
The Courier Food & Drink Awards
We’re here to shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals and businesses across Courier Country who are pushing the boundaries in the food & drink sector. Whether that be the delicious dishes they make, the exciting cocktails they shake, or the entrepreneurs changing the status quo, we want to celebrate everyone who helps this industry thrive.
With nominations coming from individuals and businesses, and the public getting their vote on some of the categories too, the awards will be a true representation of public and professional opinion, making any award a true endorsement of excellence these businesses have achieved.
Browse the categories below for more information and we look forward to receiving your submission soon vie the Enter Now links on this page.
Key Dates
11 Nov 2023 | Entries open |
8 Jan 2023 | Entries close |
3 Feb 2024 | Finalists announced |
27 Mar 2024 | The Event |
2024 Categories
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Bar of the Year
Available for Sponsorship
Find out how to become a sponsor here. Read MoreAvailable for Sponsorship
Find out how to become a sponsor here.Bar of the Year
This category is open to independent or hotel bars. Judges will be looking for a bar with a good ambience and knowledgeable staff who have a strong customer focus. An exciting and varied wine list, expertly made signature cocktails and a good knowledge of spirits are essential.
Entries will be judged by the following criteria:
- Depth of knowledge of drinks served
- Commitment to customer service
- The style of your food offerings (pub grub/gastro pub etc.)
- Your vibe (family friendly/pet friendly/outdoor seating etc.)
- Wines and speciality beers/local drinks suppliers
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Brewer of the Year
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Brewer of the Year
This category is open to any independently owned business that can demonstrate success in the market.
Judges will be looking for a commitment to locally sourced products where possible, sustainable practices and robust processes and a sound marketing strategy.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Consistent innovation to stay ahead of competitors
- Methods of reaching the target market
- Commitment to local supply chain
- Future plans
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Chef of the Year
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Find out how to become a sponsor here. Read MoreAvailable for Sponsorship
Find out how to become a sponsor here.Chef of the Year
The Chef of the Year is someone who is dedicated to creating and serving the best food, using seasonal and local ingredients. Above all, we are looking for passion, that magic ingredient that defines true greatness in the kitchen.
Entries should come from all areas of the hospitality business, including hotels, restaurant and pubs.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Influences and philosophy
- Sourcing
- What you bring to the profession
- Seasonality and sustainability
- A sample menu (please send this to sarah.neave@dcthomson.co.uk)
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Community Champion
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Community Champion
Through a lifetime of thoughtfulness or by an act of courage or kindness, this individual or group exemplifies the essence of community spirit.
Perhaps during tough economic times, you adapt your business to help others in your area.
The winner will be someone who has gone out of their way to make a difference and help those who live within their community.
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Craft Distiller of the Year
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Find out how to become a sponsor here. Read MoreAvailable for Sponsorship
Find out how to become a sponsor here.Craft Distiller of the Year
This category is open to any independently owned business that can demonstrate success in the market.
Judges will be looking for a commitment to locally sourced products where possible, sustainable practices and robust processes and a sound marketing strategy.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Consistent innovation to stay ahead of competitors
- Methods of reaching the target market
- Commitment to local supply chain
- Future plans
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Entrepreneur of the Year
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Entrepreneur of the Year
This award is open to any food and drink related businesses based in Courier Country, which have been operating for a minimum of 14 months (as of September 2022). The award recognises a business leader who has shown entrepreneurial focus, strategic planning, innovation, strong leadership and outstanding business performance.
Entrepreneur of the Year is judged by an independent judging panel, made up of key members from the local business community.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Entrepreneurial flair, demonstrated through determination, perseverance, independent thinking, and an ability to overcome obstacles
- An ability to turn business visions into realities, through a sound strategic plan
- Creates a culture of innovation within the organisation, continually identifying and developing new ideas
- Demonstrates a strong, flexible and forward-thinking leadership of the business and its staff
- Strong business management, with consistent growth and strong financial performance, both top and bottom line
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Independent Cafe of the Year
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Independent Cafe of the Year
The judges will look for the independent coffee shop that is best able to create an outstanding customer experience — a warm welcome, high quality coffee and/or tea plus a range of other drinks, tasty food made from fresh, local produce, all served with an excellent level of customer service.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Ambience
- Offerings (tea/coffee, speciality brews)
- Attention to dietary requirements
- Value/affordability
- Customer service
- Accessibility and facilities
- Source of provenance
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Producer of the Year
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Producer of the Year
Entries are welcome from producers of fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat or drinks, grown, produced or made from source in Courier Country. Judges are looking for individuals or businesses with the ability and vision to produce and market quality food and drink products in this region. These are growers and producers who are passionate about what they do and who have the talent and skill to grow, develop and market an outstanding and commercially scalable food and drink product.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Food or drink that is grown or made from source in Courier Country
- Inspiration and evolution
- Commitment to highest production standards
- Marketing and distribution
- Sustainability
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Restaurant of the Year
Available for Sponsorship
Find out how to become a sponsor here. Read MoreAvailable for Sponsorship
Find out how to become a sponsor here.Restaurant of the Year
This venue should be the very best of Scottish hospitality and cuisine; displaying the use of fresh and local ingredients with flair, imagination and expertise. Diners will not hesitate to travel many miles for this dining experience.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- An exciting and innovative menu
- Emphasis on local produce
- Curation of wines and other drinks
- Décor and ambience
- Customer service
- Knowledgeability of waiting staff
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Rising Star of the Year
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Rising Star of the Year
A new award for 2024, the Rising Star recognises a game-changing newcomer whose vision and passion for food has marked them out as one-to-watch.
Working on their own venture or within an established firm in the food and drink industry, our Rising Star will have channelled their talent for making outstanding food or producing quality food products, into a successful business venture.
