(Top Left): Tim Andrews, Ifraz Ahmed (Co-Founder of BFDHA), Conrad Brunton, Ahmed Ahmed, & Paul Fulford. (Bottom Left): Marverin Cole, Anita Chumber (Co-Founder of BFDHA) and Anita Champaneri (Delicious PR)
We at the Birmingham Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards 2016, in association with Pepsi Max, are pleased to announce our judges for the inaugural ceremony.
The Birmingham, Food Drinks & Hospitality Awards panel were in attendance today, with our venerable judges appraising the good, the fab and the tasty from our exemplary dining scene.
Our fantastic independent panel of judges included acclaimed food and wine writer Paul Fulford, who cemented his 18 year career as Birmingham Mail’s restaurant critic, during which time he has watched the city’s dining-out scene blossom with the emergence of some outstanding chefs.
He was joined by Ahmed Ahmed, editor of Dine Birmingham, the city’s leading food and drink guide. He is a champion of the city’s food sector and hosts a regular radio show exploring food trends and meeting local producers.
Also in attendance, was media personality Marverine Cole. As one of the UK’s leading female experts on beer and an avid member of the British Guild of Beer Writers, Marverine is a qualified Beer Sommelier and frequently advises on beer and food matching events, as well as hosting corporate and consumer events for pubs & breweries. She’s appeared on some of Britain’s most popular daytime TV and radio shows, all to spread the word about the beauty in beer.
Conrad Brunton, also joined the illustrious group of connoisseurs. Conrad has worked in catering and hospitality since the age of 14, when he began working as a kitchen porter and runner at a large wedding venue. His own business, Great British Eatery, was voted as England’s No.1 fish and chip shop in 2010. Conrad recently joined Off to Work and is heading up the permanent recruitment division in Birmingham.
Last but certainly not least, Tim Andrews, Managing Director of Hollywood Monster joined the revered judges. Tim has built a highly successful large format print and signage business. Mr Andrews was great supporter of the Inaugural Birmingham Awards and Birmingham Events team. Well known for his fundraising efforts, the Brummie business tycoon recently became the CEO for Birmingham City Ladies Football Club.
The esteemed ceremony, hosted by high-spirited Brummie Alison Hammond, presenter of ITV’s This Morning, is set to take place at Edgbaston Stadium on the 6th of June.
Today’s gathering of local luminaries marked the first stage in the judging process. The panel looked at a variety of criteria to despiser who would make the final shortlist, with only the best in food, drink and hospitality making the final cut.
Esteemed judge, Conrad Brunton, adds: “I think we’ve got a really good mix of businesses, really championing the best of Birmingham in their greater region, and I’m looking forward to the awards now.”
The second stage will involve a public vote via social media, so stay tuned for a chance to have your say.
Look out for the final shortlist which is set to be announced soon.
