OUTSTANDING producers, retailers and restaurateurs from across the county were recognised yesterday at the 2011 EADT Suffolk Food & Drink Awards.

The annual showcase event, organised by EADT Suffolk magazine, a sister title to the East Anglian Daily Times, and run in partnership with main sponsor Adnams, was held at the West Wing, Ickworth, near Bury St Edmunds.

The Food Hero award, sponsored by BBC Suffolk, went to Barry Chevallier Guild of the Aspall cider company, at Aspall, near Debenham.

Also nominated were Chris Brennan of the Pump Street Bakery in Orford, Polly Robinson of Food Safari, based at Sweffling, Richard Lawson of Lawson’s Deli in Aldeburgh, and Rick Sheepshanks of Ess Foods, based at Rendlesham.

The award for Best Producer, sponsored by Lane Farm, was won by Sutton Hoo Free Range Chicken, ahead of runners-up Stoke Farm Orchards and Stokes Sauces.

Best Butcher, sponsored by EADT Suffolk, was Andrews of Hadleigh, which beat off competition from Revett & Sons of Wickham Market and Sotherton Farm Beef, from Sotherton, near Halesworth.

The title of Best Baker, sponsored by Hill Farm Oils, went to the Pump Street Bakery, Orford, with the runners-up being Bushell’s of Lowestoft and the Vanilla Bakery at Alder Carr, Needham Market.

Best Delicatessen, sponsored by Hamish Johnston Fine Cheeses, was Lawson’s, at Aldeburgh, ahead of Leo’s Deli at Framlingham and Simply Delicious of Leiston.

The award for Best Product, sponsored by Southwold Pier, was claimed by Sutton Hoo Free Range Chicken, with the runners-up being Hot Pepper Jelly from Jules & Sharpie and Stokes Real Mayonnaise, while the title of Best Drink, sponsored by Spring, went to Calvors Premium Lager, ahead of Aspall Premier Cru Cyder and Stoke Farm’s Pear Juice.

Best restaurant, sponsored by Promotion Wine, was the Blyth Hotel at Southwold, with Ravenwood Hall Hotel, at Rougham, and the Bildeston Crown the runners-up.

Best Food Pub, sponsored by The West Wing at Ickworth, was won by the White Horse at Sibton, ahead of the Fox Inn, Bury St Edmunds, and the Red Lion, Great Bricett, and the award for Best Informal Dining, sponsored by @Work Recruitment, went to La Hogue Farm Shop & Caf� at Chippenham, near Newmarket, with the Boardwalk Restaurant at Southwold Pier and the Dolphin Inn at Thorpeness as the runners-up.

Best Tea Shop, sponsored by Business Link, was won by Baileys2 in Bury St Edmunds, ahead of Bridge House Tea Room & Nursery at Dunwich and the Clockhouse Tea & Coffee Shop at Southwold Pier.

The Best Farm Shop award, sponsored by Milsoms, went to Hall Farm Shop at Stratford St Mary, with Grange Farm Shop at Hasketon and La Hogue Farm Shop and Caf� as runners-up.