Awards Archives - Neil Sowerby

All the winners from The MFDF Awards 2024 on a night of New Century celebration

A starry newcomer and a revitalising pioneer of the region’s food culture were the big winners at the 2024 Manchester Food and Drink Awards. Tom Barnes, once a linchpin of Michelin 3-star L’Enclume in Cumbria, won Best Chef and Best Newcomer for Skof after just six months in the city, while Sam Buckley’s Stockport flagship WhereThe Light Gets In was named Restaurant of the Year for the second time in three years. Sam also took the Outstanding Achievement Award for eight years of innovation, championing sustainability and helping put Stockport on the culinary map.

And, of course, the 18 categories up for grabs in front of 350 hospitality professionals at the New Century Hall, weren’t all about big hitters. The presence of ‘Affordable Eats’ and ‘Best Takeaway’ offered their own statement on the strength of the local scene in the face of continuing pressures on the industry. On the day of the Awards the Almost Famous burger chain went under.

The 135 contenders in the MFDF Awards were selected by a panel of judges made up of leading food and drink experts, writers and critics. Shortlisted venues were put to the public vote via the MFDF website where thousands of food and drink fans voted for their favourite winner. Scores from a mystery shopping visit, carried out by members of the judging panel, were also combined with the public vote for some of the awards to determine the winners.
Here is this year’s awards list in full (for addresses visit this link:)…

Restaurant of the Year – Where The Light Gets In

Shortlisted: Skof, Higher Ground, Another Hand, The Pearl, Restaurant Örme, Mana, Adam Reid At The French , Where the Light Gets In.

Chef of the Year – Tom Barnes (Skof)

Shortlisted: Iain Thomas (The Pearl), Joe Otway (Higher Ground), Sam Grainger (Medlock Canteen), Patrick Withington (Erst), Danielle Heron (OSMA), Sam Buckley (Where The Light Gets In), Julian Pizer (Another Hand) , Tom Barnes (Skof).

Newcomer of the Year – Skof

Shortlisted: The Pearl, Medlock Canteen, Onda Pasta Bar, Tawny Stores, Caravan, Hakkapo , Flat Iron, Skof.

Takeaway of the Year – Fat Pat’s

Shortlisted: Chips @ No. 8, Ad Maoira, Maida Grill House, Lucky Mama’s, Codi’s Kitchen, Mrs A’s Kitchen, One Sushi , Fat Pat’s.

Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year – Prestwich

Shortlisted: Monton, Salford, Urmston, Levenshulme, Altrincham, Denton, Sale, Prestwich.

Independent Drinks Producer of the Year – Cloudwater Brewing Co

Shortlisted: Pomona Island Brew Co, Sureshot Brewing , The Salford Rum Company, Steep Soda Co, Pod Pea Vodka, Hip Pop , Balance Brewing & Blending, Cloudwater Brew Co.

Independent Food Producer of the Year – Great North Pie Co

Shortlisted: Companio Bakery, H.M.Pasties, La Chouquette, The Flat Baker, Long Boi’s Bakehouse, Yellowhammer, Half Dozen Other, Great North Pie Co.

Coffee Shop of the Year – Another Heart To Feed

Shortlisted: Grind & Tamp, Fort Coffee, Allpress Espresso, California Coffee & Wine, Bold Street Coffee, ManCoCo, Oscillate Coffee, Another Heart to Feed.

Food Trader of the Year – Honest Crust

Shortlisted: House of Habesha, The Little Sri Lankan, Cardinal Rule, Ad Maoira, Jaan By Another Hand , Baity, House of Bun, Honest Crust.

Pop up or Project of the Year – Love From

Shortlisted: Bungalow at Kampus, Tartuffe, The Landing, Root to Flower, Sampa, Manchester Wine Tour, Midori Didsbury at Wine & Wallop, Love From.

Affordable Eats Venue of the Year – Nell’s Pizza

Shortlisted: Café San Juan, Wow Banh Mi, Hong Thai, Salt & Pepper, Nila’s Burmese Kitchen, Mia’s Arepas, Sips & Dips, Nell’s Pizza.

Plant-based Offering of the Year – Maray

Shortlisted: Lily’s , Wholesome Junkies, Allotment Vegan Eatery, Walled Gardens, Little Aladdin , Herbivorous, Sanskruti, Maray.

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Lily’s Deli

Shortlisted: Ad Hoc Wines, Out of the Blue Fishmongers, Littlewoods Butchers, Wandering Palate, New Market Dairy, Petit Paris Deli, La Chouquette.

Pub or Beer Bar of the Year – Mulligans

Shortlisted: Heaton Hops, Port Street Beer House, North Westward Ho, The City Arms, The Britons Protection , The Old Abbey Taphouse, Café Beermoth, Mulligans.

Bar of the Year – Hawksmoor

Shortlisted: Red Light, Flawd Wine, Speak In Code, Project Halcyon, 10 Tib Lane, Stray, Sterling Bar, Hawksmoor.

Neighbourhood Venue of the Year – Bar San Juan

Shortlisted: Restaurant Örme, OSMA, Ornella’s Kitchen, The Oystercatcher, Yellowhammer, Fold Bistro & Bottle Shop, The Jane Eyre Chorlton, Stretford Canteen.

Great Service Award – Schofield’s Bar

Shortlisted: Flawd Wine, The Pearl, Higher Ground, Skof, 10 Tib Lane, Adam Reid At The French, Ornella’s Kitchen, Schofield’s Bar.

The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement – Sam Buckley

Recognising people who have contributed something outstanding to the hospitality industry in Greater Manchester.

28 January 2025/by Neil Sowerby

Food, Restaurants

Instagram glam and serious grub are not odd bedfellows. Discuss!

It’s beginning to feel a lot ike Christmas, Bring on the twinkly lights and the cocktails. Fun as well as food is part of the festive feast…

‘Parallel universes’ spring to mind. The restaurant and chef of the year shortlists for the recent This Is Manchester Awards had only a single nomination in common with similar categories in the Manchester Food and Drink Awards, whose results will be announced in January.

That was Skof with its profile hard to ignore. At the helm Tom Barnes, who ran the 3 Michelin starred L’Enclume for Simon Rogan. Yet even this seems an afterthought on a list majoring in fancy venues. Take your pick of the other restaurants from 20 Stories, Australasia, EastZeast, Fazenda, Fenix, MAYA, MUSU, Ribeye, San Carlo Alderley Edge, The Ivy Spinningfields.

Skof can’t be accused of such flash, rehashing that old bare brick/post-industrial trope. Another recent incomer Blacklock the chops specialist follows that interior template too as they bid to ‘fit into’ Mancunia.

The Manc Mykonos – Fenix rising

The boot, spangly, on the other foot, step forward F enix as ‘Leading Restaurant (Formal)’. Yes formal can include a shimmeringly glam take on some Mykonos windmills of the mind, featuring curvy, sea cave surfaces, an ‘olive tree’ and lighting that glows like an Aegean sunset in the bar, while the upstairs restaurant boasts “ash-toned driftwood dining chairs paired with decadent marble tables and refined tableware.”

Still I don’t have insurmountable issues with that choice. Across three visits I have had some outstandingly good refined Greek food. And the cocktail offering is playfully mythic. I’d recommend Heracles’ Eighth Trial.

It also shared (strangely since it opened last November) the ‘Outstanding Debut of the Year’ award with Sexy Fis h, which I’ve visited twice for cocktail and fine wine related dinners. Yes, that fantasy on the former Armani site is all about Instagrammable piscine pzazz. but I didn’t feel a fish out of water. It was fun with some fine Japanese-inspired food, even if it lags behind the menu at nearby three AA rosette MUSU (or KAJI as it has morphed into, still lavishly glam, too, even when promoting fire-based cooking as one element,

Still this is a shark eat shark world in the tussle for the glitzy dollar. Leaving aside Sexy Fish’s relentless stablemate The Ivy, the golden touch, homegrown at that, seems currently to belong to the Jones Brothers.Trading as the Permanently Unique Group, Adam and Drew have already successfully extended their upmarket Chinese brand Tattu to London and plans are advanced for a Fenix and a Louis to follow.

Elevated veal shank and broken down tarts

Ah, L ouis. Maybe it was the crooning or the presence of celebs I couldn’t recognise (good luck with the Jungle, Colleen) but only the rip tide of Champagne buoyed me through the launch party in Spinningfields. A return visit to road-test the Italian-American menu has won me over big time. It was a comped meal with the inclusion of one of my favourite Chiantis, but such largesse would never subvert my critical faculties.

The osso buco alla milanese was especially magnifico. This rich, braised on-the bone veal shank dish with saffron risotto was a favourite of Frank Sinatra’s. So it’s perfect for Manchester’s own homage to a colourful New York past where guys dined dolls after Manhattans on the rocks. Such affectations may grate with some folk but when paired with spot-on service go with the flow.

