The best.......

Wed, 07 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT

Each year a huge taste test is held in the North West to establish the best food from Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside. This hotly contested event, attracting over 500 entries is judged by an expert panel including leading North West chefs, national food writers and guest judges.

The winning products form a fantastic taste guide to some of Cumbria’s top artisan food.

The Cumbrians as expected received a bumper crop of awards with thirteen of their products being crowned winners. Furness Fish & Game were also named as North West Fine Food Producer of the Year 2008 for Cumbria. As well as being famous for their Morecambe Bay shrimps, Furness Fish travel to London each week and have a stall in Borough Market.

Furness Fish at Borough Market in London

Lizzie Smith was awarded the prize for best new product for the second year running.

Lizzie outside her work and home!

Kendal Jacksmiths took the overall ‘Best Bakery & Confectionery’ prize for their Plain Flapjack.

Best Alcoholic Liqueur
Moffatts Damson Gin
The Bridge Café and Bistro
Contact: Michael Hales
Address: Newby Bridge, Cumbria LA12 8ND
Tel: 01539 530667 email: mail@thebridgecafebistro.co.uk

Best Jam, Jelly or Marmalade
Blackcurrant Jam
Outreamer Homemade Foods
Contact: James Jackson
Address: Outreamer Cottage, 12 Cliff Road, Sandysyke, Nr Longtown, Carlisle, Cumbria
Tel: 01228 792106 email: outreamer2003@yahoo.co.uk

Best Honey, Curd or Cheese
Damson Fruit Gems
Lizzies Homemade
Contact: Elizabeth Smith
Address: The Bank, Dockray, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0LG
Tel: 01768 482487 email: elizabeth.smith57@btinternet.com

Best Terrine or Pate
Chicken Liver Pate with Brandy
Brunswick Deli
Contact: Susan Bell
Address: 9 Brunswick Road, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7LU
Tel: 01768 210500

Best Cold Meat Pie or Savoury Pastry
Black Pudding Speciality Dinky Meat Pie
Cranstons Quality Butchers
Contact: Ashlea Pearson
Address: Ullswater Road, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7EH
Tel: 01768 868680 email: ashlea@cranstons.net

Best Brownie
More's Muddees
More Pud?
Contact: Patrick Moore
Address: 140 Stainbank Road, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 5BE
Tel: 01539 735557 email: morepud@btinternet.com

Best Hot Pudding or Dessert
Tangy Lemon Pudding
Country Puddings Ltd
Contact: Lynne Mallinson
Address: Lodge Farm, Dacre, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 OHH
Tel: 01768 480864 email: info@countrypuddings.co.uk

Best Bread
Spelt with Roasted Garlic & Chanterelles
Munx Lakeland Bakery
Contact: Aidan Monks
Address: Mill Yard, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria LA8 9LR
Tel: 01539 822102 email: aidan@munx.co.uk

Best Biscuit
Plainjack Flapjack
Kendal Jacksmiths
Contact: Julie Thomas/Liz Barners Lea
Address: 2 Berrys Yard, Kendal, Cumbria
Tel: 01539 738606 email: mailbacked@aol.com

Best Beef
Dexter Beef Sirloin Steak
Deer 'N Dexter
Contact: Jane Emerson
Address: Old Stoddah Farm, Penruddock, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 ORY
Tel: 01768 480069 email: jane@deer_n_dexter.co.uk

Best Air Dried Meat
Air Dried Beef
Farmersharp.co.uk
Contact: Andrew
Address: Diamond Buildings, Pennington Lane, Lindal-in-Furness, Cumbria LA12 0LA
Tel: 01229 588299 email: farmersharp@farmersharp.co.uk

Best Continental Style Meat
Sliced Cumbrian Smoked Pancetta
Slacks
Contact: Dudley Carruthers
Address: Newlands Farm, Raisbeck, Orton, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 3SG
Tel: 01524 411611

Best Prepared Fish
113g Morecambe Bay Potted Shrimp
Furness Fish and Game
Contact: Clare Worrall
Address: Moor Lane, Flookburgh, Grange Over Sands, Cumbria LA11 7LS
Tel: 01539 559544 email: furnessfish@yahoo.com

Martins thoughts...

The best.......