Published at 12:01, Friday, 04 January 2013

FOUR west Cumbrian businesses have made it to the finals of the Cumbria Life Food and Drink Awards.

In the running: Ryan Blackburn head chef at The Cottage in the Wood at Whinlatter which is one of the finalists in the Cumbria Life Food and Drink Awards

Shill’s of Station Street and The Coffee Kitchen, both of Cockermouth, The Filling Station in Keswick and Cottage in the Wood at Whinlatter could scoop prizes in seven of the 12 categories.

They will battle it out with 35 other business for the coveted titles at the awards ceremony on January 25, at Kendal College.

The Coffee Kitchen and The Filling Station have both been shortlisted in the Best Café/Tea Shop and Best Newcomer categories.

Shill’s of Station Street is up for Best Specialist Retailer prize and Judges’ Special Award for Outstanding Service.

Cottage in the Wood is a finalist in both the Judges’ Restaurant of the Year and the Cumbria Life Restaurant of the Year categories and chef Ryan Blackburn is up for Chef of the Year.

Judges were impressed by the high standard of entries and, in some cases, were unable to settle on just three finalists for each category.

Steven Doherty, chairman of judges, said: “What brings it home to me is what a very diverse range of establishments we have here in Cumbria. It’s come an awfully long way in the last 20 years.

“To be shortlisted means that the entrants are near the top of their game and should continue to strive to maintain and improve standards.”

The judging panel included chefs Simon Rogan and Nigel Haworth.

The awards are in association with the Taste Cumbria food festival and will be hosted by TV presenter and broadcaster Stuart Maconie.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk