taste awards winners 2026

best beverage

WINNER: Equinox Organic Kombucha

Hopbucha

This outstanding alcohol-free drink marries authentic gut-friendly, planet positive kombucha with the hoppy deliciousness of craft-brewed ale. A brilliant collaboration between Equinox and legendary Yorkshire brewery T&R Theakston.

“A really clever use of ingredients, which produces a grown-up, refreshing and easy-to-drink beverage. Perfect as a pre-dinner palate tickler, or big enough to stand up to fish or chicken dishes.”

Best cheese

WINNER: Botton Creamery

Organic Summerfields

Made at Botton Creamery from unpasteurised milk produced by its own Dairy Shorthorn herd, this alpine-style cheese is crafted during the summer grazing months before being carefully turned and washed as it matures.

“You’d never think that this alpine-style cheese hails from God’s Own County, which makes it even more impressive. The beautifully floral, pasture-rich aroma, alluring creaminess, and some mature notes make this a standout in its field.”

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best confectionery

WINNER: Mallowdramatic

Ube & Pandesal Toffee Marshmallow

Founded in 2022 by former chef John Short, Leeds-based Mallowdramatic grew from an experiment making homemade marshmallows for friends into a business dedicated to pushing the boundaries of confectionery. Today, John creates an ever-changing collection of handcrafted, small-batch marshmallows, combining unusual flavours and making ingredients from scratch wherever possible.

“A lovely contrast of textures” was how the judges described this winner. “It’s such a playful combination, but the balance of flavour and sweetness delivers. An excellent product we would reach for again.”

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Best dairy product

WINNER: The Milk Well

Whole Pasteurised Milk

Based in Willerby, East Yorkshire, The Milk Well is an independent, multi-generational small family dairy farm selling milk from the Collinson’s own herd directly to customers from self-service vending machines.

In a tightly contested category with all 3 shortlisted products notable, here’s what the judges had to say about this year’s winning product: “Lovely, rich and enticing. Really creamy and fresh, it tastes wholesome, and took us back to our childhoods.”

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Best Fish & Seafood

WINNER: The Burnt Hill Herb Co.

Cold Smoked Trout Pâté – Traditional Cure

Founded by Jon Allen and based in Farnley Tyas, West Yorkshire, the business is situated in the grounds of an old 19th century brewery and combines ethical and sustainable farming with artisan food production. The farm’s Yorkshire-born rainbow trout are raised in pure rainwater pools and fed organic feed. The trout is cured and smoked by hand using traditional methods in the custom-built smokehouse on site.

The judges described this year’s winner as “a lovely balance of smoke and salt. Not particularly creamy, but actually the rather more rugged texture works brilliantly, with a gloriously lingering finish.”

Best fresh meat

WINNER: Warrendale Wagyu

British Wagyu Fillet Steak

Established in 2017, Yorkshire-based Warrendale Wagyu is part of family farming business Warrendale Farms and works with more than 800 farmer partners across the UK. Combining Wagyu genetics with British farming, the team produces premium British Wagyu renowned for its distinctive marbling, flavour and tenderness, and this year’s winning product showcased that quality throughout.

“Stunning. Cuts effortlessly, like a hot knife through butter. A rich, deep flavour that stays around for an age afterwards. Tender, juicy and an absolute joy to eat!”

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best ice cream

WINNER: Milk from the Hills

Pistachio Gelato

Based in Hoylandswaine, the Hill family have been farming for the past 4 generations. Launched in 2022 Milk from the Hills produces its gelato on the family dairy farm using whole milk from its own herd. Made on site by Chef Claudio, it’s also served from a new addition to the farm – its own Gelato Parlour.

“The ingredients here were allowed to shine providing a slightly dry-roasted, savoury flavour, underpinned by the creamy richness of the gelato. A very grown-up ice cream that we loved.”

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Best Pantry Product

WINNER: The Yorkshire Deli

Jalapeño & Lime Hot Sauce

Founded by Janet and her daughter Sorrel, and later joined by son Ben, The Yorkshire Deli grew out of more than a decade of trading at markets and food festivals. Now with a shop in Whitby, they showcase products from over 50 Yorkshire suppliers alongside their own award-winning creations. It has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the town.

