taste the best...

Each year a huge taste test is held in the North West to establish the best food from Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside. This hotly contested event, attracting over 500 entries is judged by an expert panel including leading North West chefs, national food writers and guest judges. The winning products form a fantastic taste guide to some of Cumbria's top artisan food. 

The Cumbrians, as expected, received a bumper crop of awards with thirteen of our products being crowned winners. Furness Fish & Game were named as North West Fine Food Producer of the Year 2008 for Cumbria. Famous for their Morecambe Bay shrimps, each week, Furness Fish travel to London and set up a fantastic fish stall at Borough Market, joining other Cumbrians such as Farmer Sharp, who sells lamb and Peter Gott, who sells pork from wild boar and rare breed pigs. Furness Fish & Game have also just opened a retail outlet at their new headquarters in Flookborough, close to the sands where the shrimps are harvested.  

Lizzie Smith, who produces the fabulous Cumbrian Frutta Cotta was awarded the prize for best new product, with her Damson Fruit Gems. These heart shaped taste sensations use Damsons from the Lyth Valley. The damsons are listed in the UK's Slow Food ark, a collection of the best traditional products around the country. One of the secrets to Lizzie's continuing success is sourcing the very best ingredients for her products.

Kendal Jacksmiths took the overall ‘Best Bakery & Confectionery' prize for their Plain Flapjack. A full list of all the winners with their contact details can be found on www.Artisan-food.com

Content and photography supplied by www.Artisan-Food.com, funded by Distinctly Cumbrian.