Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards 2026 – Open for Entries

We are delighted to announce the launch of the 14th annual Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards, which celebrate the achievements of the UK's leading and emerging writers, broadcasters, photographers and creators recognised for their varied cultural influences, culinary traditions, and storytelling.

An independent panel of expert judges, led by Angela Hartnett OBE, select the winners in 12 categories from work published or broadcast in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland between 1st January and 31st December 2025.

The Photographer of the Year category - presented in partnership with the World Food Photography Awards, sponsored by Tenderstem® - is judged by Caroline Kenyon, founder of the WFPA; Eliza Williams, editor of Creative Review; and Tom Athron, CEO of Fortnum & Mason.

The judges evaluate each entry on its own individual merits, rewarding work that combines creativity, skill, clear and authentic communication, with a passion that significantly contributes to the appreciation and enjoyment of food and drink.  They will also consider qualities such as originality, integrity, visual and written storytelling, and a distinctive point of view.

Winners will be revealed at The Royal Exchange in London on Thursday 30^th April 2026, by Chef and Broadcaster Andi Oliver alongside Angela Hartnett OBE.

Fortnum & Mason CEO, Tom Athron, comments: “Now in their 14th year, the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards continue to shine a light on the people and stories that enrich our understanding and enjoyment of food and drink. Each year, the talent and creativity we see are truly inspiring and a reflection of Britain’s ever-evolving food and drink culture. Our heartfelt thanks go to our expert judges for their time, wisdom and enthusiasm in championing these exceptional voices, and our very best wishes to everyone who enters the 2026 Awards.”

THE 2026 JUDGING PANEL

HAMISH SMITH - Editor, CLASS Magazine @hamishssmith

JONNY GARRETT - Author, filmmaker and photographer @craftbeerchannel

MARIE MITCHELL - Chef, author and cookery writer @marie_mitchell_RAVINDER BHOGAL - Restaurateur, chef and journalist @cookinbootsRICHARD BERTINET - Baker, chef and author @richardbertinetTAMLYN CURRIN - Senior editor and writer JancisRobinson.com @tamlyncurrin @jancisrobinson

THE CATEGORIES

• FOOD BOOK: For a non-recipe book about food, food culture, region or history

• DEBUT FOOD BOOK: For an author's first non-recipe book about food, food culture, region or history

• COOKERY BOOK: For a recipe-focussed book about the preparation and cooking of food

• DEBUT COOKERY BOOK: For an author's first book on any aspect of food or cookery

• DRINK BOOK: For a book about drink, drink culture, region or history

• DEBUT DRINK BOOK: For an author's first book about drink, drink culture, region or history

• FOOD WRITER: For writing on any aspect of food in any media

• DRINK WRITER: For writing on any aspect of drink in any media 

• COOKERY WRITER: For original recipe-led writing about the preparation and cooking of food in any media

• RESTAURANT WRITER: For restaurant reviews in any media 

• PHOTOGRAPHER: For images of food and drink published in any media

• PROGRAMME: For a programme on food or drink, broadcast on any medium

• AUDIO: For a radio programme or podcast on food and drink

IMPORTANT DATES

Website closes for entries – 12 NOON, Wednesday 28^th January 2026

Shortlist announced - Wednesday 8^th April 2026

Winners announced - Thursday 30^th April 2026

TO ENTER PLEASE VISIT:

https://www.fortnumandmason.com/awards/food-and-drink-awards

FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE

Media enquiries fiona@fabcommunications.com 07831 193250

Awards enquiries lindsay@fabcommunications.com 07730 565320

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