Slow-cooked shank, pulled lamb this time, shows up in a Fenix dish that has survived the recent menu change. A parsnip bechamel, truffles and mushrooms are baked with it tarte tatin style in delicate pastry. It is served on crockery appropriate to its name, Broken Down Tart, a playful nod to the Greek tradition of plate smashing. I preferred it to the inevitable plate of wagyu.

Let’s get lit up for Christmas… and the Octopus Oasis

Fenix also upholds another swanky tradition by draping its facade in a myriad seasonal lights. Celeb haunt Rosso back in the day exhausted considerable wattage in the same way and its successor up in Spring Gardens, Cibo, offers a more muted version. Neither can provide a back storey to match Fenix’s. Their lights are “inspired by the story of Karavari – a Greek custom where children carried illuminated boats while singing carols to bless the sailors of the Aegean seas”.

Meanwhile, back at Sexy Fish, where the decor is an entire Aegean Sea in its own right (check out the Octopus Oasis, next to the main bar).I do recommend a generous wine and matching food event in the Tropical Reef Private Dining Room that should be a regular fixture in the New Year. It’s called ‘Wine and Waves’, the latter their name for the those Japanese-influenced small plates.

Some seriously goo/d wines featured in the W&W debut – Krug Champagne, Leflaive Burgundy and and a glorious Alsace Riesling from Rolly Gassman, presented by knowledgeable head sommelier Davide Rinaldi.

If that’s not your £125 a head bag, book in for Sexy Fishmas: “Immerse yourself in a sparkling holiday wonderland with a limited-edition omakase menu and festive cocktails, surrounded by thousands of golden fish baubles for a truly unforgettable Christmas experience.”

MUSU is now KAJI and Moffat is at MAYA

A real fish, in the shape of a giant bluefin tuna being butchered, was one of the unlikeliest restaurant attractions in 2024 Manchester (followed by a meal) and we may not see such sell-out session again as the John Dalton Street venue reinvents itself as the Musu Collection. Sushi/sashimi led omakase will return inn 2025 along with a basement fined dining showcase for new chef Steve Smith. For the moment he’s leading fire-based dining experience K AJI in the main dining room, which has re-jigged its giant screen-led decor without shedding the glitz. A relaunch meal showed no sign of slipping standards.

Smith made his name helming Ribble Valley gastropub. Interesting to see how it goes. Ditto with Shaun Moffat, whose very British approach and technical skills at the Edinburgh Castle gastropub in Ancoats won him Chef of the Year in the 2023 MFDF Awards. He’s now charged with turning around the kitchen at MA YA.

When I reviewed the place under previous chef Gabe Lea I was disturbed by an interior so penumbral I couldn’t read the menu. Little has changed it appears, reading a review of the new regime by the brilliant Olivia Potts for Manchester Confidential…

“The enormous cocktail bar at the centre of the room is beautiful, all gold and glass and plush stools, but it’s also dominating and it leaves the dining room feeling cramped. Diners are squeezed in closely and I almost knock over the wine glasses on our table when I sidle in, which I feel very stupid about – until the table next to us does exactly the same thing when they sit down. It does rather feel like eating a sit-down, three course dinner in a cocktail bar, rather than a dining room.”

Baby Daisy or Barnsley Chop – take your pick

I introduced Olivia to Shaun’s food back at The Edinburgh Castle and I too am a huge fan, in particular of his immaculate sourcing. How all this switch will pan out, it will be interesting to see, at an entertainment destination currently promoting (get your glad rags on for December 13) “Internationally renowned Burlesque artist, Baby Daisy, performing a brand new show created exclusively for MAYA. Playfully called MAYAnage et trois, guests can expect an evening of glamour, sensuality and dazzling allure.”

But will there be a Wild Boar Barnsley Chop? That was the Moffat EC dish that convinced me of his exceptional talent, honed by running East London kitchens such as Manteca. Funny old world. One floor of MAYA, inside a listed building, does that distressed brick/post-industrial schtick.

Cast your MFDF Awards votes online now

As a long-serving judge I might biased but these eight nominations for Restaurant of the Year are where the food does the talking:

Adam Reid At The French, Another Hand, Higher Ground, Mana, Restaurant Örme (Urmston), The Pearl (Prestwich), Skof, Where the Light Gets In.

The closing date for votes is midnight on the 10th January 2025. Vote for your winner in all 17 categories h ere.

5 December 2024/by Neil Sowerby

Beer, Cocktails, Restaurants

2024 MANCHESTER FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL AWARDS SHORTLISTS – CAST YOUR VOTE NOW

The shortlisted nominees for the 2024 Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards have been announced. The Awards are the most prestigious in the North West and celebrate the region’s outstanding hospitality talent, with winners to be revealed at the MFDF Gala Dinner at New Century Hall on Monday, January 27, 2025.

There are 136 exceptional venues, traders, places and people nominated across 17 categories celebrating a resurgent year for Greater Manchester’s hospitality industry. This year’s roll call takes in the whole breadth of talent flourishing in our region – from talented takeaways and superb street food vendors to Michelin-star dining and some of the newest and most exciting additions to the scene.

The shortlisted nominations have been compiled by the MFDF Judging Panel, taking into account award submissions from the hospitality industry. The panel is made up of the region’s leading food and drink critics, writers, and experts. The awards are now open to public vote on the MFDF website.

As well as the public vote, a mystery shopping period will now commence when judges will visit nominated venues in some categories or an anonymous dining visit, and will score venues based on their experiences.

The mystery shopping and public voting period will end at midnight on January 10 when the polls will be counted and combined with the judges’ scores, and the winner of each category will be chosen.

The MFDF 24 Award Winners will be announced at the MFDF Awards Dinner on Monday, January 27 and tickets can be purchased by emailing isabella@foodanddrinkfestival.com

And the nominations are…

AFFORDABLE EATS VENUE OF THE YEAR

Café San Juan

27 St Petersgate, Stockport SK1 1EB

Nell’s Pizza

22 Minshull Street, Kampus M1 3EF

Wow Banh Mi

132 Oldham Road, Ancoats M4 6BG

Hong Thai

140 Oldham Road, Ancoats M4 6BG

Salt & Pepper

60-62 High Street, Manchester M4 1EA

Nila’s Burmese Kitchen

386 Third Avenue, Trafford Park, Stretford M17 1JE

Mia’s Arepas

11 Baring Street, Manchester M1 2PZ

Sips & Dips

994 Stockport Road, Manchester M19 3WN

Last year’s winner: Ornella’s Kitchen Denton.

TAKEAWAY OF THE YEAR

Chips @ No. 8

8 Clifton Road, Prestwich M25 3HQ

Ad Maoira

23 Radium Street, Ancoats M4 6AY

Maida Grill House

38 Liverpool Street, Salford M5 4LT

Lucky Mama’s

565 Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton M21 8AE

Codi’s Kitchen

391 Bury New Rd, Prestwich M25 1AW

Fat Pat’s

88 Portland St, Manchester M1 4GX

Mrs A’s Kitchen

30 Church Street, Eccles M30 0DF

One Sushi

St James’s Building, 75 Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 6EG

Last year’s winner: Burgerism

COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR

Grind & Tamp

45 Bridge Street, Ramsbottom BL0 9AD

Fort Coffee

255 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN

Allpress Espresso

3, Redfern Building, Dantzic Street, Manchester M4 4AH

California Coffee & Wine

3 Oxford Road, Altrincham WA14 2DY

Another Heart to Feed

10 Hilton Street, Manchester M1 1JF

Bold Street Coffee

53 Cross Street, Manchester M2 4JN

ManCoCo

85 Hewitt Street, Manchester M15 4GB

Oscillate Coffee

52 Flixton Road, Urmston M41 5AB

Last year’s winner: Grapefruit Coffee, Sale

FOOD AND DRINK RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Wandering Palate

191 Monton Road, Eccles M30 9PN

Petit Paris Deli

10 King Street, Manchester M2 6AG

Out of the Blue

484 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton M21 9AS

Chorlton Cheesemongers

486 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton Manchester M21 9AS

Littlewoods Butchers

5 School Lane, Heaton Chapel SK4 5DE

Ancoats Deli

6 Murray Street, Ancoats M4 6HS

Lily’s Deli

102 Manchester Road, Chorlton M21 9SZ

Oseyo

Unit 90, Halle Mall, Manchester Arndale M4 2HU

Last year’s winner: Cork of the North, Heaton Moor

FOOD TRADER OF THE YEAR

House of Habesha

Kargo MKT, Salford M50 3AG

The Little Sri Lankan

Cardinal Rule

10 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF

Ad Maoira

23 Radium Street, Ancoats M4 6AY

Jaan By Another Hand

St George’s House, 56 Peter St, Manchester M2 3NQ

Baity

Kargo MKT, Salford M50 3AG

House of Bun

11 Blackburn Street, Radcliffe M26 1PN

Honest Crust

1 Eagle Street, Manchester M4 5BU

Last year’s winner: Fat Pat’s, Manchester

FOODIE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF THE YEAR

Monton

Prestwich

Salford

Urmston

Levenshulme

Altrincham

Denton

Sale

Last year’s winner: Stockport.