While still in the relatively early stages of their career, our Rising Star will be the one calling the shots in their own venture or, as an in-house member of staff.
Either way, it will be obvious that great things beckon for our Rising Star.
For the first time the winner of this category will be decided by readers and subscribers of The Courier in print and online.
Key criteria:
- A maximum of five years’ experience in their field
- Proof of game-changing impact, sector disruption and / or influence
- Ongoing commitment to professional development
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Street Vendor of the Year
Available for Sponsorship
Find out how to become a sponsor here. Read MoreAvailable for Sponsorship
Find out how to become a sponsor here.Street Vendor of the Year
Good food on the go has become an important part of modern living and, as such, the demand for street food and impromptu pop-ups has never been greater. The judges will be looking for someone who’s bringing something unique to the table.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Your USP
- Use of local produce
- Visitor experience
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Sustainability Award
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Sustainability Award
This award is for those who have sustainability at the heart of their business. The firm will demonstrate positive moves to operating more sustainably and showcase how they have done so/are doing so.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Examples of sustainable practice
- Future proofing the business with sustainability in mind
Sponsors and Partners


Family-owned and full of heart, Apex Hotels is a luxury collection of hotels situated in the heart of the UK’s most vibrant cities – Edinburgh, London, Bath, Glasgow, and Dundee. The 4-star properties, each with their own personalities and distinctive style, are renowned for their sumptuous bedrooms, chic restaurants and bars, stylish spas, modern meetings and events spaces, and above all, their warmer welcome. Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa is perfectly placed for a chic getaway, whether it be for business or leisure.
Visit Apex Hotels website
InvestFife is a collective brand, which incorporates all of Fife Council’s Economic Development services, including Business Enterprise, Land and Property, which in partnership with Business Gateway Fife, aims to support businesses in Fife. InvestFife’s ethos and what drives its services is its commitment to making ‘Fife the best place to do business’. It offers a team approach to every enquiry that comes in, no matter the size or scope, to ensure businesses grow and succeed.
Visit Invest Fife website
Nestled in the lively heart of Scotland’s fourth-largest city and perched on the banks of the charming River Tay, Malmaison Dundee is a haven of sophistication and style. This hotel, just a casual stroll from popular attractions like the V&A Dundee museum, RRS Discovery, and the Caird Hall concert venue, is your perfect Scottish getaway.
Malmaison Dundee’s rooms spell style and comfort, with options including standard rooms, club rooms, and suites. Each space is a tribute to luxury, boasting plush bedding, modern decor, and a wealth of amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Visit Malmaison website
The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa is a luxury five-star property offering timeless elegance and award-winning service located in the world-famous Home of Golf, St Andrews, Fife. Enjoying an unrivalled setting overlooking the famous 17th hole of the Old Course and West Sands Beach, the resort is renowned for its warm hospitality and attention to detail, making it one of St Andrews’ most popular venues for accommodation, dining, and weddings. Within the resort you can explore the luxurious Kohler Waters Spa which features 13 treatment rooms, a 20m pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and plunge pool, as well as a gym and fitness centre. From casual pub food to a three Rosette fine dining experience, the resort caters to all with its eight restaurants and bars. You will be spoilt for choice from the selection of local and international dishes. The resort’s official golf course is The Duke’s. The championship course offers world-class service alongside one of the most manicured golf experiences in St Andrews. Facilities include the Clubhouse bar and restaurant, a fully stocked Pro Shop, driving range, short game area, par-3 loop, and a fleet of GPS golf buggies. Discover the historic university town of St Andrews, just a short stroll from the resort, and explore the surrounding countryside of the ancient Kingdom of Fife. With a combination of classically elegant and contemporary interiors, the resort offers luxurious facilities and a warm welcome in the finest traditions of Scottish hospitality.
Visit Old Course Hotel website
The University of Dundee School of Business is one of the fastest growing business schools in the UK. We are passionate about creating partnership-driven teaching, research and knowledge exchange that stimulate enterprise and innovation in the local and global community. The school has joined the world’s elite after attaining AACSB accreditation, which is recognised globally and emphasises the quality of our research-informed teaching and community engagement that we pride ourselves on here at Dundee. The School of Business has enjoyed unprecedented growth in recent years and has established itself as an integral part of the University and the wider region.
Visit School of Business University of Dundee website
The Swilcan Loft restaurant and bar features floor-to-ceiling windows and uninterrupted views of the Old Course golf course, West Sands Beach and the iconic Hamilton Grand building. It is located on the fourth floor of the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa and serves an eclectic international menu created with locally sourced Scottish produce.
Swilcan Loft is the perfect place for those looking for an indulgent lunch or dinner with a great selection of wines and innovative cocktails.
Visit Swilcan Loft website
The Rookery, Restaurant and Bar in Carnoustie showcases the very best produce that Scotland has to offer. The menus, delivered by Head Chef, Jonathan Greer, offer guests breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed atmosphere with great service. The dining space uses natural materials and full-length glass windows to make the most of the spectacular panoramic views of the world famous Carnoustie Championship Course. The Rookery is open for everyone to enjoy. It is the perfect dining environment for groups, couples and families. With a focus on seasonal produce, the dishes feature the very best of Scottish food.
Visit The Rookery websiteThe Judges
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Brian Stormont
Deputy Head of Print/Editor The Courier Food & Drink DC Thomson
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Martha Bryce
Director, Sound Bite PR
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Sarah Rankin
MasterChef Finalist and Food Writer
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Jamie Scott
Chef Patron, The Newport Restaurant
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Fiona Walsh
Co-Founder, Toll House Spirits
Event Partnership Opportunities
Event Partnership Opportunities
For further details on Event Partnership opportunities, please contact:
Ross Williamson on 07803 159710 or ross.williamson@dcthomson.co.uk