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Created eight years ago, the Slow Food awards are truly democratic – with no prior shortlisting, the winners are simply chosen by whoever gets the most votes. These Awards are so powerful in highlighting Good, Clean and Fair, that like last year, thousands of you voted over the summer. Each nation has its own winners, with the highest number of votes in each category also being the overall UK winner.

In addition to the public vote, each nation director chose their Person of the Year, their stories are below, with one of those of winners being crowned Slow Food in the UK Person of Year as well.

Slow Food Northern Ireland Winners – Winners in Bold are also Slow Food in the UK Winners

Best Butcher                                   Corndale Farm, Limavady
Best Baker                                       Ursa Minor, Ballycastle
Best Greengrocer                           Slemish Market Garden, Ballymena
Best Fishmonger                             Native Seafood, Portstewart
Best Deli or Grocer                          Warkes Deli, Portstewart
Best Cheesemonger                        Mike’s Fancy Cheese, Belfast
Best Market                                       St George’s Market, Belfast
Best Restaurant/Food Eatery         Stock Kitchen and Bar, Belfast
Champion Slow Food Product       Veal Charcuterie, Corndale Farm/Broughgammon

Person of the Year:  Mike Thomson

Mike is the only raw milk cheesemaker in Northern Ireland, and an advocate of the craft. A huge supporter of other cheesemakers via his retail store, he is a trailblazer for good cheese in Northern Ireland. Nominated by Director for Slow Food NI, Paula McIntyre