INDEPENDENT DRINKS PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Cloudwater Brew Co

7-8 Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester M1 2NP

Pomona Island Brew Co

33 Waybridge Enterprise Centre, Daniel Adamson Road, Salford M50 1DS

Sureshot Brewing

5 Sheffield Street, Manchester M1 2DN

The Salford Rum Company

33 Viaduct Street, Salford M3 7WX

Steep Soda Co

Pod Pea Vodka

Ten Locks, Fairhill Road, Irlam M44 6BD

Hip Pop

Unit 98, North Western Street, Manchester M12 6JL

Balance Brewing & Blending

Unit 10, Sheffield Street, Manchester M1 2DN

Last year’s winner: Track Brewing Co, Manchester

INDEPENDENT FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Companio Bakery

Unit 6 Flint Glass Wharf, 35 Radium Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AD

H.M.Pasties

Unit 11-12, Pennant Industrial, Oldham OL1 3NP

La Chouquette

812a Wilmslow Road, Didsbury M20 6UH

Great North Pie Co

Unit 2a, Deanway, Manchester Road, Wilmslow SK9 2HW

The Flat Baker

23 Radium Street, Ancoats M4 6AY

Long Boi’s Bakehouse

40 Forest Range, Manchester M19 2HP

Yellowhammer

15 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JQ

Half Dozen Other

Unit 17 Redbank, Cheetham Hill M4 4HF

Last year’s winner: Pollen Bakery, Manchester

NEIGHBOURHOOD VENUE OF THE YEAR

Cibus Pizza

847-849 Stockport Road, Manchester M19 3PW

Ornella’s Kitchen

10 Manchester Road, Denton M34 3LE

Fold Bistro & Bottle Shop

7 Town Street, Marple Bridge, Stockport SK6 5AA

The Pearl

425 Bury New Road, Prestwich M25 1AF

Restaurant Örme

218 Church Road, Urmston M41 9DX

Tawny Stores

1 Upper Hibbert Lane, Hawk Green, Marple SK6 7JQ

Vero Moderno

Unit 4, Vimto Gardens, Chapel Street, Salford nM3 5JF

Bar San Juan

56 Beech Road, Chorlton M21 9EG

Last year’s winner: Stretford Canteen

PLANT-BASED OFFERING OF THE YEAR

Maray

14 Brazennose St, Manchester M2 6LW

Lily’s Indian Vegetarian Cuisine

85 Oldham Road, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7DF

Wholesome Junkies

Hinterland Bar, 16-20 Turner St, Manchester M4 1DZ

Allotment Vegan Eatery

1 – 3 Cathedral Gates, Manchester M3 1SW

Walled Gardens

Whalley Range, Manchester

Little Aladdin

72 High Street, Manchester M4 1ES

Herbivorous

445 Wilmslow Road, Withington M20 4AN

Sanskruti

93-95 Mauldeth Road, Manchester, M14 6SR

Last year’s winner: Bundobust

POP-UP OR PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Bungalow at Kampus

Aytoun Street, Manchester M1 3GL

Tartuffe

Side Street Studio Kitchen, ABC Buildings Corner of Quay Street and, Lower Byrom St, Manchester M3 4AE

Midori Didsbury at Wine & Wallop

97 Lapwing Lane, Didsbury M20 6UR

The Landing

Merseyway Shopping Centre Car Park, Stockport SK1 1HG

Love From

Aytoun Street, Manchester M1 3GL

Root to Flower

Sampa

24 Dale Street, Manchester M1 1FY

Manchester Wine Tour
Last year’s winner: Platt Fields Market Garden

PUB OR BEER BAR OF THE YEAR

Heaton Hops

7 School Lane, Heaton Chapel SK4 5DE

Port Street Beer House

39-41 Port Street, Manchester M1 2EQ

North Westward Ho

Pall Mall, 19 Chapel Walks, Manchester, M2 1HN

Mulligans of Manchester

12 Southgate, Manchester, M3 2RB

The City Arms

46-48, Kennedy Street, Manchester M2 4BQ

The Britons Protection

50 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, M1 5LE

The Old Abbey Taphouse

Guildhall Close, Manchester Science Park, Hulme M15 6SY

Café Beermoth

Brown Street, Manchester M2 1DA

Last year’s winner: Marble Arch, Manchester

GREAT SERVICE AWARD

Flawd Wine

9 Keepers Quay, Manchester M4 6GL

The Pearl

425, Bury New Road, Prestwich M25 1AF

Higher Ground

Faulkner House, New York Street, Manchester M1 4DY

Skof

3 Federation Street, Manchester M4 4BF

10 Tib Lane

10 Tib Lane, Manchester M2 4JB

Schofield’s Bar

Sunlight House, 3 Little Quay Street, Manchester M3 3JZ

Adam Reid At The French

16 Peter Street, Manchester M60 2DS

Ornella’s Kitchen

10 Manchester Road, Denton, Manchester M34 3LE

Last year’s winner: Hawksmoor, Manchester

BAR OF THE YEAR

Red Light

4-2 Little David Street, Manchester M1 3GL

Flawd Wine

9 Keepers Quay, Manchester M4 6GL

Speak in Code

7 Jackson’s Row, Manchester M2 5ND

Project Halcyon

Unit 2, Bonded Warehouse, St Johns, Manchester M3 3GS

Hawksmoor

184 – 186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB

10 Tib Lane

10 Tib Lane, Manchester M2 4JB

Stray

1 Eagle Street, Manchester M4 5BU

Sterling Bar

4 Norfolk Street, Manchester M2 1DW

Last year’s winner: Schofield’s Bar, Manchester

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

The Pearl

425, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 1AF

Skof

3 Federation Street, Manchester M4 4BF

Medlock Canteen

5 Owen Street, Deansgate Square, Manchester M15 4YB

Onda Pasta Bar

Circle Square, Oxford Road, Manchester M1 7FS

Tawny Stores

1 Upper Hibbert Lane, Hawk Green, Marple SK6 7JQ

Caravan

6 Goods Yards Street, St Johns, Manchester M3 3BG

Hakkapo

13 Jack Rosenthal Street, Manchester M15 4FN

Flat Iron

200 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3NN

Last year’s winner: Higher Ground, Manchester

CHEF OF THE YEAR

Iain Thomas (The Pearl)

Joe Otway (Higher Ground)

Tom Barnes (Skof)

Sam Grainger (Medlock Canteen)

Patrick Withington (Erst)

Danielle Heron (OSMA)

Sam Buckley (Where the Light Gets In)

Julian Pizer (Another Hand)

Last year’s winner: Shaun Moffat (Edinburgh Castle)

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Skof

3 Federation Street, Manchester, M4 4BF

Higher Ground

Faulkner House, New York Street, Manchester M1 4DY

Another Hand

253 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN

Where the Light Gets In

7 Rostron Brow, Stockport, SK1 1JY

The Pearl

425, Bury New Road, Prestwich M25 1AF

Restaurant Örme

218 Church Road, Urmston M41 9DX

Mana

42 Blossom Street, Ancoats M4 6BF

Adam Reid At The French

16 Peter Street, Manchester M60 2DS

Last year’s winner: Erst

5 November 2024/by Neil Sowerby

Beer, Food, Restaurants

A night of celebration – and campaigning – as MFDF Awards are handed out

I’ve lost count of the number of Manchester Food and Drink Awards gala dinners I’ve attended, but this celebration of the region’s hospitality industry remains joyously upbeat despite the perils that still threaten to torpedo so many independent operators.

The Awards themselves had been pushed back from their usual October slot when the mothership Festival foundered. Hopefully, it will return in 2024. Meanwhile these 2023 Awards flew the flag in a fresh venue that really worked – New Century Hall – and opened with a defiant political edge.

In person on stage Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. En route to Depeche Mode at the nearby Arena, he rallied the 350 hospitality troops gathered for the occasion. On film Sacha Lord, his night-time economy adviser (I reserve ‘czar’ for Russian potentates), and a clutch of North West chefs demanded the Government slash VAT on the industry back down to 10 per cent. Lord kicks off the challenging This is an Emergency video chillingly: “I know people staring at the cliff edge.”

After the dinner sourced from traders in the New Century Kitchen, down to the main business of the night. The 18 award winners announced reflected the city’s current high global profile.

Last week the The Edinburgh Castle in Ancoats debuted in 24th place in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs; now its kitchen dynamo Shaun Moffat followed up by scooping Chef of the Year. A huge double also for Higher Ground. On the same day they won a Michelin Bib Gourmand they were named MFDF Newcomer of the Year. They are also in the frame for the national Best New Restaurant at the Good Food Guide Awards 2024. I was also delighted that Ancoats small plates and natural wine stalwart Erst finally won Best Restaurant.

