THE news of a further sponsor for the Carlsberg UK Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards may indicate the esteem in which the competition, now in its tenth year, is held among the county’s business community but as Business Times has been reporting over the last four months, that’s not something that former winners need telling.

In this, the fifth of our series looking back at those who’ve taken titles since the awards began, we’re focusing on The Apothocoffee Shop in Earls Barton and the impact of their involvement in the competition – something that began when they were named Independent Cafe/Tea Room of the Year (sponsored by Pidy UK) in 2013/14.

The family business is run by Georgina Jeyes and her daughters Anna Jeyes-Hulme and Philippa Jeyes-Blackburn and entering that year was an obvious step, as Philippa explained: “We were a very successful and busy coffee shop already but having watched the awards grow over the previous four years and knowing what effect they’d had on those successful businesses, we were thrilled when a category that we could enter was introduced.

“So, after the excitement of being mystery shopped, we were delighted firstly to be shortlisted and then absolutely amazed when we were announced as the winner at the awards dinner because we’d seen who were up against and really thought we were just there to have a good night.”

Within days, the family had erected a giant banner outside the coffee shop, proudly trumpeting their success, but as Anna reveals, it wasn’t just the awareness of the venue that was raised: “I think the one most important thing that our victory did was to give us the confidence boost to know that we were doing the right thing and ultimately led us to invest in a complete refurbishment of the venue, including installing a brand new kitchen.

“That meant that we were able to take on a full-time chef and could offer homemade menus packed with so many of the wonderful local ingredients we’d discovered through the competition – something which we know our customers love.”

Since that victory, the Jeyes have continued to engage with the competition and, aside from 2014/15, when they were unable to enter as reigning champions, they’ve achieved glory every year since, including taking the title of F&B Achiever of the Year in 2016/17 and most recently being co-winner of the Royal Showstopper of the Year category back in May.

Those successes, and the related publicity which have helped see the coffee shop team grow from six to 15 over the last four years, mean there is an impressive display of trophies and certificates hanging on the wall – something of which Georgina knows her late mother would be proud.

“My mum and I started the coffee shop here in the family chemists long before all the other major shops caught on to the idea and in fact it was the money we inherited from her that enabled us to go ahead with the refit,” said Georgina.

“That just makes us all the more delighted that the ethic for hard work and passion that she instilled in us continues to be recognised, and so we plan to enter this great competition every year.”

The Apothocoffee Shop on Earls Barton’s The Square will be staging some special afternoon teas throughout Wimbledon fortnight, giving customers the chance to tuck into their award-winning sandwiches and cakes while watching the sporting action. For more details, visit www.jeyesofearlsbarton.co.uk or call 01604 812089 to book.

Meanwhile for more information on the Carlsberg UK Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards, including how to enter, visit www.northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk while you can also follow the awards on twitter at @foodawardsHQ and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/foodawards