“More like a thin mayo in consistency, but an incredibly tasty one, with the key ingredients in perfect balance. You can slosh this on lots of things or just dab it behind your ears!”

Best pork pie

WINNER: Jacksons Butchers

Traditional Flat Pork Pie

Based in the village of Ruswarp, Jacksons has been a pillar of the local community for more than three generations. Today, the business is in the safe hands of joint owners, Luke and Kyle.

“A handsome pie of proper Yorkshire proportions, with crunchy pastry encasing a perfectly minced and seasoned filling, where the jelly has started to melt and seep into the meat. Just perfect!”

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Best prepared meat (cold)

WINNER: Blacker Hall Farm Shop

Hand Carved Picanha Beef Roast

Based near Wakefield, Blacker Hall is a fifth-generation family farming business, with the Garthwaite family working the land since 1901. Over the generations, the traditional family farm has evolved into an award-winning farm shop, while farming remains firmly at the heart of everything they do. The majority of the beef sold through Blacker Hall’s butchery is reared on the family farm before being expertly prepared on site by its skilled team of butchers.

“Beautifully fragrant, with a fabulous contrast between the lean, moist meat and the rich, unctuous flavourful fat. We’d be back to the fridge all day for another slice!”

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Best prepared meat (hot)

WINNER: Thornton’s Bakehouse & Butchers

6oz Beef Burger

Based in Easingwold, Thornton’s is a third-generation family business with a history stretching back to 1960, when Colin and Mary Thornton opened their first butcher’s shop in the town. With grandson John and wife Katie now at the helm Thornton’s has recently opened a stunning new flagship site, continuing the family’s commitment to traditional butchery, craftsmanship and quality locally sourced meat and artisan baking. Their pies are still crafted using Granny Mary’s original recipes.

“This is one fabulous burger – moist and perfectly seasoned. The umami-rich, crisp exterior reveals a soft, tender, enticing interior. We haven’t one as good as that for a long time.”

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Best ready to eat product (cold)

WINNER: The Original Baker

Smoked Salmon & Crème Fraiche Quiche

Based in Malton, North Yorkshire, The Original Baker’s team of artisan bakers continues founder Gill Ridgard’s commitment to traditional, handmade production, creating an award-winning range of pies, pastries and quiches with a focus on quality ingredients, flavour and craftsmanship, and this year’s winning product showcased that to perfection.

Our winning product was described by the judges as “one of those that does beckon you on! Great balance between ingredients that allows them all to shine. They complement each other perfectly in flavour and texture, and the crisp, light pastry is an excellent carrier.”

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best ready to eat product (hot)

WINNER: Blacker Hall Farm Shop

Homemade Steak Party Pie

Blacker Hall’s skilled team of butchers, bakers and chefs work together to create their extensive range of dishes from scratch in-house, using locally sourced ingredients and produce from the family’s farm near Wakefield. Their winning pie is crafted using tender braised steak from their own butchery alongside a rich sauce and homemade buttery shortcrust pastry.

“Just provide a springboard and dive in, as it’s as big as many swimming pools! Cut into the light and melting pastry, which tops and bottoms the pie, and you discover a blend of succulent, juicy meat and rich gravy, working in perfect harmony. A match winner that could feed the whole team.”

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best savoury condiment

WINNER: Winnie’s Yorkshire Delights

Beetroot Relish

Thirsk-based Winnie’s Yorkshire Delights has been creating artisan preserves for more than a decade, crafting small batches of jams, chutneys, marmalades and relishes by hand, and drawing on traditional family recipes and seasonal produce.

“Vivid, fresh, zingy!” said our judges. “Spot on with a toasted cheese sandwich, or the perfect way to brighten up a dull ploughman’s lunch.”

best sustainable product

WINNER: Dark Woods Coffee

Peru Asproagro Community Coffee

For the team at West Yorkshire-based Dark Woods Coffee, a long-standing very special relationship built with the Asproagro community in Peru lies at the heart of their winning coffee. Sourced entirely from women producers in Lambayeque and certified Café Femenino, it reflects their commitment to supporting the people behind the beans.

