St Albans Food and Drink Festival awards finalists announced

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Jake Carter

Published: 1:45 PM August 29, 2019

Updated: 3:07 PM November 1, 2020

Parker and Vine, Harpenden. Picture: DANNY LOO - Credit: Picture: DANNY LOO

Finalists in the St Albans Food and Drink Festival awards have been revealed.

Lussmans, Harpenden. Picture: DANNY LOO - Credit: Picture: DANNY LOO

The public voted for their top three favourite pubs, restaurants, cafés and food producers in 12 different categories, with more than 3,000 votes registered.

A judging panel from the Festival's steering committee will decide the winners by making surprise visits to each venue. The results will be announced at a dinner on Monday September 23 at the St Albans Museum + Gallery.

The Food and Drink Festival, now in its 12th year, is organised by St Albans City and District Council with the help of the steering group.

Portfolio holder for business, culture and tourism, Cllr Mandy McNeil, said: "I've been a member of the steering committee since 2016 and know how intense the competition is to get on the shortlist. This demonstrates what a fantastic food and drink industry we have in the district.

The Verulam Arms on Lower Dagnall Street in St Albans. Picture: Archant - Credit: Archant

"We are lucky to have such an amazing range of pubs, restaurants, cafés and other venues."

Although The Verulam Arms went into insolvency this July, and so is ineligible for an award, it has been named as a finalist in the Best Pub category to honour the public vote.