2009 Essex Food and Drink Awards - the results

The winners of the Essex Food and Drink Awards 2009 were announced at a lavish gala evening at Bartellas Restaurant, Furze Hill, Margaretting last night.

On a night which celebrated the quality and diversity of Essex's culinary excellence, producers, restaurateurs, chefs and others in the food trade gathered from across the county to see who would carry away the much sought-after awards.

After a superb meal using local, seasonal produce and including a dessert inspired by the finalists in the Young Chef of the Year category, Etholle George of BBC Essex announced the winners:

Young Chef of the Year: Molly Harris, Sandon School
Chef of the Future: Luke Johns, Great Baddow
Best School Food Initiative: Sandon School (senior), Sunnymede, Billericay (junior)
Baker of the Year: Cosson & Son, Harold Hill
Butcher of the Year: Holts, Witham
Producer of the Year: Caprilatte Ice Cream Company, Colchester
Best Tea or Coffee Shop: Stop The World, Leigh-on-Sea
Best Hotel Restaurant: Tudors Restaurant, Marygreen Manor, Brentwood
Exciting Wine Award: White Hart, Great Yeldham
Traditional Pub of the Year: The Axe & Compasses, Aythorpe Roding
Best Restaurant: Juniper Restaurant, Clarice Hotel, Colchester
Best Newcomer Restaurant: Mustard, Chelmsford
Chef of the Year: Daniel Watkins, Crofters Brasserie, Witham