FOOD EDITION
NEWS IN BRIEF Local chefs on national stage
Byron Franklin, executive chef at Ancient Shepherds by Mark Poynton, and Vladimir Hromek, development chef at Cambridge Dining Co, have earned a place in the final of National Chef of the Year. Organised by the Craft Guild of Chefs and judged by some of the industry’s most-respected chefs, reaching the final of National Chef of the Year is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in a professional chef’s career. Chocolate maker raises the bar A Cambridge chocolate business that is on course to triple its annual turnover from around £400,000 to more than £1.2 million has been named Best Small Business in the National Entrepreneur Awards. Deliciously Guilt Free, founded by Dan Greef, makes handcrafted, low-carb chocolate with zero added sugar and no palm oil, serving customers ranging from people living with type 2 diabetes and those following ketogenic diets to chocolate-lovers simply looking to reduce their sugar intake.
Cambridgeshire wins big at Asian food awards
modern dining and a commitment to community initiatives. Meanwhile, Lalbagh Bangladeshi & Indian Diner, based at 49 Alms Hill in Bourn, claimed Regional Restaurant of the Year for East Anglia, while Bar Hill Indian takeaway Cam Spice won Regional Takeaway of the Year for East Anglia. More than 1,250 UK businesses were nominated for the awards, which celebrate achievement across the Asian restaurant and takeaway sector. They were considered on customer nominations, online review scores, food hygiene ratings and assessment by a judging panel.
Our county has three winners to celebrate in the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2026, with Cambridge’s GOLPO taking a national title (pictured) alongside regional wins for Lalbagh in Bourn and Cam Spice in Bar Hill. GOLPO Bengal Cafe & Restaurant, the independent restaurant on Hills Road, was named Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year at the ceremony in London on 12 October. GOLPO, which means ‘story’ in Bengali, aims to share the experience of Bangladeshi food, heritage and hospitality with a wider British audience, combining cultural authenticity with
LIMONCELLO BRINGS A TASTE OF ITALY TO ST IVES
Family-run Limoncello is opening its second home at 7-9 Bridge Street, St Ives this November and owner Luke Taylor has big plans for its future in the town. “This is the start of something new for us,” says Luke. “We want Limoncello St Ives to become part of the everyday rhythm of the town. It should be the place you stop for your morning coffee, pick up dinner on the way home and bring the family at the weekend.” The renovated building combines a cafe, restaurant, bar and deli stocked with Italian produce. Luke plans to grow the offer over time with seasonal menus and a new local team is being built from kitchen to front of house. “We’re investing in St Ives people and giving them room to grow with us,” Luke adds. Limoncello is already joining in with local life as a sponsor of Booze in the Pews at All Saints Church, and it hopes to support more community events in the years ahead. Limoncello St Ives opens on 5 November; tables can be booked online at limoncello.co.uk
54 NOVEMBER 2026 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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