Members of Suffolk’s thriving food and drink community gathered at The Hangar, Kesgrave Hall, yesterday to celebrate the East Anglian Daily Times and EADT Suffolk Magazine Food and Drink Awards.

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Sponsored by Adnams, and supported by numerous other businesses, the awards saw winners in 13 categories take prizes across the afternoon.

EADT editor Terry Hunt, addressing the audience, praised the many food and drink enterprises in the room: “There’s real evidence that the excellence of Suffolk’s food and drink is attracting more and more people to the county to sample what we have to offer. It’s not surprising really – the combination of the many attractions of our county, as well as superb food and drink, is pretty irresistible.

“Everyone in this room can play a part, acting as inspiring role models for the next generation of Suffolk food and drink champions.”

Andy Wood, chief executive of Adnams, echoed Terry’s words and the vital importance of food and drink to our economy.

East Anglian Daily Times: Food and Drink Awards 2016 Winners proudly show off their commemorative giftsFood and Drink Awards 2016 Winners proudly show off their commemorative gifts (Image: Archant)

A highlight of the ceremony was the surprise Food and Drink Hero award, presented to Jimmy Butler of Blythburgh Pork to the delight of the room, many of whom have worked directly with Jimmy, sourcing his nationally-renowned free-range pork.

A shocked Jimmy really has shone a bright light on the British pork industry, but said he couldn’t do it without the support of his wife and two sons, who he’s lucky to have had follow him into the family business.

There were squeals of delight from Best Newcomer Fiona Murphy of Cavendish-based Moo Moo Cakes, who was visibly shocked to hear her name called, and said it was an honour for her to have even been nominated.

Roger Peck of KBB, which sponsored the category, said: “Seeing the lady from Moo Moo Cakes win, and the delight on her face, made it for me. She epitomised what the awards are all about.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Food and Drink Awards 2016 Winners proudly show off their commemorative giftsFood and Drink Awards 2016 Winners proudly show off their commemorative gifts (Image: Archant)

In a twist, both Orford CEVAP School and St Joseph’s College took the new prize for Best School Project.

And there was a double win for Tuddenham Mill, which was honoured as Best Restaurant, with college student Max Cameron, who works part time at the eatery, also taking Young Chef of the Year.

In an additional prize for this category, organised by last year’s Chef of the Year, Lee Bye, Max will enjoy a stage at Martin Wishart’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Loch Lomond, with all accommodation and travel paid for.

East Anglian Daily Times: Food and Drink Awards 2016 Chef of the Year - James Carn-Pryor from the Pea Porridge RestaurantFood and Drink Awards 2016 Chef of the Year - James Carn-Pryor from the Pea Porridge Restaurant (Image: Archant)

Suffolk Food and Drink Awards winners 2016

Best restaurant - Tuddenham Mill

Sponsor: EADT Suffolk Magazine

Best café/tearoom - Applaud

East Anglian Daily Times: Food and Drink Awards 2016 Winners proudly show off their commemorative giftsFood and Drink Awards 2016 Winners proudly show off their commemorative gifts (Image: Archant)

Sponsor: EADT

Young Chef of the Year - Max Cameron, Tuddenham Mill

Sponsor: Musk’s

Chef of the Year - James Carn-Pryor, Pea Porridge

East Anglian Daily Times: Food and Drink Awards 2016 Best newcomer Fiona Murphy from Moo Moo Cakes of CavendishFood and Drink Awards 2016 Best newcomer Fiona Murphy from Moo Moo Cakes of Cavendish (Image: Archant)

Sponsor: Jam Tartz

Pub of the Year - The Eels Foot, East Bridge

Sponsor: Ruby & Scarlet

Food and Drink Hero - Jimmy Butler, Blythburgh Pork

East Anglian Daily Times: Food and Drink Awards 2016 Winners proudly show off their commemorative giftsFood and Drink Awards 2016 Winners proudly show off their commemorative gifts (Image: Archant)

Sponsor: BBC Radio Suffolk

Newcomer - Moo Moo Cakes

Sponsor: The KBB Centre

Food or Drink Marketing - Scarlett & Mustard

East Anglian Daily Times: Food and Drink Awards 2016 Winners proudly show off their commemorative giftsFood and Drink Awards 2016 Winners proudly show off their commemorative gifts (Image: Archant)

Sponsor: 032, part of the Jacob Bailey Group

Family Business - Lane Farm Country Foods

Sponsor: Larking Gowen

School Food Project - St Joseph’s College and Orford CEVAP School

Sponsor: Inspire Suffolk

Pride of Suffolk - Scarlett & Mustard

Sponsor: East of England Co-op

Field to Fork - Lavenham Butchers

Sponsor: Easton & Otley College

Outstanding Customer Service - The Lighthouse, Aldeburgh

Sponsor: The Burgess Group