Leighton is a foodie favourite

Jon d'Este-Hoare (right) of Leighton Buzzard Brewing Co which won Craft Beer of the Year award with its Narrow Gauge

It's Bedfordshire's best kept secret, but now it's official '“ Leighton Buzzard is rapidly becoming the country's favourite foodie haven.

No matter what takes your fancy – artisan bread, award-winning wedding cakes, craft beers, a cracking cup of coffee or a top class restaurant, Leighton will have just what you’re after.

The dedication and passion all our hard-working professionals plough into their businesses have been recognised at Bedfordshire’s Food & Drink Awards 2016.

Leighton features in almost half of the 15 categories, winning some outright and scoring Commended or Highly Commended in others.

Steve Lowe (left) of The Little Buzzard Bakery which won Best Artisan Bakery in the Bedfordshire Food & Drink Awards

It was a double whammy for Leighton Buzzard Brewing Company. Their Narrow Gauge was pronounced Craft Beer of the Year, with their Restoration Ale Commended.

The Little Buzzard Bakery won Best Artisan Bakery and Stratton Butchers lifted the same title in the Best Independent Butcher section.

Highly Commended certificates went to Paris House in the Best Fine Dining Restaurant category and to La Belle Cake Company in the Independent Food Producer of the Year.

Expresso Head came in as Commended in the Best Tea/Coffee Shop - Independent section.

Rachel and Andrew Stanton (left) of Stratton Butchers who won Best Independent Butcher in the Bedfordshire Food & Drink Awards

The title of Independent Restaurant and Overall Winner went to GoHoughton restaurant which has been open for just 12 months.

> The awards were announced on Monday at a prestigious event at Luton Hoo Walled Garden.