County firms show good taste

The Tastes of Worcestershire awards recognise and reward businesses that use and promote food and drink that is grown, reared or made in the area.

The cream of Worcestershire's restaurants, cafs and pubs were in the running for the prestigious awards, now in their second year.

A glittering presentation dinner showcasing local produce was held last night at Hagley Hall, near Kidderminster, and the winners of the competition announced.

Alan Coxon, celebrity chef, judge and guest speaker at the awards, said the quality of entries had been extremely high.

"We have wonderful, fresh produce in the region and superb small businesses delivering quality goods," he said.

"It's now time to recognise our strengths and put all efforts into placing Worcestershire on the map and giving it the recognition it could easily achieve."

The winner in the restaurant category was the Epicurean Restaurant, in Pershore, which has built a name for using fresh, locally-produced ingredients.

The White Season restaurant, in Malvern, was highly commended.

In the pubs and inns category, The Talbot, at Knightwick, near Worcester, scooped the top prize. The country pub uses fresh, local produce wherever possible and has its own herb garden.

Highly commended was the Walter de Cantelupe Inn, in Kempsey, near Worcester.

In the tea shops and cafes category, The Kettle Sings, in Malvern, was awarded the top accolade. Highly commended went to Cobwebs, in Evesham.

There was also an awards category for Best Worcestershire Breakfast, which was taken by Tiltridge Farm and Vineyard, in Upton-upon-Severn. Highly commended went to The Talbot.

Councillor Alwyn Davies, cabinet member for economic development and regeneration at Worcestershire County Council, which organises the awards, said he was delighted to support and promote businesses in the county.

"Tourism and the food and drink industry are an integral part of Worcestershire's economy," he said.