North Devon finalists line up with county’s best in food and drink awards

Finalists have been announced for the Food Drink Devon Awards, taking place in October, with North Devon offering up a strong presence among the county’s finest producers.

Since entries closed in April, a panel of respected judges and industry experts has carefully judged an impressive number of submissions, sampling more than 350 products, visiting 115 hospitality venues, exploring 15 retail outlets and experiencing nine training schools, in the search for the very best that Devon has to offer.

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Now in its 14th year, these highly regarded awards are aimed at shining a spotlight on the county’s exceptional food and drink sector. Categories are open to both members and non-members of Food Drink Devon and include the ‘Producer Awards’, ‘Retail Awards’, ‘Hospitality Awards’ and ‘Sustainability Pioneer Award’.

Above: Barny Davies, Jazmin Davies and Lora Higgins of LJ’s Pantry at Fishleigh Barton, Umberleigh, which is a finalist in the Producer section of the Food Drink Devon Awards. Credit: LJ's Pantry

A finalist in the ‘Producer’ section is LJ’s Pantry, a small, family-run bakery based at Fishleigh Barton, Umberleigh. It specialises in handmade pasties, sausage rolls, and seasonal bakes, all crafted in small batches using quality local ingredients.

Above: Home-made pies are a speciality of LJ’s Pantry. Credit: LJ's Pantry

The business has grown through supplying independent shops, cafés, and farm shops across the region and local independent markets and says it’s proud to represent the amazing food culture here in Devon.

Proprietor Lora Higgins said: “We’re over the moon to be recognised in the Producer Awards. Everything we bake is handmade with care, rooted in local produce and Devon tradition.

“For us it’s about making honest, hearty food that people can really enjoy – so to be celebrated alongside so many other amazing Devon producers is truly special.”

Another finalist in this section is The Proper Marmalade Co, of Ilfracombe. This business makes artisanal marmalades, which are 100% handmade from fresh fruit, simmered until the peel is soft before boiling to a set with sugar.

Alex McWilliam-Brice, who runs the business, said that reaching the final stage was “very exciting”, and added: “This delicious handmade and versatile marmalade is not just for breakfast despite being spectacular on toast. With over 30 varieties we can suit all tastes."

Above: Alex McWilliam-Brice runs The Proper Marmalade Co in Ilfracombe. Credit: The Proper Marmalade Co

In the ‘Hospitality’ category, finalists include the Pig and Olive, in the Best Café and Takeaway section.

This pizza company is rooted in North Devon, with a restaurant in Westward Ho!, a take-away in Barnstaple and a mobile van that serves award-winning stone-baked pizzas to villages across the region.

Above: Pig and Olive make pizzas by hand and (below) who could resist?! Credit: Pig and Olive

Alysa Freeman, marketing manager at the Pig and Olive, said: “We are so proud of our team for this nomination. Having previously won this award, it feels very special to be recognised again.

“It shows the consistency of our food, our ethos and our staff, and reflects our ongoing commitment to quality and to the communities we serve.”

Also in the ‘Hospitality’ category, vying for the title of Best Pub, is the Black Venus, at Challacombe, a traditional Exmoor pub.

Above: The Black Venus at Challacombe is vying for the title of Best Pub. Credit: Black Venus

Owned by Darren Birch and his wife Sophie, the Black Venus has been run by the same family for 21 years. The pub tries to use many local suppliers as possible and also has an expanding kitchen garden where fruit and vegetables are grown for the pub organically. They produce their own eggs from chickens, ducks and geese and also keep bees. Darren is very keen to promote local and sustainable produce.

He said: “It’s an honour for us and the team to be recognised for all the hard work we are putting in, using local produce, in very challenging times for the industry, and we are incredibly thankful for the support of all our customers.”

Above: Darren Birch tending the Black Venus beehives. Credit: Black Venus

A finalist in the Training School Award category is CannDo Workshops at Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium.

These workshops are run by a chocolate shop which decided to diversify into providing chocolate making classes and other workshops since the Covid pandemic.

Above: Intricate chocolate work from the Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium. Credit: Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium

The chocolate is crafted by chocolatiers Jeannette Cann and Jess Smith, in the kitchen on site. Members of the public can see this process taking place as and when the chocolatiers are working.

The shop has a wide variety of handmade chocolates from individual chocolates to chocolate bars. There is also a small free museum full of chocolate artefacts and showing the manufacturing processes.

Above: A lesson in chocolate making with CannDo Workshops at Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium. Credit: Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium

The students get to taste a variety of chocolates and depending on the class, will use chocolate to decorate, will hand dip chocolate and make bars and individual chocolates to take home.

Jeannette said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been nominated for this award for both myself, my staff and for the people who love our chocolate.”

Food Drink Devon board director Jack Pickering said: “We’re delighted to showcase the incredible talent and variety of this year’s award entries. From pioneering products to remarkable venues, Devon’s food and drink community has once again demonstrated its passion and excellence throughout the 2025 judging.

“It’s a true reflection of the dedication and creativity driving the industry. We’re immensely proud of the achievements of Devon's food and drink producers, hospitality, retail and training venues and look forward to celebrating with them at Sandy Park.”

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The winners will be revealed at Food Drink Devon’s glittering black-tie awards ceremony on Monday, October 6 at Sandy Park, home of Premiership rugby team the Exeter Chiefs.

For a full list of shortlisted producers visit www.fooddrinkdevon.co.uk/awards