19th Oct 2010 - 00:00
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Jamie Oliver, Prue Leith and Sheila Dillon were tonight among 15 winners of the Observer Food Monthly Awards which recognise the achievements of those in the food industry.
The awards, now in their seventh year, received a record number of entries with the winners being selected from a competitive field of over 10,000 entrants. At the ceremony, Radio 4's Sheila Dillon was honoured for her outstanding achievement in the culinary world and Jamie Oliver won the reader category of the most popular food personality. Food writer and campaigner Prue Leith was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award and said: "I'm thrilled to get an Observer award. The Observer Food Monthly has always been at the forefront of the "good food movement" and its awards are respected by everyone. If I could bring myself to say that toe-curling phrase, "I'm over the moon", I would." Stevie Parle who was named young chef of the year and best newcomer was given to Sipsmiths who make gin and vodka out of a small distillery in Hammersmith, London. The best restaurant was awarded to The Kitchin in Edinburgh and the Thali Cafe in Bristol was named the best cheap eat. Jay Rayner, The Observer's Restaurant Critic and awards co-host, said: "What makes the Observer Food Monthly awards matter is that many of the key categories are awarded by serious experts: our readers. Year after year winners tell me that what makes winning an OFM award special is the knowledge that it is their customers who have voted. It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all that is brilliant about Britain's exploding food culture." The winners were selected by a panel of judges and by The Observer readers. The judging panel included: Nigel Slater, award winning food writer, The Observer; Thomasina Miers, restaurateur and writer; Mariella Frostrup, broadcaster; Lucy Siegle, ethical living correspondent, The Observer; Jay Rayner; Mark Hix, restaurateur and food writer; Tom Parker Bowles, food columnist. The full list of winners: Judged Categories: Outstanding achievement Sheila Dillon Lifetime achievement Prue Leith Best producer Trealy Farm Charcuterie Best newcomer Sipsmiths Young chef of the year Stevie Parle Reader Voted Categories: Food personality supported by Weber Barbecues Jamie Oliver Best restaurant supported by first direct's little black book The Kitchin Best cheap eat Thali Cafe Best Sunday lunch Hawksmoors Best ethical restaurant Riverford Field Kitchen Best place to drink 69 Colebrooke Row Best independent local retailer Fodder Best food blog Salad Club