A showcase for the county like none other, the Taste of Kent Awards honour our food and drink champions.

Over the last few months, the Kent public has been voting for their favourite producers, retailers, restaurants, dining pubs or farmers’ markets and now this year’s finalists have been revealed.

Stephanie Durling of organiser Produced In Kent, said: “From all over the county, the people of Kent have chosen the flavours, products, produce and venues they have enjoyed the most over the last 12 months.”

The three finalists in each category will now go forward to be judged by independent mystery shoppers, diners or panel of experts to find Kent’s ultimate food and drink heroes.

“For the winners, the awards are the ultimate stamp of approval from their customers and confirmation of their food and drink excellence,” added Stephanie.

“We are delighted to see so many new names in the top threes this year.”

Stephanie added that there had been increased interest in the independent retailer category as well as a surge in voting for locally-brewed beers.

The winners will be revealed at an awards dinner on Thursday, March 3 at the Kent Event Centre in Detling, near Maidstone.

The awards are sponsored by a range of Kent businesses, with main sponsors Cripps LLP. Catering for the awards dinner will come from Jason Freedman at Curiously Kentish in Birchington, near Margate.

For awards dinner tickets and any other details visit www.tasteofkentawards.co.uk

The 2016 Taste of Kent Awards finalists

Kent Beer of the Year
Gadds Number 3 – Ramsgate Brewery, Broadstairs
Good Life – Goody Ale, Herne Bay
Romney Amber – Romney Marsh Brewery, New Romney

Kent Butcher Shop of the Year
Carnivore Food, Sidcup
Stour Valley Game, Chilham
Worgans Butchers @ the Goods Shed, Canterbury

Kent Cider or Perry of the Year
Biddenden Strong Kentish Cider – Biddenden Vineyards
Kentish Pip Craftsman – Kentish Pip, Bekesbourne
Wise Owl Cider – Wise Owl, Ashford

Kent Dining Pub of the Year
The George Inn, Molash
King and Queen, East Malling
Kings Head, Wye

Kent Farmers’ Market of the Year
Cliftonville
Rochester
Tonbridge

Kent Fishmonger of the Year
Aldington Fresh Foods, Ashford
Hollowshore Fisheries, Bluey & Fiona Walpole, Faversham
Hudson’s Fish, Herne Bay

Kent Food Producer of the Year
AMC Foods (Kent crisps and oils), Manston
Samovar Foods, Aylesham
Thomas Cookie Co, Maidstone

Kent Juice Producer of the Year
Chegworth Valley Juices, Harrietsham
The Cherry Berry Company, Bexleyheath
Nightingales (Gibbet Oak), Tenterden

Kent Local Food Retailer of the Year
Holwood Farm Shop, Keston
Monty’s of Birchington, Birchington
Peters Produce, Herne Bay

Kent Restaurant of the Year
Ambrette, Margate
The Corner House, Minster
Googies, Folkestone

Kent Wine of the Year
Bacchus – Chapel Down Vineyard, Tenterden
Herbert Hall Brut – Herbert Hall, Marden
Ortega – Biddenden Vineyards

There are also awards to recognise fruit producers and the county’s countryside, and for the first time there will be an award for Kent’s Young Food and Farming Entrepreneur.