Food & Drink Awards: Meet your Cambridgeshire winners!

Hands together: nominated by the public and judged by industry experts, it’s time to meet the winners of our 2025 Cambridgeshire Food & Drink Awards

Tearoom/Coffee Shop of the Year
Sponsored by: Childerley Cambridge
Winner: Prosper, Ely
Says judge Riadh Falvo: “Prosper is quietly revolutionary. In a world where so many cafés cater to the majority (because they must), Prosper opens its doors wide to everyone. Its 100% vegan menu means no one has to ask for adjustments or exceptions, it’s all made with thought and care from the start. Whether you’re plant-based, gluten-free, or simply seeking better choices, there’s a seat for you at their table.
“But what truly sets Prosper apart is what happens beyond the counter. They’re not just selling coffee and cakes, they’re building a kinder, more connected community. From hosting wellness workshops and art sessions to creating a dog-friendly space that invites all walks of life. Prosper has become a haven for belonging, not just a business.”
Runners up:
Fitzbillies, Cambridge
The Village Green Coffee Shop, Burwell

Farm Shop/Deli of the Year
Sponsored by: John Lewis & Partners Cambridge
Winner: The Larder, Burwash Manor, Barton
Says judge Michelle Alston: “Burwash Larder offers an exceptional and thoughtfully curated selection of products that truly sets it apart. From artisan breads by Grain Culture to a beautifully presented and well-stocked cheese counter and an impressive deli, there is genuinely something for everyone. The entire team also clearly take pride in their work. They are professional, well-trained, and eager to help. This is a farm shop that operates at the highest standard — a benchmark for the industry. If I were to open a farm shop myself, this is exactly where I would come for inspiration.”
Runners up:
Victoria’s Cheese, Ely
Willow Grange Farm Shop & Cafe, Chittering

Food Producer of the Year
Sponsored by: Howes Percival
Winner: Mucca, Cambridge
Says judge Vhari Russell: “The Beef Wellington was beautifully packaged and accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions. Once cooked it is a show-stopper of a dish that takes centre stage on the dinner table. The flavour was scrumptious and the meat incredibly tender - together making it very, very moreish. It's a wonderful dish to buy for a special occasion. Congratulations! I don't need to make this anymore as I can't make it as well as this.”
Runners up:
Biscotti di Debora, Dry Drayton
Manfood, Huntingdon

Beverage Producer of the Year
Sponsored by: Love Newmarket
Winner: Change Coffee Roasters, Cambridge
Says judge Steve Webb: “I liked all four coffees they sent me. I liked the sustainable packaging. I liked the mission to help Rwanda by buying direct - and other initiatives they have on their website. And deep down, I do root for the new guys - it’s great to see them making a mark in such a short timeframe.”
Runners up:
Breckland Orchard, Babraham
Nikki's Homemade, Burwell

Street Food/Pop-up of the Year
Sponsored by: Wood St. Coffee
Winner: Mulino Pasta
Says judge Kat Lawson-Phillips: “You could tell a lot of thought had gone into every detail, including the drinks menu, which thoughtfully offered good quality mocktails (and a bring-your-own booze option). Each dish was beautifully presented, super-tasty and authentic. The food was also very good value, at two courses for £24 or three for £30. Everything was simply delicious and just the right amount of choice for a pop-up operating from such a small space. Staff were very kind and attentive and you could tell it was their pride and joy. The whole experience was utterly charming.”
Runners up:
Steak & Honour
Sebshimi by Neighbour’s Flavours

Pub/Bar of the Year
Sponsored by: Thomas Ridley Foodservice
Winner: The Snug, St Ives
Says judge Giles Luckett: “For such a tiny space, they cram a lot in, and most of it's brilliant. It would be easy for a space like this to feel claustrophobic, but the interior feels welcoming and intimate. The beer was good, and while I'm no cocktail drinker - a gin and tonic still feels like mixology magic to me - I could see my wife having a whale of a time going through the list, I'm just not sure about sending her down the river would be wise while doing so. For sheer innovation, quirk, and effort, they are the worthy winners.”
Runners up:
Byron’s Bear
Northstowe Tap & Social

Restaurant of the Year
Sponsored by: Kale & Damson
Winner: Fin Boys, Cambridge
Says judge Gerla de Boer: “Jay, Richard, and their team are masters of pushing the boundaries in the use of spices and putting fish on the map in Cambridge. Their signature dish, the prawn toast, is one of the best you will ever have. Their daily changing menu is an absolute joy, and you don't have to wait until the weekend to feast on their tasting menu; you can create one yourself by sharing courses from the à la carte menu with your fellow diners.”
Runners up:
Amelie Restaurant, Ben’s Yard, Stuntney
Gonville Kitchen, Cambridge

