This year’s (2023) Eat Game Awards winners have been crowned at a glittering dinner and ceremony in London.

The awards marked the culmination of a national search to find businesses and individuals championing the use of British wild game. More than 11,000 votes were cast by the public, with the shortlisted businesses and individuals in each category going forward to be reviewed by a panel of expert judges.

The awards are organised and run by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation’s (BASC) Eat Game initiative, which promotes the nutrition, taste and sustainability benefits of British wild game.

The ceremony, hosted by rural TV presenter Adam Henson, bestowed honours on the winners of eight categories – including best small retailer, best restaurant/pub and best game butcher.

As well as being named category champion, each winner received a £1,000 prize from category sponsors, while an overall winner was crowned Champion of Champions in a category sponsored by BASC.

The Champion of Champions accolade went to The Clarendon Inn, Hebden, North Yorkshire.

Receiving the award, chef owner Lionel Strub said: “I couldn’t be more proud. I’m just so thrilled to win because I just want to show the world how amazing game is and how you can be successful using game and selling game. It’s such a sustainable food, nature’s table is everything.

“We are so proud. We are not just a pub in the middle of Yorkshire, we breathe game. We serve all game. We are really through and through a game pub. This pub in the middle of nowhere has for the first time been recognised for the work we do on behalf of every gun, every gamekeeper.”

Annette Woolcock, Eat Game Awards co-ordinator and BASC’s head of wild food, said: “Huge congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s awards – our very worthy winners, all of our finalists and everyone nominated along the way.

“These awards are a highlight of our year and we were delighted to spend a wonderful evening celebrating game and the people and businesses who work so hard to champion it.

“We are truly heartened by the enthusiasm and the support for the awards and the positive feedback we have once again received.

“Thank you to all of those people who took the time to nominate the businesses and individuals who they thought should be recognised for doing an outstanding job in the game meat sector.

“And thank you to all of those who represent how British game can continue to grow and be celebrated.”

Adam Henson, awards host and Country Food Trust patron, added: “Once again, the Eat Game Awards have exceeded all expectations with some fantastic individuals and businesses being showcased. The standard of entries grows each year, reflecting and showcasing the progress achieved and success gained in the game meat sector since the awards were launched five years ago.

“I was delighted to once again play a part in giving those who have worked so hard the recognition they so deserve. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

The full list of winners was:

Best Game Restaurant or Pub – The Caddy Mann, Scottish Borders

Best Game Cook/Chef – Marc Humm, sous chef at Restaurant 43, Colchester

Best Small Retailer – Deer Box, Wiltshire

Best Multiple Retailer – Aldi

Best Game Butcher – Hanks’ Meat and Game, Ross-on-Wye

Best Game Added Value Product – Castle Game, Scotland

Best Influencer – Anna Rogers, Very Good Venison

Best Educator – Scott Rea, Worcester

Champion of Champions – Clarendon Inn, Hebden, North Yorkshire

For more details, visit the Eat Game Awards website