The relationship has also supported water reservoir construction, additional sprinkler irrigation, road reconstruction, and beekeeping provision. It’s a winning coffee with a lasting impact on its growing community and with its complex brew, with dark chocolate and mocha aromas, followed by a complex and gently fruity mouthful and long satisfying finish it tastes pretty good too!

best sweet spread & preserve

WINNER: Rosebud Preserves

Yorkshire Rhubarb & Ginger Jam

Founded by Elspeth Biltoft in 1989 at Rosebud Farm near Masham, Rosebud Preserves stems from a lifelong passion for the Yorkshire countryside, traditional family recipes, and seasonal wild foraging.

Our 2026 winning product was described as “Simply brilliant, combining a mouth-pleasing texture with the perfect balance of initial sweetness and gentle heat and spice. Eat it as it is, slather it on yoghurt, or enjoy it with a young Wensleydale. It has numerous culinary possibilities.”

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best wine & spirit

WINNER: Goose Beck Vineyard

Bacchus

Situated in the Vale of York, Goose Beck Vineyard is run by Paul and Lisa Chasney and their daughters, Antonia and Felicity. What began as a family passion project, with the first vines planted by hand in 2021, has grown into a vineyard and winery producing characterful wines that reflect Yorkshire’s cooler climate and the distinctive qualities of their location.

“Totally different in style to any similar products you get on the Continent. The aromas of hawthorn and bramble lead to floral silver birch in the mouth, with touches of gooseberry and rhubarb on the finish. The Bacchus grape has always grown well in England and produces here a wine that shouts Yorkshire. The perfect partner for a White Rose cheeseboard.”

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best independent retailer

WINNER: Rafters of Driffield

Established in 1981, the family-run business opened its Driffield premises in 1997, developing its offering, championing Yorkshire produce where possible while staying true to its greengrocery roots. Fresh fruit and vegetables remain central, supported by strong relationships with East Yorkshire farmers.

“With exceptional personal service, seasonal produce, and a clear commitment to local suppliers, we love the vibrant displays, knowledgeable staff and their strong sense of community. This business is clearly at the heart of its high street – every town needs one of these..”

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best new business

WINNER: Forge Valley Roasters

For founders Chris and Tash, inspiration came while living in Arkansas, where a vibrant coffee scene sparked their passion for roasting. Returning to England in 2023, they began Forge Valley Roasters and have since grown it into community spaces across Scarborough and the Dawnay Estate, bringing together speciality coffee, Yorkshire hospitality in the form of their brew bars, and opportunities to learn through tastings, roastery tours and barista training.

The judges said: “This business has had an impressive expansion in such a short time. We love their focus on in-house roasted coffee, artisan produce, and clean eating. Supported by impressive marketing and a deep commitment to the local community, this team has built a distinctive business with an exciting future.”

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best wholesaler & distributor

WINNER: Coffee Care

Now a second-generation family business with daughter Sarah at the helm, Coffee Care has more than 40 years’ experience supplying award-winning coffees, teas and equipment to the trade. Its approach brings together quality products and practical expertise, helping customers serve consistently great coffee.

The judges said: “More than simply a supplier, this team are recognised as a valued partner, consistently going the extra mile for their customers. Their commitment to the local community and contribution to Yorkshire’s economy make them an incredibly deserving winner.”

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best yorkshire dining experience

WINNER: Drewton’s Farm Shop & The Manor Rooms

Founded by Katie Taylor MBE in 2010, and now with son Freddie in the business, Drewton’s sits on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds near South Cave. Its Kitchen serves seasonal brunches, lunches and afternoon teas, with dishes showcasing ingredients sourced from local producers and sweet treats freshly made by its chefs and bakers.

The judges said of the winner: “A warm welcome, generous portions, excellent value and attentive service. This is a business with something for everyone. Their strong connections with both the community and visitors alike make it a wonderful showcase for Yorkshire food, hospitality and traditional family values. What a fantastic place.”

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best yorkshire pub

WINNER: The Angel Inn, Topcliffe

Set in the village of Topcliffe, this pub has a particularly lovely story behind it. Owners Maggie and Dave Mathews first met there in 1995. Today, they run the business alongside their daughter Rose, supported by General Manager Katie Hayton and their team.

“Genuinely friendly service, wholesome food and excellent selection of well-kept Yorkshire cask ales and local spirits. This is a true community pub, where traditional hospitality and a commitment to Yorkshire shine throughout. A fantastic example of what a great village pub should be.”

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The Yorkshire & NE Beer & Pub Association