Rutland businesses have been nominated as finalists at an upcoming food award.

The anticipation is building as the finalists for the 2024 Great Food Club Awards have been announced, showcasing an array of talent and innovation across the culinary world.

With winners set to be announced in October, this prestigious event honours the best in the industry, from pioneering chefs to sustainable food producers.

The categories in the awards recognise:

• People's Champion
• Food Producer of the Year
• Drink Producer of the Year
• Pub of the Year
• Restaurant
• Shop of the Year
• Bakery of the Year
• Cafe
• Food & Drink Heroes of the Year

And three local businesses have been listed as finalists in the 2024 awards.

Rutland and Stamford's recently reappointed MP, Alicia Kearns, said: "A huge congratulations to our businesses in Rutland and Lincolnshire who have been shortlisted in categories for the Great Food Club awards 2024!"

These include:

• People's Champion (business with the highest overall number of public votes): Hambleton Bakery
• Food & Drink Heroes of the Year Finalists: Mallard Point Vineyard and Distillery
• Restaurants Finalists: Hitchen's Barn

Lamberts of Stamford, Lincolnshire, have also been nominated in the Café category of the annual awards.

These awards celebrate the East Midlands' Best food and drink independents, and the winners will be revealed on 1 October.

Find out more on the Great Food Club website.