Two hundred guests gathered at Exeter’s Westpoint Arena on Tuesday 3rd February as the Taste of the West Awards recognised the South West’s finest food, drink, and hospitality businesses in an evening of celebration and achievement.
The event brought together award-winning producers, retailers, hospitality operators, and industry leaders for a showcase of regional talent. From innovative start-ups to established names, the ceremony highlighted the creativity, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality and sustainability that defines so much of the South West’s thriving food and drink sector.
Hosted by Chris Bentley, Founder of Notworking Networking and Business Development Director of Building Brands, along with Westaway Sausages’ Charles Baughan, Taste of the West director, guests were treated to an exceptional culinary experience throughout the evening.
The carefully curated menu featured canapés showcasing produce from award-winning finalists and winners — from Keen’s Cheddar and The Cornish Cheese Co.’s Blue to Capreolus and The Organic Cure’s charcuterie, alongside creative canapés featuring ingredients from Blakewell Smokehouse, St Agnes Bakery, and Easton Chilli.
The awards ceremony recognised Champion producers, Hospitality & Retail Champions, Sustainability Champions, and a Social Media Champion across multiple categories spanning retail excellence, hospitality innovation, and outstanding food and drink production. See them all HERE.
A highlight of the evening came with the announcement of the night’s most prestigious honours: the No. 1 Place to Go Award, won by Boscastle House B&B and the Supreme Champion Product Award, won by The Gamekeepers Larder and their Whole Sika Venison Haunch.
“The South West continues to set the benchmark for quality, creativity, and community in food, drink, and hospitality,” said Charles Baughan. “This evening celebrated the people behind these remarkable businesses—their commitment, innovation, and unwavering passion for excellence. Every winner and finalist here represents the very best of what our region has to offer, and we’re incredibly proud to recognise their achievements.”
View a video about the evening HERE.
Taste of the West and the awards owe special thanks to our initial founding businesses — Bray Leino, FSC Group, Stephens Scown, Wyke Farms, and Yeo Valley — whose vision and investment have been instrumental in relaunching the organisation as a Community Interest Company. These founding partners are the cornerstone of the organisation’s rebirth and long-term vision. They have not only invested financially but have also committed their support, insight, and leadership to help secure a thriving future for the South West’s food, drink, and hospitality sector. Exemplifying the spirit of collaboration and regional pride that underpins everything TOTW CIC t/a Taste of the West stands for, their belief in our mission ensures that TOTW CIC can operate with purpose, resilience, and dedication to the region.
Chris Milton, director added: “Deciding to rescue and relaunch Taste of the West as a Community Interest Company was both an exciting and daunting challenge. We created the Founders Club to enable interested businesses to invest in the future of our organisation – our sincere thanks to our first five Founders for believing in our vision and helping us safeguard this precious regional asset.”
Taste of the West operates as a Community Interest Company, ensuring every pound generated is reinvested into the region. The organisation exists to champion the people who make the West Country one of the most extraordinary food and drink regions in the world, guided by principles of service, sustainability, and long-term benefit to the community.
The evening concluded with warm applause and a shared sense of pride among the 200 attendees — cementing the Taste of the West Awards as one of the region’s most anticipated celebrations of industry success.
Find out more about becoming a Taste of the West member through the website and follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to stay connected.
(Awards image credit: Phil Stansfield).
