‘The team works so hard every day to give our customers the best experience’
Some of the team in The Kitchen with their three awards. (Credit: The Donkey Sanctuary)
An eatery has proven it is the top of the crops after serving up a stunning hat-trick of gold awards to cap off a successful year.
The achievement highlights the hard work of a team dedicated to delivering a high-quality experience while supporting animal welfare worldwide.
The Kitchen, located at the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, secured its latest top prize in the Café/Tearoom of the Year category for the second year in a row.
This victory follows two other gold wins in the Taste of the West and Food Drink Devon awards earlier this season.
The award ceremony took place at Sandy Park in Exeter. A panel of independent judges conducted 91 visits over four months and presented 79 trophies to various hospitality businesses. The restaurant took the top spot in its category ahead of the Wild Thyme Deli and Kitchen in Totnes and the Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves Café in Torquay.
Sophie Keech, front of house manager at The Kitchen, said: “To be awarded the Gold award two years in a row is an incredible achievement. The team works so hard every day to give our customers the best experience, and this shows the dedication we have for them and for the donkeys that benefit from our hard work.”
Sophie added: “It’s a great way for the team to end 2025.”
The sanctuary itself also enjoyed success at the ceremony, scooping a silver award in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category. Robin Barker, awards organiser of Services for Tourism, described the event as one of the highlights of the year.
Robin said: “Witnessing the delight of the winners, whether Bronze, Silver or Gold, and the impact success has on their mood and motivation is impossible to describe. In an era when business is tough for many, it is great to be bringing something positive to all concerned.”