Now in its second year, the Free From Eating Out Awards are back – entries to the awards open on June 8th, with the main awards event taking place in November.
We attended the Free From Food Awards last month and had a wonderful time – an evening packed with some delicious free-from foods and well deserving winners. Now it’s time to celebrate the cafes, restaurants and pubs who are striving to provide the best service to those with food allergies and intolerances.
After the introduction of new food allergen regulations in December 2014, any establishment serving unpackaged food, or food that is packaged on site for immediate consumption, must supply details of the menu items containing the 14 allergens. So as you can imagine, this is a vital part of the judging.
FreeFrom Eating Out Awards 2014 from Michelle Berriedale-Johnson on Vimeo.
As part of the judgement process at the Free From Eating Out Awards, each establishment will be observed as to how it is complying with the new rules, what training they offer, their protocols, and of course what range of allergen-free foods they can offer visitors.
Only the best will make it to the shortlist – where they will compete for within their categories and for the top prize.
The categories this year are: Cafe and Teahouse, Street Food, Takeaways & Deliveries, Fish and Chip Shops, Pubs and Pub Restaurants, Restaurants, Corporate Hospitality and Catering, Hotels and Guest Houses, Schools, Colleges & Universities, and Foods Manufactured for Food Service.
Last year’s event saw the top prize go to Alford Arms in Frithsden in Hertfordshire, with lots of great runners up. You can see the full list here. Who it will be this year, we can’t wait to find out!
Are there any establishments you’ve visited that you feel should be acknowledged for their Free From status? Let us know in the comments!