Judges' Special Award for Best Newcomer - Sponsored by Castlegate House Gallery

This is a judges’ special award for the individual or business that has made their mark as a newcomer to the Cumbrian food and drink scene in 2011-2012. The finalists and winner will be chosen from among the entries to all other categories. Eligible businesses must have been first open to the consumer after January 1, 2011. Eligible individuals must have commenced their role in Cumbria after the same date.

Castlegate House Gallery, gallery bringing great british art to Cumbria

Castlegate House Gallery, located in a splendid Georgian house in Cockermouth, is one of the leading British contemporary and 20th century art galleries in the north of England. It specialises in leading regional and national artists and is a firm supporter of encouraging and bringing forth the best in new talent. From leading lights such as Sheila Fell, Percy Kelly, Norman Cornish and Carel Weight, to burgeoning talent such as Iain Hodgkinson, Josie Jenkins and Ian Norris, amongst others, owners Steven and Christine Swallow have a simple aim at Castlegate: to bring truly great art for all pockets to Cumbria.