After a two-year pause, the Taste of Kent Awards are officially back for 2026 and Kent’s food and drink world seems more than ready for it.
Sadly the Taste Kent team couldn’t make it to the launch event at the University of Greenwich recently, but from everything we’ve heard, the room was packed with producers, hospitality businesses, vineyards, retailers and familiar faces from across the county’s food scene.
The Taste of Kent Awards have always held real weight in the county. For many businesses, especially independents, getting recognised here actually means something. Buyers notice. Customers notice. And let’s be honest, in a county overflowing with brilliant food and drink businesses, standing out is harder than ever.
This year marks the awards’ 20th anniversary and there’s a noticeable shift in tone too. Organisers are making all hospitality and retail categories free to enter, which feels like a smart move at a time when restaurants, cafés, pubs and retailers are all feeling the pressure.
There are 24 categories in total covering everything from products and producers to dining experiences and independent retail, with the big awards night heading to Medway’s GlassBox Theatre this October for the first time.
And yes, expect the annual debates to begin soon. Who was robbed? Which bakery suddenly has queues around the block? Which vineyard is about to dominate again? It wouldn’t be Kent food culture without a little healthy controversy.
Entries open on 5th May and we’ll definitely be watching closely to see who throws their hat in the ring this year.
