Michael Caines presents Westward Ho! café prestigious Food and Drinks Award

North Devon Food and Drink Awards

Celebrity chef Michael Caines has presented trophies to some of the finest purveyors of food and drink in Devon.

Mr Caines was at Barnstaple’s annual FoodFest to congratulate the winners of the North Devon Food and Drink Awards.

These included The Masons Arms in Knowstone, for best pub, Tea on the Green in Westward Ho! for best cafe and Dan “the Fishman” Garnett of Clovelly Fish, who won the super service award.

The winners are voted for by the public. This year there were more than 2,000 entries over the six categories and 200 businesses were nominated during a month of public voting. Independent Food Industry judges then carried out “secret shopper” visits to the shortlisted businesses before making the final decision.

Mr Garnett said: “I was overwhelmed by reading all their comments. That just gives a reassuring vote that you’re doing things right.”

He added that it was a particular honour to receive his award from Mr Caines, one of his “food heroes”.

Lizzy Kirby, of Lizzy’s Larder near Holsworthy, which won best local producer/retailer, said: “It was such an exciting moment when I received my award and it was fantastic to have the opportunity to meet Michael Caines, such an inspirational and passionate man in the food world.”