Cumbria Food Awards is backing a charity that supports workers across the hospitality industry.
The 2026 gala awards evening, to be held at Kendal College next March, will include fundraising for national charity Hospitality Action.
The charity exists to help hospitality workers who fall on hard times, delivering financial and mental health support and advice.
Since March 2020, it has answered tens of thousands of calls and assisted more than 15,000 hospitality households by awarding in excess of £5 million in grants.
The charity’s northern board chairman Kevin Haygarth said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Hospitality Action has been chosen as the Cumbria Food Awards’ charity partner for 2026.
“This partnership will make a meaningful difference to people working across our industry, enabling us to deliver vital financial and emotional support to those in hospitality when they need it most.”
The fifth annual Cumbria Food Awards, held in association with Caterite, will be hosted by TV presenter Chris Bavin.
Chris, who is best known as the star of the BBC’s Eat Well For Less? and Best Home Cook, will announce the winners of 13 competitive categories and three special awards.
Students from the college will cook and serve canapés and a two-course dinner for 165 finalists and guests.
The awards, which are free to enter, are now open for business entries and nominations.
Co-organiser Michaela Robinson-Tate said: “The entries that have started to arrive for Cumbria Food Awards show the outstanding work that goes on in our industry across the county.
“We want to hear from more business owners who believe their team is among the best. You can make sure our judges consider your restaurant, café, pub or shop by putting yourself forward. And everyone can nominate their favourite food stars.”
Cumbria Food Awards are supported by headline sponsor Caterite, associate sponsor The Cumberland, media partner Cumbria Crack, Kendal College, Booths, Patron Simon Rogan and sponsors.
To enter, visit www.cumbriafoodawards.co.uk
Cumbria Food Awards 2026 categories
The following categories are open for nominations:
- Specialist Food Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Hawkshead Relish
- Food Producer of the Year – Sponsored by Booths
- Drinks Producer of the Year – Sponsored by Grapevine
- Service of the Year – Sponsored by Academy by Simon Rogan
- Pub, Bar or Taproom of the Year – Sponsored by Herdwick Cottages
- Sustainable Business of the Year
- Casual Dining Venue of the Year – Sponsored by Enterprise Answers
- Takeaway or Street Food Trader of the Year
- New Business of the Year – Sponsored by Thomson Hayton Winkley
- Café of the Year – Sponsored by Cumbria Crack
- Contemporary Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by Lamont Pridmore
- Chef of the Year – Sponsored by Westmorland Farmshop
- Acclaimed Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by More? The Artisan Bakery
Special awards
No nominations are sought for these awards
- The Rising Star Award – Sponsored by Kendal College
- The Growing Strong Award – Sponsored by The Cumberland
- The Dave Myers Cumbrian Food and Drink Hero – Sponsored by Caterite
