The Great British Food Awards are known for celebrating regional traditions, ingredients, and the diversity of the UK’s food and drink scene. This year, renowned chef Merlin Griffiths has been appointed as a judge for the prestigious awards, which feature over 60 categories recognizing excellence in the industry.
Entries for the Great British Food Awards are currently open, with a deadline set for May 22, 2026. The awards aim to highlight the remarkable talent, craftsmanship, and innovation found across the UK’s food and drink sector. As noted by Jenny O’Neill, “Each year, the Great British Food Awards celebrate the remarkable talent, craftsmanship and innovation found across the UK’s food and drink sector.”
Winners will be announced on October 30, 2026, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze accolades awarded in various categories. Regional winners and the Grand Champion will be honored at a special ceremony in November 2026. Previous winners include notable names such as Firefly BBQ and Marshfield Farm Ice Cream.
Griffiths joins a panel of experienced judges, which includes other culinary figures like Raymond Blanc OBE, Adam Handling, Jack Stein, and James Martin. Martin recently made an appeal during his cooking show, urging viewers to support British produce, stating, “I’m not going to upset the people of New Zealand… but please, please as a nation can we just buy stuff from this country.”
He further emphasized the quality of local produce, saying, “It’s one of the true, true delights and one of the most amazing produce we have in this country and when it’s in season like this, just buy it.” The Great British Food Awards are recognized as prestigious accolades in the UK, and gaining a Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Grand Champion badge is a symbol of exceptional quality and deliciousness.
As the awards approach, the anticipation builds among food and drink businesses from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, all eager to showcase their offerings. The competition not only highlights individual achievements but also promotes the rich culinary landscape of the UK.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific judging criteria that Griffiths and his fellow judges will employ, but their collective expertise is expected to ensure a rigorous selection process.
