Staffordshire has again shown the quality of its food and drink scene, with 13 venues picking up accolades in a prestigious national awards scheme.
The businesses have been named as winners of the Good Food Awards 2024/25 – and many of their celebrations follow success in previous years.
The likes of No26 at Aston Marina, near Stone, Codsall Fish Bar, in Codsall and Gurkha Curry Lounge and Langan’s Tea Rooms, both in Burton upon Trent, have kept their Gold Seals, given out to those who have achieved the award for more than three consecutive years.
Aston Marina Director Helen Clayton said: “We are once again over the moon to have been recognised in the Good Food Awards, ranking among the very best independent restaurants from across the country.
“What makes these awards so special is that they take account of the whole visitor experience – rating food quality, service and value – so it really is testament to the hard work of our whole team that we continue to reach the very high standards demanded by the Good Food Awards judging panel.”
Andy Papa, Manager of Codsall Fish Bar, said: “We have just celebrated 10 years since taking over Codsall Fish Bar, so this tops our year of celebrating.”
Meanwhile, new recipients include Anasma Greek Bakery, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, which has received a Blue Ribbon in the Good Food Award for Cafes category.
The accolade is the latest in a line of awards it has won, but the first time it has received national recognition.
Owner Mariana Anastasiou said: “We are very, very happy to win our first national award.
“It shows what a great job the team is doing, and they keep getting stronger and stronger every year as we win more awards.
“We’re also very grateful to our customers for their continued support.”
The full list of Staffordshire winners for 2024/25 is:
Good Food Award (for fine dining and restaurants)
- Gold Seal – Gurkha Curry Lounge, Burton upon Trent
- Gold Seal – No26 Waterside Restaurant, Aston Marina, near Stone
- Blue Ribbon – Jungle Street Kitchen, Lichfield
- Blue Ribbon – MISO Japanese Restaurant, Stoke-on-Trent
- Blue Ribbon – Amore Italian Restaurant & Café, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Good Food Award for Cafes
- Gold Seal – Langan’s Tea Rooms, Burton upon Trent
- Blue Ribbon – Anasma Greek Bakery, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Good Food Award for Takeaways
- Blue Ribbon – Delhi Spice Indian Takeaway, Stapenhill, Burton upon Trent
- Blue Ribbon – Betsy’s, Stoke-on-Trent
- Blue Ribbon – Betsy’s, Lichfield.
Good Food Award for Gastro Pubs
- Blue Ribbon – Orange Tree Bar and Grill, Stoke-on-Trent.
Good Food Award for Fish and Chips
- Gold Seal – Codsall Fish Bar, Codsall
- Blue Ribbon – Edward Street Fish Bar, Burton upon Trent.
A spokesperson for the awards said: “The Good Food Awards have delighted readers and fans over the years by introducing them to an eclectic tapestry of flavours.
“We’ve built up a reputation for shining a spotlight on delicious dishes and unearthing culinary gems.
“Our Blue Ribbon and Gold Seal honours are awarded to establishments that demonstrate exceptional food quality, service, and value.
“The key distinction between the two awards is that the Gold Seal indicates the recipient has maintained this high standard for three or more consecutive years.”
- Hoar Cross Hall Spa Hotel, near Burton upon Trent, is also celebrating receiving a Gold Seal in the sister awards scheme the Good Hotel Awards, which recognise the hard-working teams who strive for excellence within their field.
