How to enter a brand new food awards programme celebrating the very best of the food and drink scene in Coventry and Warwickshire

Entries are open for a brand new food awards programme that will celebrate the very best of the food and drink scene in Coventry and Warwickshire.

The inaugural Foodie Awards 2021, in partnership with Visit Coventry, launched in July and will recognise businesses across the sector, from artisan producers to chefs, street food traders, restaurants and bars.

The Courier and Weekly News is delighted to be part of the event that helps local businesses in their time of need.

Three special awards will also recognise businesses and individuals who went above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic - including a COVID-19 Resilience Award backed by

Visit Coventry and The Godiva Award, sponsored by Coventry BID.

Esteemed local butcher Aubrey Allen is also sponsoring the awards, with managing director Russell Allen set to join the panel of judges.

Entries for the awards, which will culminate in a ceremony in spring 2021 following a finalists’ night on January 25 at Coventry’s new Telegraph Hotel, officially opened on Friday, August 7 and businesses across Warwickshire and Coventry are urged to get involved.

Categories include best artisan food and drink producers, best farm shop, best independent food and drink retailer, best newcomer, best street food trader and best chef or cook of the year, as well as best food/drink experience.

The categories will be judged by a mixture of respected figures in the local food and drink scene, as well as public votes, with the awards focused on quality, passion, great taste and personality across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Foodie Awards founder Jonathan Smith, of Talk Business UK, said: "Since we launched the Foodie Awards last month, we’ve had an amazing response from people across the county who agree that it’s time to really shout about the fabulous food and drink scene we have in Coventry and Warwickshire.

“This sector in particular has had a tough time this year and the Foodie Awards are aimed to give a much-needed boost for all the producers, makers, traders, restaurants, cafes and chefs who have worked so hard to survive and celebrate the vibrant, quality scene that they help to create.

“We’ve created a range of categories that will allow anyone to enter, whether they’re an artisan gin producer, a pop-up restaurant founder or someone who goes the extra mile to champion food and drink in Coventry and Warwickshire.

No business is too big or small and we can’t wait to see some of the entries.

“We’ve got lots planned that will make the Foodie Awards really stand out from the crowd and can’t wait to share it.”

The Foodie Awards will be raising money for The Trussell Trust network of eight food banks in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Emma Schoolar, area manager for the Trussell Trust, said: “Having the support of the Foodie Awards will make such a difference to food banks in our network across Coventry and Warwickshire.

“As the impact of coronavirus continues to ripple out across our communities, we’re expecting more people to be forced to a food bank.

“But it doesn’t have to be like this. This can change. As a country, we can make changes which would protect people from being swept into poverty.

“This support will help food banks to get emergency help to people safely, while we work together towards a future where everyone has enough money for essentials. Thank you so much.”

The awards’ headline partner is Visit Coventry, with other sponsorship packages still available. Sponsorship comes with a host of benefits and there are also opportunities for businesses to get involved on a partnership basis. For more information contact [email protected]

For more information on how to enter, visit https://foodieawards.co.uk