THE winners of the second annual Hereford Times Food and Drink Awards have been announced.

Nominees and guests gathered at Hereford Racecourse last night for the awards ceremony, which aimedto celebrate produce from around the county.

The top award – food and drink business of the year – went to Pensons at the Netherwood Estate.

The restaurant has also been named in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2020, as highly acclaimed chef Lee Westcott uses local produce in his kitchen.

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The 46-cover restaurant is a partnership between Mr Westcott and Peta Darnley, owner of the Netherwood Estate.

Special guests at the ceremony included Darren Sockett, owner of Hereford Butter Market, which was the main sponsor of the evening.

Also in attendance were staff and managers from the Green Dragon Hotel, Hereford; Tyrrells crisps, and the chairman of Herefordshire Council Coun Sebastian Bowen.

Sue Griffiths, Midlands events director for Newsquest Media, the publisher of the Hereford Times, organised the event.

She said: "We launched the awards last year to a great reception, and we have carried on the success into the second year.

"Herefordshire is rightly renowned for the quality of its food and drink and we are so pleased to help recognise those in the industry who have excelled."

The winners were:

Best farm shop: Oakchurch Farm Shop

Best brewer: The Weobley Brewing Company

Best restaurant or dining pub: Pensons at the Netherwood Estate

Best cider producer: Little Pomona Orchard & Cidery

Best café or tearoom: Ye Olde Steppes

Best drinks producer (not cider, beer or ale): Penrhos Spirits

Best butchers: Phillips and Preece

Best dairy producer: Hancocks Meadow Farm

Best community pub: The Sun Inn

Best food producer (non-dairy): Hay Charcuterie

Best independent food and drink retailer: Fodder

Food and drink business of the year: Pensons at the Netherwood Estate