Food and drink favourites were recognised at this year’s St Albans Food and Drink festival awards ceremony for being the best at tickling the taste buds of residents. 
 

Restaurants, bars and pubs were awarded at a festival celebration and awards ceremony on Thursday, 4, October to celebrate the local food scene.
 

Among the winners was Bakehouse, a bakery café in Heritage Close, which won the prize for the best local café. 
 

Carmen Pintea, manager of Bakehouse said: “We were really pleased to have won, despite only being in St Albans for five months.
 

“Ten members of our team came along to the ceremony and they were all really happy.
 

“We have a really beautiful location here and the secret behind our success is good food and very happy staff.”
 

Lussman’s Fish and Grill Restaurant, was also recognised for being the best local restaurant for the second time in three years.
 

Andrei Lussmann, owner of Lussmann’s in Heritage Close, said: “We are delighted to have won for the second time in three years.
 

“Although we are recognised on a national level, it is far more important to us that we are recognised and applauded locally.
 

“Locally is where it happens and matters and where we are based.
 

“This year has probably been the toughest year in the eight years we have been here due to the recession and competition of other restaurants.
 

“However we enjoy a challenge and a day doesn’t go passed without asking ourselves how we can improve and listen to our customers.”
 

Other winners included, The Pudding Stop for local gem, Inn on the Park for most family friendly venue, Mokoko for best bar, Redbournbury Mill for local producer, The Fighting Cocks for best pub and Lucy Clark from Heaven is a Cupcake, was announced as this year’s winner of the Kate D’Arcy Award.
 

The Kate D’Arcy Award recognises individuals who have contributed an exceptional service to the local food scene.
 

The awards ceremony, as part of the fifth annual Food and Drink Festival, took place in St Michael's Manor and welcomed the Mayor of St Albans, Councillor Eileen Harris.