Home   What's On   News   Article

Final round of top three finalists for the Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards 2025 announced, including Pub of the Year and Hotel of the Year

This year, hundreds of you sent in your nominations for the Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards 2025 and now it’s time to reveal who came out on top.

We have already announced the first batch of finalists including Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year and, now, we’re revealing your final picks across the remaining five categories.

The finalists for this year’s Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards 2025, as voted for by you. Picture: iStock
The finalists for this year’s Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards 2025, as voted for by you. Picture: iStock

The awards, presented by the KM Group and sponsored by DDS International, are once again shining the spotlight on Kent’s top food producers, professional chefs, village pubs, high-end restaurants, cosy cafes and more.

We will be celebrating our winners with a ceremony at the Chilston Park Hotel, near Maidstone, on Tuesday, February 25.

However, until then, you can find out if your favourite foodie hotspots made this year’s list of finalists below…

BEVERAGE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Kreston Reeves

Chapel Down in Tenterden is one of England’s most celebrated winemakers
Chapel Down in Tenterden is one of England’s most celebrated winemakers

CHAPEL DOWN VINEYARD, Tenterden

The award-winning winemaker is known for having its sparkling wine served at the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Buckingham Palace wedding reception. There’s also guided tours, a restaurant and gift shop at the vineyard.

GOACHERS BREWERY, Maidstone

Phil and Debbie Goacher use only malt and Kentish hopes to brew all of their beers. Their selection includes the Fine Light session ale and the Best Dark bitter.

MOOT BREW & CO, Halling

This microbrewery brews and packages all of its beers on-site with recyclable materials. Their beers use a combination of ingredients from across Kent paired with hops from around the world.

FOOD & DRINK HERO

Sponsored by Bargain Warehouse

CHARLIE HOWDEN OF POKE PREP, Maidstone

Since opening last year, Poke Prep has received numerous accolades. Founder Charlie Howden is at the forefront of the business, which specialises in Asian American fusion street food.

DAVE HILLS OF NOTION COFFEE LOUNGE, Sellindge

Dave Hills runs Notion Coffee Lounge, next door to the Little Lighthouse, a sensory play centre for babies, young children and children with special educational needs, opened by his wife, Natalie. The cafe provides somewhere for parents to go before or after their child’s session at the centre.

MARK ELLINOR OF ELLINOR’S ICE CREAM, Rainham

Mark Ellinor runs Ellinor’s Ice Cream – which has also been nominated for Street Food / Pop-up of the Year – and has been working at the family business for more than 20 years. He serves ice cream at schools, community events and private functions.

HOSPITALITY CHAMPION

Sponsored by Lipscomb Cars

CHRIS PEACH OF THE SPITFIRE, Kings Hill

Chris Peach has been behind the bar at The Spitfire for eight years. As manager of the Shepherd Neame pub, Chris puts on quiz nights, live bands and family events.

HOPE DENCH OF THE BUCK’S HEAD, Sevenoaks

Hope Dench and her husband, James, took over at the Buck’s Head in May 2022, with Hope giving birth to their daughter Nora Violet just days later. The couple have introduced a weekly seasonal food menu and popular Sunday roast.

Martin Brennan and his wife, Lisa, run the George and Dragon pub in Shipbourne Road, Tonbridge
Martin Brennan and his wife, Lisa, run the George and Dragon pub in Shipbourne Road, Tonbridge

MARTIN BRENNAN OF THE GEORGE AND DRAGON, Tonbridge

Martin Brennan, who was a finalist for Kent Hospitality Champion in last year’s awards, has been nominated once again for his rapport with the locals. The pub welcomes sports teams and live music, and also has a large beer garden and cosy fireplaces.

HOTEL OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Jumeira

BOTANY BAY HOTEL, Broadstairs

A stylish pub and hotel overlooking Botany Bay beach from the clifftop. There’s a lounge bar, a restaurant with views of the coast, a spacious beer garden and 30 en-suite bedrooms.

THE PIG AT BRIDGE PLACE, Canterbury

This boutique hotel is housed inside a 17th century manor house and boasts riverside hop pickers’ huts, double bedrooms and glamping wagons. There’s also an award-winning restaurant with an open-plan kitchen and regular tasting events.

The Grade II listed Mansion Hotel at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Hythe
The Grade II listed Mansion Hotel at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Hythe

PORT LYMPNE HOTEL, Hythe

Located within the grounds of the 600-acre wildlife park, this hotel features far-reaching views of the reserve’s unique Kentish savannah from almost every room or suite. The hotel itself is surrounded by elegant gardens and has its own restaurant and outdoor terraces.

PUB OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by One Maidstone

THE FLYING HORSE, Smarden

This newly refurbished country haven is a Sheps pub with plenty of character. The Flyer, as it has been named by locals, has old oak beams and a cosy fireplace, and there’s a monthly pub quiz and live music.

THE HAMPTON INN, Herne Bay

This unique pub overlooks the coast and is, quite literally, the last building standing in Hampton-on-Sea. It’s a slice of peace and quiet on the seafront with beautiful views, Shepherd Neame beers and pub grub.

TAP 17, Headcorn

It might be small on the inside, but this charming micropub has a great beer garden out the back. There’s craft beer and real ale on offer, as well as wines, ciders and spirits.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More