Scarborough and Whitby area businesses among 2026 Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards winners
It was a successful night for businesses in the Yorkshire coast in the 2026 Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards – a celebration which showcases the best of the area’s food and drink.
It was a particularly pleasing evening for Forge Valley Roasters who not only scooped the coveted Best New Business award, but also the accolade for Bext Bakery Product.
The annual celebration of the region’s thriving industry is now the biggest of its kind in the North of England, receiving hundreds of entries across its 26 categories from businesses of all shapes and sizes across the county.
The panel included industry experts, chefs, supermarket buyers, writers, consultants and food entrepreneurs, who carefully worked their way through each of the delicious entries, before whittling them down into the coveted list of finalists.
The much-anticipated Taste Award Champions, which included awards for Best Bakery Product, Beer & Cider, Cheese, Pork Pie and Best Yorkshire Pub amongst others, were finally revealed this week at a black-tie event which saw guests dine on a delicious menu, featuring many of the shortlisted and winning products.
Here are the winners from the Scarborough and Whitby area:
Best new business – Forge Valley Roasters
Founders Chris and Tash began Forge Valley Roasters in 2023 and have grown it into community spaces across Scarborough and the Dawnay Estate, bringing together speciality coffee, Yorkshire hospitality in the form of their brew bars, and opportunities to learn through tastings, roastery tours and barista training.
The judges said: “This business has had an impressive expansion in such a short time.
"We love their focus on in-house roasted coffee, artisan produce, and clean eating.”
Best Bakery Product – Forge Valley Roasters (FVR Sourdough)
The business combines small-batch speciality coffee roasting with three cafés, a bakery and their popular Supper Club events.
Judges said: “Dense and crumpety, this loaf looks enticing and has a great crust, just the right amount of spring and a beautiful balance of salt and acetic notes that underpins everything.”
Best Cheese – Botton Creamery (Organic Summerfields)
Made at Botton Creamery from unpasteurised milk produced by its own Dairy Shorthorn herd, this alpine-style cheese is crafted during the summer grazing months before being carefully turned and washed as it matures.
The creamery is part of Camphill Village Trust, which supports people with a variety of learning disabilities, autism and mental health support needs.
"The beautifully floral, pasture-rich aroma, alluring creaminess, and some mature notes make this a standout in its field,” commented the judges.
Best Pantry Product – The Yorkshire Deli (jalapeňo and lime hot sauce)
Founded by Janet and her daughter Sorrel, and later joined by son Ben, The Yorkshire Deli grew out of more than a decade of trading at markets and food festivals.
Now with a shop in Whitby, they showcase products from over 50 Yorkshire suppliers alongside their own award-winning creations.
“More like a thin mayo in consistency, but an incredibly tasty one, with the key ingredients in perfect balance" said judges.
Best pork pie – Jackson’s butchers, Ruswarp (traditional flat pork pie)
Jackson’s has been a pillar of the community for more than three generations – today, the business is in the safe hands of joint owners, Luke and Kyle.
Their renowned pork pies are made using a traditional hot pastry technique and a closely guarded recipe passed down through generations of owners.
“A handsome pie of proper Yorkshire proportions, with crunchy pastry encasing a perfectly minced and seasoned filling, where the jelly has started to melt and seep into the meat,” was the judges’ comment.
Best ready to eat product (cold) – The Original Baker (Smoked salmon & crème fraiche quiche)
Based in Malton, The Original Baker’s team of artisan bakers continues founder Gill Ridgard’s commitment to traditional, handmade production, creating an award-winning range of pies, pastries and quiches with a focus on quality ingredients, flavour and craftsmanship, and this year’s winning product showcased that to perfection.
Our winning product was described by the judges as “one of those that does beckon you on!
"Great balance between ingredients that allows them all to shine.”
There were a number of finalists from around the area too.