Entries have opened for the 2026/27 Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards, marking the 18th year of the programme aimed at recognising the county’s food and hospitality sector.
The awards, backed by Weetabix as headline sponsor, bring together businesses ranging from restaurants and pubs to producers, students and suppliers. Organisers say the initiative continues to highlight the role the sector plays in the local economy, as well as its growing focus on sustainability and collaboration.
The launch took place at Bottom Farm, home of Farrington’s Mellow Yellow, where Awards Director Rachel Mallows outlined the scope of this year’s competition. Rachel said: “Once again, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on Northamptonshire’s food and drink innovators, and we look forward to an inspiring range of nominations and entries. Feedback from previous finalists and Gold award winners shows just how much having the Awards logo displayed can enhance reputation, recognise and motivate staff, and even boost sales. Above all, the competition aims to support our food and drink sector to be sustainable.”
The awards remain free to enter and cover 18 categories, including recognition for chefs, restaurants, producers and workplace wellbeing initiatives. While the organisers highlight community impact and collaboration, previous winners point to more direct commercial benefits.
Duncan Farrington said: “Winning certainly helped put our brand on the map, both locally and nationally. It inspires our team, keeps us relevant, and ensures Farrington Oils is a brand people notice.” However, as with most awards schemes, the longer-term commercial impact will vary depending on how businesses leverage the recognition.
Johnny Howes said: “Winning the Gold award for Artisan Local Drink of the Year for our Great Fire commemorative beer was a proud nod to Northampton’s resilient spirit and a testament to our team’s dedication to brewing history into every bottle.” Similarly, Simon Singlehurst and Sarah Singlehurst said: “Recognition by your peers, of a job being done well, is extremely valuable to any business.”
Maria Walker added that winning Restaurant of the Year had strengthened Palmichael’s reputation and helped build new supplier relationships, although such outcomes typically depend on sustained marketing and customer engagement beyond the award itself. Anita Holt said: “It’s a fantastic recognition of how much we value looking after our people, and it reflects the positive, supportive culture we’ve built together as a team.”
Stuart Branch, Group People and Technology Director at Weetabix, said: “Weetabix is delighted to support the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards for another exciting year. Being part of this celebration of local innovation and talent is always a privilege. Over the past year, we’ve continued to strengthen our own sustainability journey… Sustainability remains central to who we are, and it’s inspiring to see these values championed across every Awards category once again.”
Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 15 October 2026 at Royal & Derngate in Northampton.
