It is hard to believe that nearly two decades have passed since I started the Cambridge Curry Community blog and Facebook group. Looking back to those early days, I could never have dreamed that a simple blog started as a humble way to improve my English and celebrate my local community would ever lead to an award nomination. What began as a local passion project 17 years ago has grown into the Cambridge Foodies – the largest community of local foodies, a blog, Instagram, and a YouTube channel. Today, I am incredibly moved to share that we have been named a finalist for Food & Drink Hero of the Year at the Velvet Food & Drink Awards 2026.

Last year, I was honoured to be a finalist for the 2025 awards held at Childerley Long Barn. While I didn’t take home the win that afternoon, losing out to the Flavour Radio Team, the experience only deepened my commitment to championing our local independent restaurants and the incredible people behind them.

The 2026 Challenge: Cambridgeshire vs. Suffolk

The competition this year is on a whole new level. For 2026, the awards have merged the Cambridgeshire and Suffolk categories, pitching the two counties against each other to find the “best of the best” across the entire region.

Being one of only three finalists in such a massive area is a huge milestone for us. I am shortlisted alongside:

• The Ferry Project Cookery School (Wisbech), who do vital work helping the homeless rebuild their lives through food (they were also nominated last year)
• Adam Tully and Hannah Dewar (Suffolk Story), who have spent the year documenting the independent businesses that make Suffolk’s food scene so vibrant.

Love & Support

These awards truly bring out the best in people and show the genuine community spirit behind the Cambridgeshire foodie scene. I’ve been so touched by the kindness I’ve received, especially from people like Juliana Corrêa Rodrigues, who shared such a lovely post in the group recently. Juliana has always been incredibly supportive of the Cambridge Foodies project and understands the value of what we do – supporting local businesses and bringing visibility to places that might otherwise be overlooked. During these hard economic times, where restaurants are struggling and closing down left, right, and centre, having that bit of appreciation and community backing makes all the difference.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To everyone who took the time to nominate me between February and April – thank you. Your support truly means the world. Seeing the comments you shared with the judges – about our “honest and in-depth reviews” and the “huge foodie community” we have built together – reminds me why I love doing this.

After nearly twenty years of building this community, it would mean everything to have something to show for it on the mantlepiece. We’re headed to the awards final at Granary Estates in Woodditton on Monday 8th June. Regardless of the final result, I am so proud to represent the Cambridge food scene alongside such incredible talent.

Thank you for being part of this 17-year journey with me.

Simon Tompkins