Hotel of the Year
Sponsored by: Visit Cambridge
Winner: University Arms, Cambridge
Says judge Jenny Jefferies: “A very efficient and gorgeous hotel with beyond satisfying engagement that left you with a curious desire to belong in their world of majestic hospitality. The staff were very knowledgeable, passionate and friendly, and the University Arms’ sustainability credentials, after a recent refurbishment, are thorough and impressive. They offered live Jazz music, delicious food and attentive service; with a fine balance between professionalism and familiarity. Exquisite, restful and functional. I can’t wait to go back!”
Runners up:
Graduate by Hilton Cambridge
Hilton Cambridge City Centre

Hospitality Hero of the Year
Sponsored by: Cambridge Food & Drink Week: delivered by Cambridge BID
Winner: Elle Roberts-Nissen, elle-events management, Cambridge
Says judge Anne Beamish: “With an increasing portfolio of clients and events to manage, it's clear to see that Elle is putting a life of experience in the hospitality sector to very good use. But it's not just about hitting a winning formula and replicating it; Elle carefully curates and manages each event to suit each client. This requires incredible energy, people-skills and precision planning - of which Elle has bucketloads! But what really strikes me about Elle is the less-publicised work she does voluntarily with Jimmy's Cambridge, who provide both support and housing to the house-less. A very worthy winner.”
Runners up:
Dishoom Permit Room Team, Cambridge
Kayoko Onuma, Hilton Cambridge City Centre

Sustainability Hero of the Year
Sponsored by: Grand Arcade: Let’s Go Circular
Winner: Flourish Produce, Hildersham
Says judge Rowen Halstead: “Along with the exceptional array of seasonal produce grown on their land, their commitment to regenerative farming and soil health - a key measure for helping our food system prosper for many years to come - isn't just inspiring, but also incredibly educational. Calixta clearly has an enormous amount of knowledge for her trade and it's reflected in the wonderful fruit, vegetables and flowers she grows.”
Runners up:
Abbey People, Cambridge
NaturePac, St Ives

Chef of the Year
Sponsored by: Kale & Damson
Winner: Sam Carter, Restaurant 22, Cambridge
Says judge Tine Roche: “Having been awarded his first Michelin star already, Sam and his team continue to soar on a warm up-wind of sheer talent, carrying them to evermore dizzying heights of excellence. Using impeccable local and therefore seasonal ingredients - based on mind-boggling astuteness when it comes to the most complex of flavours and techniques - Sam underpins it all with visual refinement. Without a doubt one of the most talented chefs not just in Cambridge but of his generation.”
Runners up:
Dan Fancett, Fancett’s, Cambridge
Lee Clarke, Parker’s Tavern, Cambridge

Food & Drink Hero of the Year
Sponsored by: Gavin Human Cambridge Estate Agent
Winner: The Flavour Team, Cambridge Radio
Says judge Karen Harvey: “They’ve spent years championing other people in the local food scene, giving everyone equal space and opportunity to share what they do, and they do it in such a supportive and generous way, without expectations of glory or gratitude - two things that they actually deserve!”
Runners up:
Alison Crouch, Ferry Project Cookery School
Simon Tompkins, Cambridge Foodies

Party People
Finalists, judges, sponsors and partners joined the Velvet team for the awards ceremony at Childerley Long Barn on June 23. Following a champagne and canape reception, presenters Alice Ryan, editor of Velvet, and Jonathan Tewson, head of events at parent company Iliffe Media, announced the winners, with judges and sponsors presenting each with their trophy.
All guests left with a goodie bag filled with artisanal treats, including Chelsea bun biscuits from Fitzbillies, beans from Wood St Coffee, crips from Savoursmiths, posh pops from Breckland Orchard, tea from Bird & Blend, chocolate spread from JimJams, tonic from Double Dutch Drinks, truffle sauces from Betruffle, bone broth shakes from Freya, and vouchers from Dishoom Permit Room, Cambridge.
Thanks go to all sponsors, partners and supporters of the awards - and you, Velvet’s readers, for getting behind the idea and nominating all your food and drink favourites: there would be no awards without you!
Both Velvet’s Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Food & Drink Awards will be back for 2026 and are already in the planning stages! For more information and updates, see velvetfooddrinkawards.co.uk