Across the evening there was strong recognition for Manchester’s unrivalled craft beer scene. Track won best independent drinks producer, the Marble Arch best beer bar/pub, Bundobust best plant-based offering for the Gujarati-inspired small plates that accompany the beers it brews in town and James Campbell received the Outstanding Achievement Award for two decades as the driving force behind cutting edge breweries Marble, Cloudwater and, currently, Sureshot.

Sign of the difficult times, one of the nominees for best drinks producer, Squawk Brewery, has just been forced to close. So high jinks celebrating an amazing food and drink scene tinged with sadness at the steady drip of closures. Time to make a stand on that crucial VAT drop issue. Watch the Sacha Lord film, also featuring the likes of Simon Wood, Michael Clay, Mary Ellen McTague and and emotional Simon Rimmer, who was forced to close his flaship restaurant Greens recently, and sign the associated petition.

All the fantastic winners at Manchester Food and Drink Awards 2023

Here is this year’s awards list in full (for addresses visit this link)…

Restaurant of the Year – Erst

Shortlisted: Higher Ground, Climat, Another Hand, 10 Tib Lane

OSMA, The Spärrows. mana, Erst.202

Chef of the Year – Shaun Moffat (Edinburgh Castle)

Shortlisted: Joseph Otway (Higher Ground), Danielle Heron (OSMA), Luke Richardson (Climat), Julian Pizer (Another Hand), Patrick Withington (Erst), Seri Nam (Flawd Wine), Mike Shaw (MUSU), Shaun Moffat (Edinburgh Castle)

Newcomer of the Year – Higher Ground

Shortlisted: Climat, Restaurant Örme, Fold Bistro & Bottle Shop, The Jane Eyre Chorlton, Madre, New Century Kitchen, Stretford Canteen, Higher Ground

Plant-based Offering of the Year– Bundobust

Shortlisted: Lily’s Indian Vegetarian Cuisine, Bahn Ví, The Walled Gardens, Maray, Speak in Code, Flawd Wine, The Mekong Cat, Bundobust.

Takeaway of the Year – Burgerism

Ad Maoira, Unagi Street Food & Sushi, Ciaooo Garlic Bread, Fat Pat’s, Wright’s Fish and Chips. Maida Grill House, Al Madina, Burgerism.

Independent Drinks Producer of the Year – Track

Shortlisted: Sureshot Brewing, Stockport Gin, Cloudwater Brew Co, Tarsier Spirit, Pod Pea Vodka, Manchester Union Brewery, Squawk Brewing Co, Track.

Independent Food Producer of the Year – Pollen Bakery

Shortlisted: Cotton Field Wharf, Great North Pie Co, La Chouquette, Gooey, Yellowhammer, The Manchester Smoke House, The Flat Baker, Companio Bakery, Pollen.

Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year – Stockport

Shortlisted: Levenshulme, Altrincham, Urmston, Prestwich, Monton, Sale, Stretford, Stockport.

Coffee Shop of the Year – Grapefruit Coffee

Shortlisted: Cafe Sanjuan, Another Heart to Feed, Idle Hands, Bold Street Coffee, Smoak, Ancoats Coffee Co, Siop Shop, Grapefruit.

Food Trader of the Year – Fat Pat’s

Shortlisted: Baratxuri, Chaat Cart, Triple B, Tawny Stores, Yellowhammer, Little Sri Lankan, Pico’s Tacos, Oh Mei Dumplings, Fat Pat’s.

Affordable Eats Venue of the Year – Ornella’s Kitchen

Shortlisted: Nila’s Burmese Kitchen, Great North Pie Co, Cafe Sanjuan, Noodle Alley, Tokyo Ramen, Lily’s Deli, House of Habesha, Ornella’s Kitchen.

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Cork of the North

Shortlisted: Ad Hoc Wines, Out of the Blue Fishmongers, Littlewoods Butchers, Wandering Palate, New Market Dairy, Petit Paris Deli, La Chouquette.

Pop up or Project of the Year – Platt Fields Market Garden

Shortlisted: Our Place, Tawny Stores at Yellowhammer, SAMPA, Little Sri Lankan, Suppher, Fare Share, Micky’s, Platt Fields Market Garden

Pub or Beer Bar of the Year – The Marble Arch

Shortlisted: Track Brewery Taproom, The City Arms, Runaway Brewery Taproom, Fox & Pine, Reddish Ale, Station Hop, Heaton Hops, The Marble Arch.

Bar of the Year – Schofield’s Bar

Shortlisted: The Jane Eyre Ancoats, Blinker, Red Light, Sterling Bar, Hawksmoor, 10 Tib Lane, Flawd Wine, Schofield’s Bar.

Neighbourhood Venue of the Year – Stretford Canteen

Shortlisted: Restaurant Örme, OSMA, Ornella’s Kitchen, The Oystercatcher, Yellowhammer, Fold Bistro & Bottle Shop, The Jane Eyre Chorlton, Stretford Canteen.

Great Service Award – Hawksmoor

Shortlisted: Higher Ground, Schofield’s Bar, Where The Light Gets In, Climat, Wood Manchester, Sterling Bar, Tast Catala, Hawksmoor.

The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement – James Campbell

Recognising people who have contributed something outstanding to the hospitality industry in Greater Manchester.

30 January 2024/by Neil Sowerby

Beer, Cocktails, Food, Restaurants

MANCHESTER FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL AWARD SHORTLISTS – VOTING IS OPEN

The shortlisted nominees for the 2023 Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards have been announced. The Awards are the most prestigious in the North West and celebrate the region’s outstanding hospitality talent, with winners to be revealed at the MFDF Gala Dinner on Monday, January 29, 2024.

There are 114 exceptional venues, traders, places and people nominated across 18 categories celebrating a resurgent year for Greater Manchester’s hospitality industry. This year’s roll call takes in the whole breadth of talent flourishing in our region – from talented takeaways and superb street food vendors to Michelin-star dining and some of the newest and most exciting additions to the scene.

The shortlisted nominations have been compiled by the MFDF Judging Panel, taking into account award submissions from the hospitality industry. The panel is made up of the region’s leading food and drink critics, writers, and experts. The awards are now open to public vote on the MFDF website.

A ‘mystery shopping period’ will now commence alongside the public vote. During this period judges will visit nominated venues for an incognito dining visit, and will score venues based on their experiences. Then on Monday, November 20, 2023 the polls will be counted and combined with the judges’ scores, and the winner of each category will be chosen.

The MFDF 23 Award Winners will be announced at the MFDF Gala Dinner & Awards at the New Century Hall (above) on Monday January 29, 2024, tickets for which can be purchased by emailing isabella@foodanddrinkfestival.com. Your hosts for the evening will once again be Matty White of Manchester’s Finest and Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch and BBC Radio Manchester’s Anna Jameson.

To vote please visit this LINK. The nominees are…

PLANT-BASED OFFERING OF THE YEAR

Bundobust

St James Building, 61-69 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6EQ

Lily’s Indian Vegetarian Cuisine

85 Oldham Road, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7DF

Bahn Ví

New Century Kitchen, 34 Hanover Street, Manchester M4 4AH

The Walled Gardens

Alness Road, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 8HW

Maray

14 Brazennose Street, Manchester M2 6LW

Speak in Code

7 Jackson’s Row, Manchester M2 5ND

Flawd Wine

9 Keepers Quay, Manchester M4 6GL

The Mekong Cat

47 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JQ

TAKEAWAY OF THE YEAR

Fat Pat’s

88 Portland Street, Manchester M1 4GX

Ad Maoira

34 Copperas Street, Manchester M4 1BJ

Unagi Street Food & Sushi

10 Park Place, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4EY

Ciaooo Garlic Bread

93-95 Shudehill, Manchester M4 4AN

Wright’s Fish and Chips

86 Cross Street, Manchester M2 4LA

Maida Grill House

38 Liverpool Street, Salford M5 4LT

Al Madina

76 Wilmslow Road, Manchester M14 5AL

Burgerism

18 West Ashton Street, Salford, M50 2XS

INDEPENDENT DRNKS PRODUCERS OF THE YEAR

Sureshot Brewing

4 Sheffield Street, Manchester M1 2ND

Stockport Gin

19B St Petersgate, Stockport SK1 1EB

Cloudwater Brew Co

7-8 Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester M1 2NP

Tarsier Spirit

Unit A5, Bankfield Trading Estate, Coronation Street, Stockport, England, SK5 7SE

Pod Pea Vodka

Irlam, Manchester

Manchester Union Brewery

96D North Western Street, Manchester M12 6JL

Squawk Brewing Co

Tonge Street, Manchester M12 6LY

Track

Unit 18, Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester M1 2NP

INDEPENDENT FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Pollen

Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union Street, Manchester M4 6FQ

