The winners of the Essex Food and Drink Awards 2009 were announced at a lavish gala evening at Bartellas Restaurant, Furze Hill, Margaretting last night.


On a night which celebrated the quality and diversity of Essex's culinary excellence, producers, restaurateurs, chefs and others in the food trade gathered from across the county to see who would carry away the much sought-after awards. After a superb meal using local, seasonal produce and including a dessert inspired by the finalists in the Young Chef of the Year category, Etholle George of BBC Essex announced the winners. Photographs from the awards evening can be viewed from Tuesday 13th October at www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/slideshow and click on to Food and Drink Awards