Dorset has scooped up a number of accolades in the Great Taste Awards.

 

The Guild of Fine Food has released the results for the awards which have been dubbed the ‘Oscars of the food and drink world.'

Nearly 3,500 companies across 115 counties, have entered the Great Taste Awards this year.

Each entry was blind-tasted by expert judges, three stars are given to ‘extraordinarily tasty food and drink’, two stars to products that are ‘above and beyond delicious’ and one star for ‘food and drink that delivers fantastic flavour’. 

Independent Weymouth based business, Lizzie Baking Bird, took home an award, winning one star for its Christmas pudding

Lizzie Crow, owner of the business Lizzie Baking BirdLizzie Crow, owner of the business Lizzie Baking Bird (Image: Lizzie Crow)

Lizzie Crow, owner, said: "It’s a great thrill to be awarded stars. And the guild is a great leveller as you are up against big organisations. So as a small independent business it’s a real boost, particularly this year which is really tough."

 Dorset Pastry LTD, based in Dorchester, also won four awards including three stars for its Premium All Butter Puff Pastry. 

Other Dorset winners were Hall and Woodhouse Ltd which took home three awards, and Woodlands Dairy and Meggy Moo's Dairy which received a two star award and a one star award respectively. 

The Bridport-based ice cream business Baboo Gelato was also notable winner, having won awards for five of its product.

 One of the business' most popular products - the Double Chocolate Gelato - received the coveted three star award. 

Annie and Sam Hanbury owners of Baboo GelatoAnnie and Sam Hanbury owners of Baboo Gelato (Image: Annie and Sam Hanbury)

Husband and wife duo Sam and Annie Hanbury established the business in 2015 and said they are delighted to be recognised in these awards. 

Annie said: "It’s always been a firm favourite in our kiosks, popular with adults and children alike, so we have always thought it was a winner, but it’s lovely to get such a prestigious national award." 

Sam added: "We’re really honoured as the three star award is incredibly rare.

"It validates what we've been trying to do. The whole time we've been using the best ingredients and make all ice creams from scratch. 

"West Dorset just seems to be going from strength to strength at the moment with great food businesses and we're delighted to be part of it and to have such loyal customers here."