Great North Pie Co

Kampus, Aytoun Street, Manchester M1 3GL

La Chouquette

812A Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 6UH

Gooey

Ducie Street Warehouse, Manchester, M1 2TP

Yellowhammer

15 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JQ

The Manchester Smoke House

123 Waterloo Road, Cheetham, Manchester M8 8BT

The Flat Baker

Unit 2, 23 Radium Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AY

Companio Bakery

Unit 6, Flint Glass Wharf, 35 Radium Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AD

FOODIE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF THE YEAR

Levenshulme

Stockport

Altrincham

Urmston

Prestwich

Monton

Sale

Stretford

COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR

Grapefruit Coffee

2 School Road, Sale M33 7XY

Cafe Sanjuan

27 St Petersgate, Stockport SK1 1EB

Another Heart to Feed

10 Hilton Street, Manchester M1 1JF

Idle Hands Coffee

35 Dale Street, Manchester M1 2HF

Bold Street Coffee

53 Cross Street, Manchester M2 4JN

Smoak

105 Manchester Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9GA

Ancoats Coffee Co

9 Royal Mills, 17 Redhill Street, Manchester M4 5BA

Siop Shop

53 Tib Street, Manchester M4 1LS

FOOD TRADER OF THE YEAR

Baratxuri

Exhibition, St George’s House, 56 Peter Street, Manchester M2 3NQ

Chaat Cart

Society, 100 Barbirolli Square, Manchester M2 3BD

Triple B

24 Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 0LD

Tawny Stores

Yellowhammer, 15 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JQ

Little Sri Lanken

Reddish, Stockport

Pico’s Taco’s

Mackie Mayor, 1 Eagle Street, Manchester M4 5BU

Oh Mei Dumplings

Fat Pat’s

88 Portland Street, Manchester M1 4GX

AFFORDABLE EATS VENUE OF THE YEAR

Nila’s Burmese Kitchen

386 Third Avenue, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 1JE

Great North Pie Co

Kampus, Aytoun Street, Manchester M1 3GL

Cafe Sanjuan

27 St Petersgate, Stockport SK1 1EB

Noodle Alley

Basement Level, 56A Faulkner Street, Manchester M1 4FH

Tokyo Ramen

55 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PD

Lily’s Deli

Unit 2C, Henry Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5BA

House of Habesha

Central Bay, Unit 32, Quayside, Media City, Salford Quays, M50 3AG

Ornella’s Kitchen

10 Manchester Road, Denton, Manchester M34 3LE

FOOD AND DRINK RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Ad Hoc Wines

28 Edge Street, Manchester M4 1HN

Out of the Blue Fishmongers

484 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9AS

Littlewoods Butcher

5 School Lane, Heaton Chapel, Stockport SK4 5DE

Wandering Palate

191 Monton Road, Eccles, Manchester M30 9PN

New Market Dairy

1 Central Way, Altrincham WA14 1SB

Petit Paris Deli

10 King Street, Manchester M2 6AG

Cork of the North

104 Heaton Moor Road, Stockport, SK4 4NZ

La Chouquette

812A Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 6UH

POP UP OR PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Our Place

Platt Fields Market Garden

Platt Fields Park, Platt Fields Market Garden, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6LT

Tawny Stores

Yellowhammer, 15 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JQ

SAMPA

Blossom Street Social, 51 Blossom Street, Manchester M4 6AJ

Little Sri Lankan

Reddish, Stockport

Suppher

Fare Share

Units E1-8, New Smithfield Market, Whitworth Street East, Openshaw, Manchester, M11 2WJ

Micky’s

Ply, 26 Lever Street, Manchester M1 1DW

PUB OR BEER BAR OF THE YEAR

The Marble Arch

73 Rochdale Road, Manchester M4 4HY

Track Brewery Taproom

Unit 18, Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester M1 2NP

The City Arms

46-48 Kennedy Street, Manchester M2 4BQ

Runaway Brewery Taproom

9-11 Astley Street, Stockport, SK4 1AW

Fox & Pine

18 Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AD

Reddish Ale

14 Broadstone Road, Reddish, Stockport SK5 7AE

Station Hop

815 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3BS

Heaton Hops

7 School Lane, Stockport SK4 5DE

BAR OF THE YEAR

The Jane Eyre

One Cutting Room Square, 14 Hood Street, Manchester M4 6WX

Blinker

64-72 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ

Red Light

4-2 Little David Street, Manchester M1 3GL

Sterling Bar

4 Norfolk Street, Manchester M2 1DW

Hawksmoor

184 – 186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WD

Schofield’s Bar

3 Little Quay Street Sunlight House, Manchester M3 3JZ

10 Tib Lane

10 Tib Lane, Manchester M2 4JB

Flawd Wine

9 Keepers Quay, Manchester M4 6GL

NEIGHBOURHOOD VENUE OF THE YEAR

Restaurant Örme

218 Church Road, Urmston, Manchester M41 9DX

Stretford Canteen

118 Chester Road, Stretford, Manchester M32 9BH

OSMA

132 Bury New Road, Prestwich, M25 0AA

Ornella’s Kitchen

10 Manchester Road, Denton, Manchester M34 3LE

The Oystercatcher

123 Manchester Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PG

Yellowhammer

15 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JQ

Fold Bistro & Bottle Shop

7 Town Street, Marple Bridge, Stockport SK6 5AA

The Jane Eyre

60 Beech Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9EG

GREAT SERVICE AWARD

Hawksmoor

184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WD

Higher Ground

Faulkner House, New York Street, Manchester M1 4DY

Schofield’s Bar

Sunlight House, 3 Little Quay Street, Manchester M3 3JZ

Where The Light Gets In

7 Rostron Brow, Stockport SK1 1JY

Climat

8th Floor, Blackfriars House, Manchester M3 2JA

Wood Manchester

Jack Rosenthal Street, First Street, Manchester M15 4RA

Sterling Bar

4 Norfolk Street, Manchester M2 1DW

Tast Catala

20-22 King street, Manchester M2 6AG

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Climat

8th Floor, Blackfriars House, Manchester M3 2JA

Higher Ground

Faulkner House, New York Street, Manchester M1 4DY

Restaurant Örme

218 Church Road, Urmston, Manchester M41 9DX

Fold Bistro & Bottle Shop

7 Town Street, Marple Bridge, Stockport SK6 5AA

The Jane Eyre

60 Beech Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9EG

Madre

Minshull House, 47 Chorlton Street, Manchester M1 3FY

New Century Kitchen

34 Hanover Street, Manchester M4 4AH

Stretford Canteen

118 Chester Road, Stretford, Manchester M32 9BH

CHEF OF THE YEAR

Joseph Otway (Higher Ground)

Danielle Heron (OSMA)

Luke Richardson (Climat)

Julian Pizer (Another Hand)

Shaun Moffat (The Edinburgh Castle)

Patrick Withington (Erst)

Seri Nam (Flawd Wine)

Mike Shaw (MUSU)

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Higher Ground

Faulkner House, New York Street, Manchester M1 4DY

Climat

8th Floor, Blackfriars House, Manchester M3 2JA

Another Hand

Unit F, 253 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN

10 Tib Lane

10 Tib Lane, Manchester M2 4JB

OSMA

132 Bury New Road, Pretwich, M25 0AA

Erst

9 Murray Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6HS

The Spärrows

16 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF

mana

42 Blossom Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6BF

THE HOWARD AND RUTH AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Recognising people who have contributed something outstanding to the hospitality industry in Greater Manchester.

22 September 2023/by Neil Sowerby

Drink, Food, Restaurants

All the 2022 Manchester Food & Drink Awards Winners – and my blurry green oasis

Back to normal, post-pandemic? Well, not quite. Manchester’s food drink scene faces further unprecedented pressures with the current cost of living and energy crises. Yet the daring, innovative flame still burns bright and hell, do they all know how to party. My morning after lifesaver was the recuperative vibe of the city’s glorious new Mayfield Park.

That’s the ‘back garden’ of Escape to Freight Island, again the venue for the Manchester Food and Drink Awards, where there was a rapturous reception for a parade of independent heroes. As fascinating a set of winners as I can recall. Name me another UK city where the big four awards would have gone to such an eclectic quartet as Where The Light Gets In, Eddie (Walled Gardens) Shepherd, Another Hand and Speak In Code.

These winners were chosen by a combination of a ‘mystery shopping panel’ selected from MFDF judges, including yours truly, with a measure of public input. Independent Food Producer and Independent Drinks Producer were judged by a panel taste test. The rest of the awards followed last year’s precedent and were solely the result of the (impressively large) public vote.

Across the board there was evidence of a strong commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, cultural diversity and community values. Buzz words all but sometimes just talking the talk. Not here.

Take the aforementioned ‘big four’. Stockport’s Where The Light Gets In sources produce from The Landing, its own urban gardening space on top of the town’s Merseyway Shopping Centre. Eddie Shepherd is even more hyper-local; his plant-based ‘underground restaurant’ in Whalley Range is driven by the bee hives and herbs in his (walled) garden diners look out on.

