Louise Folkard of Alston's Stokoe House 1611 has bagged a Gold accolade at the coveted Great British Food Awards 2023.

The award was in the Chutney category, for her Fennel & Apple Chutney.

The winning product, labelled “a great tasting product, with excellent simple ingredients, executed extremely well” by the judges, pairs perfectly with cheeses.

Recognition at the awards has positioned it as one of the standout products in the UK’s burgeoning food and drink sector this year.

The successful entry was appraised by industry expert David Josephs, owner of Panzer’s Delicatessen London.

Praising the chutney, David said: “The ingredients list was really positive, no junk and encouraged me to tuck in.

"I wasn’t disappointed, the chutney had a good nose, and the flavours I was expecting, came out clearly, without being overwhelmed by the vinegar.

"The fennel hit one immediately, followed by the apple and onion, with a pleasing and long lasting the length of fennel.

Overall, a great tasting product, with excellent simple ingredients, executed extremely well.

I can see myself having a jar of the chutney in the cupboard to accompany many dishes. Well done and look forward to trying other products in your range.”

The chutney will now enjoy promotion across Great British Food’s print, online and social channels.

Louise at Stokoe House 1611 said: “I’m really pleased with the Gold award for my chutney, it’s been a favourite of our family and friends for a few years, and we always have a jar ready for the cheeseboard!”