AND THE NOMINEES ARE...
On 8th January, the Trencherman's Guide announced their shortlisted entries. Some were no surprise, but there were a few new mentions who have certainly impressed along the way.
Awards 2025
Back in 1992, a guide was comprised called the Trencherman's Guide. This encased the finest eateries in the South West, so covering; Wiltshire, Cornwall, Devon, Bristol, Cotswolds, Dorset & Bath.
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Chaired by the highly acclaimed Chef Michael Caines, it has certainly become one of the guides to be included within. Kingston Media is based in Frome, which is Somerset, although, it sits rather close to the Wiltshire & Bath borders.
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A short trip north along the A36, you'll come across signs for the village of Iford. Iford on the outskirts of Bradford on Avon, neighbouring Freshford & Avoncliff, which are all picturesque, hosts the fabulous Iford Manor complete with Kitchens & Gardens.
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Iford Manor have been shortlisted into two categories, one is our favourite; Best Newcomer. They join the likes of Roth Bar, Bruton - Bank, Bristol & The Farm Table, Topsham, plus others.
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The Grade II listed Manor House which dates back to the 1700's, in the heart of the village with the river running alongside is such a favourable place in Spring & Summer. My smallest person thoroughly enjoyed his visit last year, and remembers his ice cream, and even cooling off by paddling in the shallow river after.
The Manor House Kitchen boats sustainability as they are able to harvest from the gardens and be provided with various produce by their acres of farmland especially their own Lamb & Beef. Where possible, food miles are significantly reduced by using local suppliers.
The service received is warm, welcoming and at your pace instead of theirs, which is incredible.
Owned & managed by Marianne & William Cartwright-Hignett, they are extremely proud of what they have built, overcome & maintained.
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We spoke to Marianne yesterday and she said; “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted both for Best Newcomer and Best Front of House Team in Trencherman's 2025. Iford has always been known for exquisite experiences and my husband and I wanted to extend this to a culinary sphere, integrating produce from our farm and garden.
We are blessed to work with an exceptional Head Chef, Matthew Briddon, and my husband William personally leads the FoH team to ensure a warm and genuine to Iford, our home.
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We are honoured to be considered in such stellar company for these prestigious awards and look forward to welcoming friends old and new to Iford in 2025.“
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The awards final is to be held at nearby Homewood Park Hotel, which is essentially walking distance, but I wouldn't chance it after a few glasses of champagne as I have no doubt they will enjoy, as they meet with other potential finalists such as;
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* The Woolpack, Slad, Cotswolds
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Previous winners of the Best Newcomer include: Queen of Cups, Glastonbury in 2024 & Andria, Dartmouth in 2023.
Previous winners of the Best Front of House Team include: Tom's Lyme Regis, Lyme Regis in 2024 & Crab House Cafe, Wyke Regis in 2023.
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​Finalists of this years Trencherman's Awards will be announced on 27th January 2025 with the Awards Dinner on 24th March at Homewood Park Hotel nr Bath.
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Don't take our word for it, why don't you try out Iford Manor for yourself.
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2024/5 WINTER OPENING HOURS (10 October - 31 March)
Café & bakery: Thurs - Sun: 09:30 - 15:00
Restaurant: Fri - Sun: 11:45 - 14:30
Garden: CLOSED for winter, except to guests staying in Rowley Cottage or our Behind the Scenes Tours. The garden will reopen on 2nd April 2025
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Iford Manor - nr. Bradford on Avon - Wiltshire - BA15 2BA