In the city centre Another Hand is a committed purchaser of fruit, veg and herbs from Cheshire’s groundbreaking Cinderwood market garden, which supplies several of the establishments on the Awards shortlists. Vegan cocktail specialists Speak In Code, a four minute walk away from Another Hand, is remarkably hands-on. The bartending staff craft the various veg, fruit and spice-led cocktail concoctions alongside plant-based snacks and their own customised ice.

Finally a hugely deserved award cementing the resurgence of Stockport as a gastronomic destination. Restaurant of the Year WTLGI and its baked goods sibling, Yellowhammer, which was also up for an award, had to share the limelight with two of the North’s canniest events operators. I’ve known John and Rosemary Barratt for nigh on three decades and Foodie Fridays, packing the cobbled ginnels around Stockport Market Place, is their benchmark achievement. On the night it earned them both Pop Up/ Project of the Year and the coveted Outstanding Achievement Award. Their on-stage celebration, below, was a fitting climax to a special night.

Here is the list of this year’s winners…

Restaurant of the Year – Where The Light Gets In

Shortlisted: 10 Tib Lane, Erst, The Sparrows, Another Hand, Mana, The Firehouse, Where the Light Gets In.

Chef of the Year – Eddie Shepherd (The Walled Gardens)

Shortlisted: Caroline Martins (Sao Paulo Project), Joseph Otway (Flawd), Sam Buckley (Where the Light Gets In) Patrick Withington (Erst), Adam Reid (The French), Julian Pizer (Another Hand), Eddie Shepherd (The Walled Gardens).

Newcomer of the Year – Another Hand

Shortlisted: The Alan, The Black Friar, Bundobust Brewery, Flawd, Yellowhammer, 10 Tib Lane, Another Hand.

Bar of the Year – Speak In Code

Shortlisted: Blinker Bar, Flawd 9, Henry C, Ramona, Schofield’s Bar, 10 Tib Lane, Speak in Code.

Pub or Craft Ale Bar of the Year – The King’s Arms, Salford

Shortlisted:Bridge Beers, Heaton Hops, House of Hops, Nordie, Track Taproom, Station Hop, The King’s Arms (Salford),

Independent Food Producer of the Year – Dormouse Chocolates

Shortlisted: Great North Pie Co, Holy Grain, La Chouquette, Long Boi’s Bakehouse, Polyspore, Yellowhammer, Dormouse Chocolates.

Independent Drinks Producer of the Year – Hip Pop

Shortlisted: Cloudwater Brew Co, Into the Gathering Dusk, Bundobust Brewery, Stockport Gin, Steep Soda, Track Brewing, Hip Pop.

Pop Up/ Project of the Year – Foodie Fridays, Stockport

Shortlisted: Platt Fields Market Garden, Sao Paulo Project, Suppher, Eat Well Spring Festival, Bungalow at Kampus, Heart and Parcel, Foodie Fridays.

Neighbourhood Venue of the Year – Bar San Juan, Chorlton

Shortlisted: Baratuxi, The Easy Fish Co, Nila’s Burmese Kitchen, Ornella’s Kitchen, Osma, The Perfect Match, Bar San Juan.

Food Trader of the Year – Burgerism

Shortlisted – House of Habesha, Little Lanka, Lovingly Artisan, Mira, New Wave Ramen, Pico’s Tacos, Burgerism.

Affordable Eats of the Year – Salt & Pepper MCR

Shortlisted: Aunty Ji’s, Bahn Mi Co Ba, Cafe Sanjuan, Levenshulme Bakery, Go Falafel, Mama Flo’s, Salt & Pepper MCR.

Coffee Shop of the Year – Pollen

Shortlisted: Cafe Sanjuan, Factory Coffee, Grind and Tamp, Grapefruit, Just Between Friends, Station South, Pollen

Plant-based Offering of the Year – Wholesome Junkies

Shortlisted: Four Side Pizza, Herbivorous, Otto Vegan Empire, Ruyi, Sanskruti, The Walled Gardens

Wholesome Junkies.

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Chorlton Cheesemongers

Shortlisted: Ad Hoc, Hello Oriental, Coopers Lets Fress Deli, Le Social, Out of the Blue, Wandering Palate, Chorlton Cheesemongers.

Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year – Ancoats

Shortlisted; Chapel Street Salford, Monton, Prestwich, Ramsbottom, Sale, Stockport, Ancoats.

Great Service Award – Dishoom

Shortlisted: Bull & Bear, Hawksmoor, Flawd, Schofield’s Bar, Speak in Code, 10 Tib Lane, Dishoom.

Howard and Ruth’s Outstanding Achievement Award – John and Rosemary Barratt (Foodie Fridays, Stockport)

The Manchester Food and Drink Festival, delayed for a week by the Period of National Mourning, continues until Sunday, October 2. Here is my lowdown. Event images mostly courtesy of Carl Sukonik

And finally a plug for the 25 Eventful Years of The Manchester Food and Drink podcast, which I did with festival founder Phil Jones, top food PR Siobhan Hanley and the doyen of Blue Badge guides, Jonathan Schofield. It was a hoot. Listen here.

27 September 2022/by Neil Sowerby

Drink, Food, Restaurants

Stunning shortlists for the 2022 Manchester Food and Drink Awards – make your vote count

It’s been amazing stepping back inside restaurants and bars post-pandemic. From those first, tentative socially distanced steps to the current slightly strained normality in these difficult economic times.

Still the sheer joy of shared conviviality fuels my renewed enthusiasm for the Manchester Food and Drink Awards (here’s my preview). As a veteran judge, helping to assemble the 2022 shortlists just announced, that sense of responsibility returned but also admiration for the quality of contenders – 113 nominees across 16 award categories and so many worthy indie heroes who just missed the cut.

A special word of praise for a new arrival, the Great Service Award. There’s no hiding from front of house shortages, so a public vote celebrating the heroes who keep the hospitality wheels rolling couldn’t be more important.

*Last year’ MFDF Awards ceremony packed Escape to Freight Island with the cream of the hospitality industry*

The Manchester Food and Drink Festival, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is all about post-COVID recovery and it seems appropriate to continue to give the public a greater say in who wins its coveted Awards. 10 categories will be judged entirely by your vote. Here’s the MFDF voting link.

The winners of four more, Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Best Newcomer and Bar of the Year, will be chosen by a combination of a ‘mystery shopping panel’ selected from MFDF judges with a measure of public input. Independent Food Producer and Independent Drinks Producer will be judged by a panel taste test.

All the shortlists have been compiled by the MFDF judging panel, consisting of the region’s leading food and drink critics, writers and experts. Businesses were able to self-nominate for their chance to gain a spot on the shortlist and the categories have been carefully considered and curated with an absolute passion for the city’s industry at their heart.
This year’s MFDF Awards are sponsored for the first time by Bruntwood. The closing date for votes is September 16.
The 2022 Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards nominations:

PLANT BASED OFFERING OF THE YEAR

Four Side Pizza 559 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 0AE

Herbivorous Unit 7, Hatch, 103 Oxford Road, M1 7ED

Otto Vegan Empire 26A Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 1AF

Ruyi 101 Manchester Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9GA

Sanskruti 93-95 Mauldeth Road, Manchester M14 6SR

The Walled Garden Whalley Range

Wholesome Junkies Unit 4 Mirabel Street, Manchester, M3 1PJ

INDEPENDENT DRINKS PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Bundobust Brewery St James’ Building, 61-69 Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6EQ

Cloudwater 7-8 Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester, M1 2NP

Hip Pop Manor House Farm, Station Road, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, WA14 5SG

Into the Gathering Dusk

Stockport Gin 19B St Peters Gate, Stockport, SK1 1EB

Steep Soda 73 Temperance Street, Manchester, M12 6HU

Track Brewing Unit 18, Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester, M1 2NP

INDEPENDENT FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Dormouse Chocolates Unit O, Deansgate Mews, Manchester M3 4EN

Great North Pie Co Market House, Altrincham, WA15 1SA

Holy Grain 253 Deansgate Great Northern Mews, Manchester M3 4EN

La Chouquette 812a Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6UH

Long Boi’s Bakehouse 40 Forest Range, Levenshulme Manchester M19 2HP

Polyspore

Yellowhammer 15 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JQ

FOODIE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF THE YEAR

Ancoats, Chapel Street Salford, Monton, Prestwich, Ramsbottom, Sale, Stockport

COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR

Cafe Sanjuan 27 St Petersgate, Manchester, SK1 1EB

Factory Coffee 38 King street West, Manchester, M3 2WZ

Grind and Tamp 45 Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, Bury, BL0 9AD

Grapefruit 2 School Road, Sale, M33 7XY

Just Between Friends 56 Tib Street, Manchester, M4 1LG

Station South 975-977 Stockport Road, M19 3NP

Pollen Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union Street, Manchester, M4 6FQ

