at the moment. That's not all – does the school approach food values within the curriculum, perhaps offering farm visits or after school cookery clubs? |
Best Traditional Pub | |
Sponsored by BBC Essex (visit website) | |
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We are looking for clean cosy lounges, open fireplaces and pubs with great views. Check out the beers on offer, do they support local suppliers? Are the staff friendly and helpful? And what about the pub menu, does it reflect local and seasonal produce and is home cooked? Is the outside "child friendly" and have comfortable seating areas? Is there ample car parking? We are looking for your typical traditional Essex pub to be nominated. |
Best Newcomer Restaurant | |
Sponsored by Chelmsford Borough Council (visit website) | |
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This category is open to all restaurants that have been trading for two years or less. We are looking for the restaurant that goes the extra mile to ensure you come back for more. Has this restaurant made an impact on you because of their excellent service and attention to detail? Or is it the comfort and ambience of the restaurant and the great food on the menu? Does the maitre de that greets you on arrival and looks after you throughout your meal make you want to go back for more? |
Best Wine Business within an Essex Eatery | |
Sponsored by Bibendum Wine Ltd (visit website) | |
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Anyone can have a wine list that has great wines on it and a great wine waiter but it doesn't necessarily mean they are a real wine destination! What we are looking for is a hotel or restaurant that really tries to lift their game in terms of wine. They should demonstrate a real passion for wine, a passion for sourcing it, presenting it and selling it. We are looking for well trained staff |
The following two categories are open to
Businesses and Self-nomination only
Chef of the Year | |
Sponsored by Fresh Food Group (visit website) | |
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One category that stands alone within the awards and is truly aspirational is that of Chef of the year. We invite chefs and restaurateurs to nominate for this award. And to enter you must produce on paper ; a main course and dessert. You will be required to complete an application form which you will find in the "How to nominate and enter" tab. Innovation and simplicity are the key words. Our judges are looking for use of seasonal produce and textures and use of local produce where possible. A shortlist of three finalists will be selected from the paper entries and will be invited to a live cooking final where the eventual winner will prepare a 2 course meal within a 2 hour time slot for 2 persons. A total budget of £20 will be allowed for all the produce (this must not be exceeded). You will be judged on: |
Young Chef of the Year | |
Sponsored by Taste Italia (visit website) | |
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There are two age categories for the Young Chef of the Year title and a winner will be selected in each age range. To enter, you must produce on paper a dish of your choice. You will be required to complete an application form which you will find in the "how to enter and nominate tab". You will have a budget of £10 and for this amount you must produce a main course. Innovation and simplicity are the key words. We are also looking for the use of seasonal and local produce and imagination and originality. A shortlist of three finalists in each age category will be selected from the paper entries and will be invited to cook their dishes in a live cooking final where the eventual winner will be chosen. A £10 budget will be allowed for all the produce and this must not be exceeded. You will be judged on: |
