A KENDAL-based wholesale and retail tea and coffee company has won gold and bronze awards at this year's Great British Food Awards.

Penningtons Tea and Coffee was given a gold badge for its Lakeland Blend coffee and a bronze badge for its English Breakfast Loose Leaf tea.

The victory ensures that the products will now be regarded as one of the very best available within the UK’s food and drink sector in 2023.

Gina Pennington, director at Penningtons, said: “Receiving these awards is a credit to our hard work and attention to detail.

"We are thrilled to be recognised with these accolades."

The item was judged by a top industry expert to be a prime example of Great British food and drink – demonstrating not only delicious flavour, but also providing an optimum eating experience and one-of-a-kind enjoyment.

Speaking about the Lakeland Blend coffee, the category judge said: "I thoroughly enjoyed this coffee with the strong flavour coming out during the brewing process.

"It is full-bodied with strong chocolate undertones and an excellent choice for those that enjoy a chocolatey, nutty flavour.”

Penningtons is an independent, family-owned and family-run business, boasting a team with over 50 years’ experience supplying beverages to the hospitality industry.

The family itself has roots in Kendal and the Lake District, dating back to 1709.

The Great British Food Awards were launched in 2014 to celebrate the very best artisanal produce in the UK’s food and drink industry – and to give a promotional platform to its passionate brands and makers.

Food critics such as William Sitwell and renowned chefs such as Michelin-starred Raymond Blanc and Michel Roux Jr make up the highly qualified judging panel.