FOOD TRADER OF THE YEAR

Burgerism 18 West Ashton Street, Salford, M50 2XS

House of Habesha Stretford Foodhall, Chester Road, M32 9BD

Little Lanka 238 South Wellington Road South, Stockport, SK2 SNW

Lovingly Artisan Altrincham Market, Greenwood Street, Altrincham, WA14 1PF

Mira Ancoats General Store, 57 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester, M4 5AB

New Wave Ramen Mackie Mayor, 1 Eagle Street, Manchester, M4 5BU

Pico’s Tacos Mackie Mayor, 1 Eagle Street, Manchester, M4 5BU

AFFORDABLE EATS VENUE OF THE YEAR

Aunty Ji’s 987 Stockport Road, Manchester, M19 2SY

Bahn Mi Co Ba 87 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6EG

Cafe Sanjuan 27 St Petersgate, Manchester, SK1 1EB

Levenshulme Bakery842 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, Manchester, M19 3AW

Go Falafel 3 Newton Street, Manchester, M1 1HW

Mama Flo’s314 Buxton Road, Stockport, SK2 7DD

Salt & Pepper MCR Black Dog Ballroom, 52 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PW

POP UP OR PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Platt Fields Market Garden Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6LT

Sao Paulo 51 Blossom Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6BF

Suppher

Eat Well Spring Festival Platt Fields Market Garden, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6LT

Bungalow at Kampus Aytoun Street, Manchester M1 3GL

Heart and Parcel

Foodie Friday

PUB OR BEER BAR OF THE YEAR

Bridge Beers 55 Melbourne Street, Staylbridge, SK15 2JJ

Heaton Hops 7 School Lane, Stockport, SK4 5DE

House of Hops 1 Pendlebury Road, Swinton, Manchester, M27 4AG

The Kings Arms 11 Bloom Street, Salford, M3 6AN

Nordie 1044 Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 3WX

Track Taproom Unit 18 Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester, M1 2NP

Station Hop 815 Levenshulme Road, Manchester, M19 3BS

BAR OF THE YEAR

Blinker Bar 64-72 Spring Gardens, Manchester, M2 2BQ

Flawd 9 Keepers Quay, Manchester, M4 6GL

Henry C 107 Manchester Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9GA

Ramona 40 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JG

Schofield’s Bar Sunlight House, 3 Little Quay Street, Manchester, M3 3JZ

Speak in Code 7 Jackson’s Row, Manchester, M2 5ND

10 Tib Lane Tib Lane, Manchester, M2 4JB

NEIGHBOURHOOD VENUE OF THE YEAR

Baratuxi1 Smithy Street, Ramsbottom, Bury, BL0 9AT

Bar San Juan 56 Beech Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9EG

The Easy Fish Co 117 Heaton Moor Road, Heaton Moor, SK4 4HY

Nilas Burmese Kitchen 386 Third Avenue, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M17 1JE

Ornellas Kitchen 10 Manchester Road, Denton, Manchester, M34 3LE

Osma 132 Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 0AA

The Perfect Match 103 Cross Street, Sale, M33 7JN

FOOD AND DRINK RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Ad Hoc 28 Edge St, Manchester, M4 1HN

Chorlton Cheesemongers 486 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9AS

Hello Oriental Unit 3B South Pavilion 2 Symphony Park, Manchester, M1 7FS

Coopers Lets Fress Deli 70 Bury Old Road, Whitefield, Prestwich, M45 6TL

Le Social Container 147, Pollard Yard, 15 Pollard Street E, Manchester M40 7SL

Out of the Blue 484 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9AS

Wandering Palate 191 Monton Road, Eccles, Manchester, M30 9PN

GREAT SERVICE AWARD

Sponsored by Manchester Evening News

Bull & Bear 4 Norfolk Street, Manchester, M2 1DW

Dishoom 32 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BT

Hawksmoor 184-186, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WB

Flawd 9 Keepers Quay, Manchester, M4 6GL

Schofield’s Bar 3 Little Quay Street Sunlight House, Manchester, M3 3JZ

Speak in Code 7 Jackson’s Row, Manchester, M2 5ND

10 Tib Lane Tib Lane, Manchester, M2 4JB

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Bruntwood

Another Hand Unit F, 253 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN

The Alan 18 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 4LG

The Black Friar 41-43 Blackfriars Road, Manchester, M3 7DB

Bundobust Brewery St James’ Building, 61-69 Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6EQ

Flawd 9 Keepers Quay, Manchester, M4 6GL

Yellowhammer 15 Lower Hillgate, Stockport, SK1 1JQ

10 Tib Lane Tib Lane, Manchester, M2 4JB

CHEF OF THE YEAR

Caroline Martins Sao Paulo Project, Blossom Street Social, 51 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AJ

Eddie Shepherd The Walled Garden, Whalley Range

Joseph Otway Flawd, 9 Keepers Quay, Manchester, M4 6GL

Sam Buckley Where the Light Gets In 7 Rostron Brow, Stockport SK1 1JY

Patrick Withington Erst, 9 Murray Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6HS

Adam Reid The French, The Midland Hotel, 16 Peter Street, Manchester M60 2DS

Julian Pizer Another Hand, Unit F, 253 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Stephenson’s

10 Tib Lane Tib Lane, Manchester, M2 4JB

Erst 9 Murray Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6HS

The Sparrows 16 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF

Another Hand Unit F, 253 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN

Mana 42 Blossom Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6BF

Where the Light Gets In 7 Rostron Brow, Stockport SK1 1JY

The Firehouse 40 Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JG

1 August 2022/by Neil Sowerby

Beer, Food, Restaurants

Rachel and Baratxuri the big winners at 2021 Manchester Food and Drink Awards

It’s always great when some of your favourite food and drink acts get the major plaudits. The weekend buzz was all about Erst in Ancoats being praised to the skies by Observer critic Jay Rayner. Deservedly so. I last reviewed it pre-pandemic and still remember a remarkable experience.

Equally immense has been the contribution of Pollen Bakery, not far away at New Islington Marina. Check out my recent celebration of their 28 hour sourdough. The public obviously share my opinion. They voted them Artisan Food Producer of the Year in the Manchester Food and Drink Awards on Monday, held in the really rather remarkable Escape To Freight Island Ticket Hall. Fittingly Escape themselves won Pop Up/Project of the Year.

*Chef of the Year Rachel Stockley gets a well-deserved hug from Baratxuri co-owner Fiona Botham*

But the big winner on the night was Baratxuri, the Ramsbottom pintxos bar that also has a wood-fired outlet at Freight Island. It won Restaurant of the Year and its chef Rachel Stockley (above) Chef of the Year.

Receiving her award, she gave an impassioned speech about the role of women in the hospitality industry. To see what all the fuss is about re Baratxuri and its big sister Levanter read my glowing review from earlier this month.

In total 16 award winners were announced from food and drink establishments across Greater Manchester in this fitting climax to a resurgent Manchester Food and Drink Festival, which saw a record 80,000 visitors coming to the Festival Hub at Cathedral Gardens.

This year it was an Awards with a difference. The shortlists were compiled by the MFDF judging panel, made up of the region’s leading food and drink critics, writers and experts (including yours truly). Amid challenging circumstances, the ‘mystery shopping’ element of the judging process was paused this year. Instead, the winners were decided entirely by the public – with food and drink fans voting in their thousands via the website. And the winners were…

Restaurant of the Year – Baratxuri, Ramsbottom

Shortlisted: Adam Reid at The French; Erst, Ancoats; Hawksmoor; Mana, Ancoats; Sparrows; Street Urchin; Where The Light Gets In; Baratxuri, Ramsbottom.

Recognising the ‘best of the best’ dining establishments in Greater Manchester in 2021, this category refers to venues visited primarily for a full dining experience featuring table service, alcohol license etc.

Chef of the Year – Rachel Stockley

Shortlisted: Adam Reid (The French); Eddie Shepherd (The Walled Gardens), Mary-Ellen McTague (The Creameries, Chorlton); Patrick Withington (Erst, Ancoats); Sam Buckley (WTLGI, Stockport); Simon Martin (Mana, Ancoats); Terry Huang (Umezushi); Rachel Stockley (Baratxuri, Ramsbottom).

Aiming to recognise the most talented and outstanding work of chefs cooking in Greater Manchester kitchens – their skill, menu, commitment and contribution to the dining scene.

Newcomer of the Year – Ramona, Swan Street
Shortlisted: District, NQ; Open Kitchen MCR; Osma, Prestwich; Pho Cue; Schofield’s Bar; Society; The Moor, Heaton Moor; Ramona.

Recognising the best new food and drink operations to open in Greater Manchester since the last awards decision period (August 2020). Date eligibility: Establishments opened between August 2020 and June 2021. Sponsored by the Manchester Evening News.

Bar of the Year – Albert’s Schloss, Peter Street

Shortlisted: Henry C Chorlton; Kiosk West Didsbury; Schofield’s Bar; Speak in Code;

The Blues Kitchen; The Jane Eyre, Ancoats, Three Little Words, Albert’s Schloss.

