2025 Categories

• Bar of the Year

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  Bar of the Year

  This category is open to independent or hotel bars. Judges will be looking for a bar with a good ambience and knowledgeable staff who have a strong customer focus. An exciting and varied wine and beer list, expertly made signature cocktails and a good knowledge of spirits are essential.

  Entries will be judged by the following criteria:

  • Depth of knowledge of drinks served
  • Commitment to customer service
  • The style of your food offerings (pub grub/gastro pub etc.)
  • Your vibe (family friendly/pet friendly/outdoor seating etc.)
  • Wines and speciality beers/local drinks suppliers

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• Brewer of the Year

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  Brewer of the Year

  This category is open to any independently owned brewery business that can demonstrate success in the market.

  Judges will be looking for a commitment to locally sourced products where possible, sustainable practices and robust processes and a sound marketing strategy.

  Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Consistent innovation to stay ahead of competitors
  • Methods of reaching the target market
  • Commitment to local supply chain
  • Future plans

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• Chef of the Year

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  Available for Sponsorship

  Find out how to become a sponsor here.

  Chef of the Year

  The Chef of the Year is someone who is dedicated to creating and serving the best food, using seasonal and local ingredients. Above all, we are looking for passion, that magic ingredient that defines true greatness in the kitchen.

  Entries should come from all areas of the hospitality business, including hotels, restaurant and pubs.

  Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Influences and philosophy
  • Sourcing
  • What you bring to the profession
  • Seasonality and sustainability
  • A sample menu (please send this to smethven@dcthomson.co.uk)

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• Community Champion

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  Find out how to become a sponsor here. Read More

  Available for Sponsorship

  Find out how to become a sponsor here.

  Community Champion

  Through a lifetime of thoughtfulness or by an act of courage or kindness, this individual or group exemplifies the essence of community spirit. Perhaps during tough economic times, you adapt your business to help others in your area. The winner will be someone or a group who has gone out of their way to make a difference and help those who live within their community.

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• Entrepreneur of the Year

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  Entrepreneur of the Year

  This award is open to any food and drink related businesses based in Courier Country, which have been operating for a minimum of 14 months (as of September 2023). The award recognises a business leader who has shown entrepreneurial focus, strategic planning, innovation, strong leadership and outstanding business performance.

  Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Entrepreneurial flair, demonstrated through determination, perseverance, independent thinking, and an ability to overcome obstacles
  • An ability to turn business visions into realities, through a sound strategic plan
  • Creates a culture of innovation within the organisation, continually identifying and developing new ideas
  • Demonstrates a strong, flexible and forward-thinking leadership of the business and its staff
  • Strong business management, with consistent growth and strong financial performance, both top and bottom line

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• Independent Cafe of the Year

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  Find out how to become a sponsor here. Read More

  Available for Sponsorship

  Find out how to become a sponsor here.

  Independent Cafe of the Year

  The judges will look for the independent coffee shop that is best able to create an outstanding customer experience — a warm welcome, high quality coffee and/or tea plus a range of other drinks, tasty food made from fresh, local produce, all served with an excellent level of customer service. Ensure to include your opening times.

  Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Ambience
  • Offerings (tea/coffee, speciality brews – please be specific)
  • Attention to dietary requirements
  • Value/affordability
  • Customer service
  • Accessibility and facilities
  • Source of provenance

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• Producer of the Year

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  Available for Sponsorship

  Find out how to become a sponsor here.

  Producer of the Year

  Entries are welcome from producers of fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat or drinks, grown, produced or made from sources in Courier Country. Judges are looking for individuals or businesses with the ability and vision to produce and market quality food and drink products in this region. These are growers and producers who are passionate about what they do and who have the talent and skill to grow, develop and market an outstanding and commercially scalable food and drink product.

  Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Food or drink that is grown or made from sources in Courier Country
  • Inspiration and evolution
  • Commitment to highest production standards
  • Marketing and distribution
  • Sustainability

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• Restaurant of the Year

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  Restaurant of the Year

  This venue should be the very best of Scottish hospitality and cuisine; displaying the use of fresh and local ingredients with flair, imagination and expertise. Diners will not hesitate to travel many miles for this dining experience.

  Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

  • An exciting and innovative menu
  • Emphasis on local produce
  • Curation of wines and other drinks
  • Décor and ambience
  • Customer service
  • Knowledgeability of waiting staff

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• Rising Star of the Year

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  Rising Star of the Year

  The Rising Star recognises a game-changing newcomer whose vision and passion for food has marked them out as one-to-watch.

  Working on their own venture or within an established firm in the food and drink industry, our Rising Star will have channelled their talent for making outstanding food or producing quality food products, into a successful business venture.

  While still in the relatively early stages of their career, our Rising Star will be the one calling the shots in their own venture or, as an in-house member of staff.

  Either way, it will be obvious that great things beckon for our Rising Star.

  For the first time the winner of this category will be decided by readers and subscribers of The Courier in print and online.

  Key criteria:

  • A maximum of five years’ experience in their field
  • Proof of game-changing impact, sector disruption and / or influence
  • Ongoing commitment to professional development

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• Spirit Producer of the Year

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  Spirit Producer of the Year

  This category is open to any independently owned business within the craft spirits industry that has raised the bar by continually challenging themselves to bring new products to market, develops a good relationship with their customers and can demonstrate a commitment to the local community and sustainable practices shared across the industry.

  Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Consistent innovation to stay ahead of competitors
  • Quality standards
  • Positive environment impact
  • Future plans

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• Street Vendor of the Year

  Available for Sponsorship

  Find out how to become a sponsor here. Read More

  Available for Sponsorship

  Find out how to become a sponsor here.

  Street Vendor of the Year

  Good food on the go has become an important part of modern living and, as such, the demand for street food and impromptu pop-ups has never been greater. The judges will be looking for someone who’s bringing something unique to the table.

  Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Your USP
  • Use of local produce
  • Visitor experience
  • Customer service

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• Sustainability Award

  Available for Sponsorship

  Find out how to become a sponsor here. Read More

  Available for Sponsorship

  Find out how to become a sponsor here.

  Sustainability Award

  This award is for those who have sustainability at the heart of their business. The firm will demonstrate positive moves to operating more sustainably and showcase how they have done so/are doing so.

  Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Examples of sustainable practice
  • Positive outcomes and growth of such practices
  • Future proofing the business with sustainability in mind

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