2020 Food & Drinks Awards Categories

Open to food and drink businesses in East Lothian and Midlothian area, The Mid & East Lothian Food & Drink Awards 2020 is the only awards event created to support and boost local producers and suppliers, chefs, restaurants, pubs and hoteliers, and people who care about the countryside and the future of our local environment.

Main Entry Criteria:

All entrants must come from within Midlothian & East Lothian
Judges are especially looking for the use of locally or regionally sourced produce; imaginative, creative dishes using seasonal produce; food quality and presentation; hospitality and service efficiency; cleanliness; facilities, decor and ambience among other criteria
Judges will also be looking for evidence of good environmental practices

Awards Categories:

Best Eatery in a Visitor Attraction

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Judges of this category will be looking for a café / eatery located in garden centres, museums, farm affiliated venues or other visitor attractions that really meet the needs of its customers. Does it demonstrate attention to details both in terms of its food offering, atmosphere, information and variety of menu?

Restaurant / Bistro of the Year

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The restaurant of the year will offer a fabulous dining experience, everything from ambience to service and most importantly, the food. Are ingredients locally sourced? Is the drinks list local as well as international? Service should be of an extremely high standard and staff will be judged on their knowledge of the menu and wine to complement the dishes.

Café / Tea Room of the Year

The establishment must serve a range of teas and coffees. Judges will be looking for a selection of bites to eat, cakes as well as a welcoming, comfortable and relaxing environment.

Pub of the Year

It is awarded to an establishment that offers consistency and excellence. The panel will judge on staff knowledge and service, the overall feel and facilities, as well as use of local breweries. The panel will also be looking for good atmosphere and a friendly welcome.

Excellence in Customer Service

Judges will be looking for an outstanding level of customer service throughout with evidence of continuous staff training and customer feedback processes.

Local Producer of the Year

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This award recognises local producers whose passion for Midlothian / East Lothian produce is at the heart of their business. It’s open to all producers who demonstrate a real passion for our food and drink.

Most Innovative New Product

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This is awarded to a food / drink producer who can demonstrate a high level of innovation and how this has had a positive impact on their business. Judges will be looking at new flavours, new concepts, all the way to clever packaging and successes in environmental responsibility.

Takeaway of the Year

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It is awarded to an establishment who can demonstrate best quality food combine with a fast, efficient and reliable service as well as value for money.

Why enter?

To increase brand awareness and company exposure
Connect with others in the sector plus opportunity to meet with potential new customers and support organisations that can help grow your business
It can be motivational for staff, helping them to grow and develop new skills
It can demonstrate your company’s commitment to new product development, innovation and good business practice

Who can enter?

Food and drink manufacturers
Retailers, producers, growers, hospitality, restaurateurs

How to enter?

Visit our website and find a category to enter see above - Awards Categories
Make sure you read the above Main Criteria
Download the 2020 F&D Awards Form and submit your application for free by email to dita@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk by 12 Noon on Friday 31st January.
After uploading your entry, you should receive an email receipt of your submission
Judging process will commence from Early February 2020
The shortlist will be announced mid-February. We will send you an email first before we make the shortlist public.
The judging visits will be made over a four-week period and will be unannounced.
We will send out a press release, post on social media, and feature it in the MELCC e-newsletter and website.
Winners will be announced at the Food & Drink Awards Ceremony and Dinner on 26th March 2020 at Eskmills Venue, Musselburgh