Fortnum & Mason revealed the winners of the annual Food and Drink Awards 2025 at a glittering ceremony held at The Royal Exchange, London. Now in its 13th year, the Awards continue to celebrate the UK’s leading and emerging voices across food and drink — from writers and broadcasters to photographers and creators. The event champions those whose outstanding work deepens our collective understanding and appreciation of food and drink.
Hosted by acclaimed broadcaster Andi Oliver alongside renowned chef and judging panel chair Angela Hartnett, the evening welcomed icons of the food world. Notable attendees included Dame Mary Berry, Yotam Ottolenghi, John Torode, Poppy O’Toole, Nisha Katona, Big Has, Jeremy Lee, and Gyles Brandreth, all gathered to celebrate excellence across the industry. Guests drank champagne and ate an array of fine foods from caviar to lobster rolls and marmite choux buns.
A Night to Remember: Honouring Legends and Rising Stars at Fortnum & Mason Awards
Winners were selected by an esteemed panel of judges, including Aleesha Hansel, Anthony Gladman, Jay Rayner, Joe Schofield, Maria Bradford, and Ravneet Gill.
A particularly poignant moment came with the presentation of the Fortnum’s Special Award to Dame Mary Berry, in honour of her 90th birthday and extraordinary six-decade career. Author of more than 80 cookbooks and a beloved household name, Berry received the accolade from close friend Gyles Brandreth, marking a fitting tribute to her enduring legacy.
Food Book Award
Pam Brunton won the Food Book Award for Between Two Waters: Heritage, Landscape and the Modern Cook, which blends personal narrative with a visionary manifesto on the future of food.
Shortlisted:
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The English Table by Jill Norman
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The Gourmand’s Lemon edited by David Lane and Marina Tweed
Debut Food Book Award
Sally Abé earned the Debut Food Book Award for A Woman’s Place is in the Kitchen, a powerful memoir about her journey in the fine dining world.
Shortlisted:
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A Feast of Folklore by Ben Gazur
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Leftovers by Eleanor Barnett
Cookery Book Award
The Cookery Book Award went to Zao Fan: Breakfast of China by Michael Zee, a beautiful exploration of China’s rich breakfast traditions that combines recipes with cultural storytelling.
Shortlisted:
- Agak Agak by Shu Han Lee
- Pocha by Su Scott
- The Elements of Baking by Katarina Cermelj
Debut Cookery Book Award
The Debut Cookery Book Award was won by KIN: Caribbean Recipes for the Modern Kitchen by Marie Mitchell, a heartfelt celebration of Caribbean cuisine that reflects her personal and cultural journey.
Shortlisted:
- Mangal II by Ferhat Dirik and Sertaç Dirik
- The Balkan Kitchen by Irina Janakievska
Drink Book Award
The Drink Book Award was presented to The Meaning of Beer: An Alternative History of the World by Jonny Garrett, praised for its fresh and insightful exploration of beer’s rich cultural history.
Shortlisted:
- The Connaught Bar by Agostino Perrone, Giorgio Bargiani and Maura Milia
- The Martini by Alice Lascelles.
Debut Drink Book Award
In the Debut Drink Book category, Sake: The Art and Craft of Japan’s National Drink by Yoshiko Ueno-Müller took top honours, offering readers a deep and thoughtful look into the traditions and craftsmanship behind Japan’s iconic beverage.
Shortlisted:
- Perry: A Drinker’s Guide by Adam Wells
- The Wine Flavour Guide by Sam Caporn
Celebrating written excellence across multiple disciplines, the Awards recognised:
Food Writer of the Year
Toyo Odetunde — for work in National Geographic Traveller and The i Paper
Cookery Writer of the Year
Ravinder Bhogal — for recipes in delicious. Magazine
Drink Writer of the Year
Hamish Smith — for work in Class Magazine
Restaurant Writer of the Year
Niki Blasina — for contributions to The Financial Times
Additional finalists included Dan Saladino, Isaac Rangaswami, Nick Bramham, Songsoo Kim, Alice Lascelles, Richard Godwin, and David Ellis.
Capturing the Moment: Programme, Audio and Photography Awards
Programme of the Year
Tom Kerridge: Secrets of the Pub Kitchen
Audio Award
Comfortably Hungry: The Culinary Creativity of the Enslaved by Sam Bilton
Photographer of the Year
Angus D. Birditt
Shortlisted:
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Sanjana Modha
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Yuki Sugiura
Public-Voted Awards: Personality and Content Creators
Public votes played a crucial role in three popular categories. Matt Tebbutt was crowned Personality of the Year, winning the hearts of voters nationwide. In the Content Creator of the Year category, Oli Paterson — widely known as @elburritomonster — triumphed for his inventive and viral burrito creations.
Meanwhile, Tish Wonders, a London-based recipe developer and self-taught cook, took home the Rising Star Content Creator of the Year award for her fresh and dynamic approach to food content.
Championing Change: Fortnum’s Impact Award
The newly launched Fortnum’s Impact Award was presented to Equal Measures, a pioneering organisation driving inclusivity and diversity in the drinks and hospitality industry. The award was handed over by Sandrae Lawrence, Founder of The Cocktail Lovers, to Deano Moncrieff and Vicky Ilankovan, representing Equal Measures’ inspiring leadership.
A Celebration of Culinary Passion
The Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards 2025 once again showcased the passion, creativity, and innovation that continue to define Britain’s dynamic food and drink landscape. From legendary icons to emerging talents, the evening honoured those shaping how we eat, drink, and connect over food.
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