Lincolnshire Life County Cuisine Awards

Words by:
Caroline Bingham
Featured in:
March 2015

A Taste of Excellence 2014/15
AN EVENING TO CELEBRATE THE BEST OF COUNTY CUISINE
Finalists, sponsors and guests joined Lincolnshire Life at The White Heather, Caenby Corner to announce the winners of this year’s County Cuisine Awards. Lincolnshire Life were delighted to be there in association with Love Food Select Lincolnshire as part of the Lincolnshire Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards 2015.

The event was compered by BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenter, Rob Underwood and our thanks go to the sponsors of the ‘Taste of Excellence’ judging categories: Heart of Gold Best Tearoom or Coffee Shop; Tastes of Lincolnshire Best Pub Food and House of Townend Best Restaurant.

The awards were followed by many others from the industry around the county on social media as the winners were announced.

Guests enjoyed a four-course meal featuring produce from some of the best known local names including Cote Hill cheese. Speakers included celebrated county chef Rachel Green, who spoke about Lincoln Castle connections to food as an introduction to the official reopening of the Castle in April.

HEART OF GOLD BEST TEAROOM OR COFFEE SHOP
Winner: The Coffee Shop at Belton Garden Centre
Runners-up: The Old Stables, Horncastle and
Wild at Heart, Bourne

The judges said of The Coffee Shop at Belton Garden Centre: “This busy café has a young team who have made a commitment to local produce and homemade cakes and desserts. A local favourite for a morning coffee, lunch or tea. A high number of clients each day but easy accessibility and high quality of surroundings, and the food offer make it a favourite destination. Large and varied menu of high quality, cooked to order.”

TASTES OF LINCOLNSHIRE BEST PUB FOOD
Winner: The Sebastopol Inn, Minting
Runners-up: The White Horse, Baston and The Jenny Wren Inn, Susworth

Another closely contested category, with The Sebastopol Inn impressing the judges with the quality of the food. Innovative and modern cooking techniques elevated ingredients into something new. A rustic-chic dish of pheasant was particularly enjoyed by our judges. It is excellent that pub and dining sit side by side so well. Dishes very well priced for the quality, with plenty of locally sourced ingredients.

HOUSE OF TOWNEND BEST RESTAURANT
Winner: Magpies Restaurant, Horncastle
Runners-up: The Comfy Duck at Oaklands Hall Hotel, Laceby and The Queens Head, Kirkby La Thorpe

The judges concluded that Magpies’ experience showed on the evening. Very personal and relaxed service with a nice start to the meal, seated in the comfortable lounge and offered appetisers. Food expertly cooked and presented and all together well executed.

The nominations for the next Lincolnshire Life County Cuisine Awards will open in May 2015. If you would like your establishment to be included on our database to receive nomination forms please contact: editorial@lincolnshirelife.co.uk or call 01522 527127.



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