Fourteen awards were presented to restaurants, shops and stalls as part of the St Albans Food and Drink Festival.

The awards were presented on Monday, October 2 in a special dinner at the Sopwell House Hotel.

Fish and chip shop Godfrey’s, in Harpenden High Street, became the first business to win an award for sustainability as well as winning the award for best takeaway. The sustainability award was sponsored by the Green Triangle, a partnership of organisations committed to establishing Hertfordshire as a centre of green technology.

Owner and manager Luke Godfrey said: “I am extremely pleased to have won this award. Sustainability is something that is very important to us, rather than just a marketing ploy.

“We only use recyclable packaging and only use green electricity from a specialist supplier. Right from the start, I also ensured that all our fish is certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. I believe we were the first fish and chip restaurant in Hertfordshire to do that.

“The award is recognition of the work we have done and it will go up in the shop along with our best takeaway award for all to see. I’m very proud.”

He was presented with his award by Cllr Beric Read, the district council’s portfolio holder for business and the community. Cllr Read had judged the sustainability award along with a Green Triangle representative.

Publican Sean Hughes also took two awards; the Kate D’Arcy award for customer service and best bar for Dylans The Kings Arms in George Street, St Albans.

Another double winner was Wheathampstead-based Real Ale company Farr Brew, which won for best market stall and best local producer.

The other award winners were chosen from a list of 350 nominations that went to a public vote in the summer. Festival judges, including food and drink experts, made unannounced visits to the finalists to check on the quality of their service and produce, and other attributes, before choosing the winners.

Cllr Read said: “The standard in all categories was exceptionally high and it was very difficult to choose the winners.

“It shows that the district’s food and drink industry, which contributes so much to the local economy, is really booming.

“This was the first year we have presented the Green Triangle Award for Sustainability and in Godfrey’s we had a much deserved winner. It is a business which is really committed to doing its bit for the environment.”