2024 Stall Awards
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 Wells Food Festival Stall Awards. Stalls were judged by the festival’s sponsors, using a number of criteria, including visual impact, stall holder’s knowledge and sourcing of ingredients.
The winners are listed below, together with the judges’ comments.
For more information about the winners, click on the photos.
Best in Show
Homewood Cheese
“For all the reasons given by the category judge, but ultimately it was the taste of the cheese that won Charlie over.”
Sponsored by Charlie Bigham’s
Best Stalls Awards
Alcoholic Drinks
Dryad Gin
“Exquisite artisanal gin, a truly magnificent stand and a really engaging encounter with the knowledgeable tree spirits from the Quantock Hills. Liquid alchemy – their core gin is brilliant for a dry martini – from a dynamic, community-minded local drinks business.“
Sponsored by Super8 Media
Bread, Cakes and Desserts
Dark Matters
“Wonderful products with exceptional sustainability and ethical values. We gave them full marks”
Sponsored by Mogers Drewett
Cheese
Homewood Cheese
“It was the combination of the enthusiasm, knowledge and passion of the makers, along with the rich variety of cheeses from one source, that made Homewood Cheese the overall winner in a very competitive contest.”
Sponsored by Cooper and Tanner
Confectionery
As Raw As
“It was really close, but in the end it was down to the outstanding passion, knowledge and hard work which has clearly been poured into every element of the product and stall. Hugely impressive.“
Sponsored by Millfield
Cooks’ Ingredients
The Culmstock Chilli Co
“It was a really close competition and we appreciated the time everyone took to talk to us, and so admired their passion and knowledge. But, in the end, it was the stunning, eye-catching stand that put the Culmstock Chilli Company just ahead. There was a wonderful variety of colourful chilli plants that were very popular with the festival attendees and providing some brightness on a gloomy October morning.”
Sponsored by Harris & Harris
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Brew Planet
“There was so much passion and knowledge from the couple who founded Brew Planet, which followed through in the excellent signage and information about the product which was prevalent on the stand. We were also impressed by their links with charities and ethical sourcing.”
Sponsored by Clear Space
Preserves
GingerBeard’s Preserves
“The stallholder’s knowledge and enthusiasm was really impressive. He collaborates with local partners, like breweries, to produce really innovative products. A great range – pickles, sauces, rubs, mustards – all made in Bristol.”
Snacks and Savouries
Moist
“We were so impressed by the fantastic products. This was a great brand with a true entrepreneurial spirit”
Sponsored by Mr Filbert’s
Start-Up Business
Squeeze & Go
“It was a difficult decision as they were all exciting ventures. The final choice was very close but the deciding factors were: the commendable social aspects, bringing awareness of autism, and with the son Patrick at the heart of the business.”
Sponsored by Probusiness
UK Street Food
King Fin
“Beautiful tasting fish, sustainably sourced with a light non-greasy batter. The home-made sauces were very moreish and finished the plate.”
Sponsored by Chubb Bulleid
World Street Food
JJ’s Trini Doubles
“An authentic representation of street food. This is a truly family business, sourcing the best often organic ingredients, using a traditional recipe to bring the Caribbean to Somerset.”