Foodies looking to source a top dressing can head to the Essex coast.

Coastalfoods has scooped a Gold Great Taste Award from the Guild of Fine Food for its french dressing.

The company, based at the Cookery Workshop in Frinton, has won the prestigious accolade just three years after being set up.

It is run by Bryan and Jo Beattie, who sold their restaurant and began making a small range of deli products in 2005 to sell at farmers’ markets.

Due to their popularity, they opened the Cookery Workshop in Frinton, where they sell their own homemade products and run cookery workshops and demonstrations.

Jo said: “As a small independent producer and retailer, we are delighted with the award.

“What makes our french dressing stand out from the others is that it is made using English cold pressed extra virgin rapeseed oil, and it is individual.”

The reputation of the dressing is spreading. Chris and Tania Butler run the Greenstead Green Farm Shop and restaurant near Halstead.

“We use this in our farm shop cafe, and our customers love it so much they buy it from our farm shop on their way out.”

Bob Farrand, of the Guild of Fine Food, said: “The winning products have been through a thorough judging process, and we are able to assure consumers that the Great Taste Award logo, which all award winners can use, signifies genuine, proven fine food.”