Recognising the best drinking venues in the region that specialise in a “wet-led” offer and aren’t considered ‘pubs’.

Pub or Craft Ale Bar of the Year – Edinburgh Castle, Ancoats

Shortlisted: Beatnikz Republic; Cob and Coal, Oldham; Heaton Hops, Heaton Chapel; Society, Manchester; Nordie, Levenshulme; Reasons To Be Cheerful, Burnage; Stalybridge Buffet Bar; Edinburgh Castle.

Recognising the finest pub and beer bars in the region, focusing on quality and range of ales, beers and atmosphere.

Artisan Food Producer of the Year – Pollen Bakery, Cotton Field Wharf,

Shortlisted: Bread Flower; Companio Bakery, Ancoats; Gooey, Ducie Street Warehouse; Holy Grain Sourdough, Great Northern Mews; Just Natas, Manchester Arndale; Lily’s Deli, Chorlton; Manchester Smokehouse; Pollen Bakery.

Celebrating the fabulous array of food producers popping up around the region, including bakeries, picklers, pie makers and everything in between.

Pop Up/ Project of the Year – Escape to Freight Island, Baring Street

Shortlisted: Eat Well MCR; GRUB, Red Bank; Homeground, Medlock St; Kampus Summer Guest Events, Aytoun Street; Platt Fields Market, Platt Fields Market Garden; One Central, Charis House, Altrincham; MIF Festival, Festival Square; Escape to Freight Island.

Recognising exciting projects and events and showcasing innovation and creativity within the food and beverage sector.

Neighbourhood Venue of the Year – Lily’s, Ashton-under-Lyne

Shortlisted: Bar San Juan, Chorlton; Levanter, 10 Square St, Ramsbottom; Erst, Ancoats;

The Fisherman’s Table, Marple; Porta, Salford; Oystercatcher, Chorlton; Stretford Foodhall; Lily’s.

This award is set to recognise the superb establishments that are based in the suburbs of Greater Manchester. Sponsored by Roomzzz Aparthotels.

Food Trader of the Year – Wholesome Junkies, Manchester Arndale

Shortlisted – Abeja Tapas Bar, Hatch; Archchi’s; Gooey, Ducie Street Warehouse; Honest Crust; Maison Breizh ; Pico’s Tacos; Tender Cow; Wholesome Junkies.
Awarding the Greater Manchester-based food heroes that are gracing our food halls, markets and events with an ever increasing range of gastro goods.

Affordable Eats of the Year – Rudy’s, Ancoats and Peter Street

Shortlisted: Abeja Tapas Bar; Chapati Café, Chorlton; Ca Phe Viet, Ancoats; Little Yeti, Chorlton; Lily’s, Ashton-under-Lyne; Mi & Pho, Northenden; Platt Fields Market Garden; Rudy’s Pizza.

Recognising the best venues that are visited for a high value, quick and simple dining experience. Sponsored by Just Eat.

Coffee Shop of the Year: Federal, Nicholas Croft, NQ

Sortlisted: Another Heart to Feed, NQ; Ancoat’s Coffee, Royal Mill; Ezra & Gil, NQ; Grindsmith; Grapefruit, Sale; Just Between Friends, NQ; Pollen Bakery, Ancoats; Federal.

Recognising the best coffee shops and bars in Greater Manchester.

Veggie/Vegan Offering of the Year – Bundobust, Piccadilly

Shortlist: Eddie Shepherd (Walled Gardens, Whalley Range); Four Side Pizza, NQ); Herbivorous, Hatch; Lily’s, Ashton-under-Lyne; Sanskruti, Mauldeth Rd; Wholesome Junkies, Manchester Arndale; Vertigo, several venues; Bundobust (also now on Oxford Street).

This award recognises venues that provide innovative and exciting dining options for vegetarian and vegan diners.

Independent Drinks Producer of the Year – Manchester Gin, Watson Street
Shortlisted: Bundobust; Cloudwater Brewery; Diablesse Rum; Hip Pop (Formerly Booch & Brew), Dunham Massey; Northern Monkey, Bolton); Pomona Island Beer Brew Co, Salford; Steep Soda Co,; Manchester Gin.

Celebrating the many exciting and innovative producers of artisan drinks in Greater Manchester.

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Ancoats General Store

Shortlisted: The Butcher’s Quarter, NQ; Bernie’s Grocery Store, Heaton Moor; Grape to Grain, Prestwich and Ramsbottom; Isca, Levenshulme; Out of the Blue, Chorlton; Unicorn Grocery, Chorlton; Wandering Palate, Eccles; Ancoats General Store.

The Best Food and Drink Retailer celebrates the best food and drink shopping experiences in the region.

Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year – Altrincham

Shortlisted: Heaton Moor, Prestwich, Ramsbottom, Sale, Stockport, Stretford, Urmston, Altrincham.

New for 2021, this award has been set up to celebrate those thriving communities and neighbourhoods in Greater Manchester that continue to build a name for themselves as a foodie destination outside the city centre.

Outstanding Achievement Award – Mital Morar (Store Group)

Recognising someone who has contributed something outstanding to the hospitality industry in Greater Manchester.

28 September 2021/by Neil Sowerby

Food

Your vote counts for everything as MFDF announces 2021 Awards shortlist

Much has been made of the North’s dominance in the National Restaurant Awards announced this week with four out of the five best establishments up here and 16 in the top 40. Manchester only contributed two, both in Ancoats – Mana at number 11 and Erst, just along Murray Street, at 47.

A truer reflection of the city’s strength in depth came hot on the heels of that national Top 100 when the shortlist for the Manchester Food and Drink Awards 2021 was announced. A record 113 nominees will contest the 15 categories, all the winners to be chosen entirely by the public for the first time in the MFDF’s 24 year history.

It is a matter of expediency, post-Pandemic logistics meaning the normal ‘mystery shopping’ by the judging panel is impracticable. The Manchester Food and Drink Festival , sponsored by Just Eat, kicks off on September 16 and the Awards will be presented at the Ticket Hall at Escape to Freight Island (pictured above) on Monday, September 27.

As a senior MFDF judge my personal wish is for normal service to be resumed in 2022, but this fresh formula of the public picking their favourites from shortlists drawn up by the judges is an interesting litmus test. Ideally it will reflect the increased foodie sophistication of the city and its satellites alongside pride in the hospitality culture that has survived a torrid 18 months. One new category likely to be hotly contested is ‘Best Foodie Neighbourhood’.

You can vote for each Award via the MFDF website or app. The app can be downloaded on the App Store here and Google Play here. The closing date for votes is 11.59pm on Monday, September 20. Fancy a ticket for the Awards presentation dinner itself? Tickets are on sale here.

Here are the 2021 Manchester Food and Drink Awards Nominations:

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Adam Reid at The French, 16 Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS

Baratxuri, 1 Smithy St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AT

Erst, 9 Murray St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6HS

Hawksmoor, 184, 186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB

Mana, 42 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6BF

The Spärrows, 16 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF

Street Urchin, 72 Great Ancoats St, Manchester M4 5BG

Where The Light Gets In, 7 Rostron Brow, Stockport SK1 1JY

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR sponsored by Manchester Evening News

District, 60 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LE

Open Kitchen MCR, People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Manchester M3 3ER

Osma, 132 Bury New Rd, Prestwich, Manchester M25 0AA

Pho Cue Vietnamese Kitchen, 52a Faulkner St, Manchester M1 4FH

Ramona, 40 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JG

Schofield’s Bar, 3 Little Quay Street Sunlight House, Manchester M3 3JZ

Society, Basement, 100 Barbirolli Square, Manchester M2 3BD

The Moor, 27 Shaw Rd, Stockport SK4 4A

BAR OF THE YEAR

Albert’s Schloss, 27 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR

Henry C, 107 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9GA

Kiosk, Lapwing Ln, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 6UT

Schofield’s Bar, 3 Little Quay Street Sunlight House, Manchester M3 3JZ

Speak in Code, 7 Jackson’s Row, Manchester M2 5ND

The Blues Kitchen, 13 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HN

The Jane Eyre, Ancoats, 14 Hood St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6WX

Three Little Words, 12-13 Watson St, Manchester M3 4LP

CHEF OF THE YEAR

Adam Reid (The French), 16 Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS

Eddie Shepherd (The Walled Garden), The Pavilion, Byrom St, Manchester M3 3HG

Mary-Ellen McTague (The Creameries), 406 Wilbraham Rd, Manchester M21 0SD

Patrick Withington (Erst), 9 Murray St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6HS

Rachel Stockley (Baratxuri), 1 Smithy St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AT

Sam Buckley (WTLGI), 7 Rostron Brow, Stockport SK1 1JY

Simon Martin (Mana), 42 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6BF

Terry Huang (Umezushi Omkase), Unit 4 Mirabel St, Manchester M3 1PJ

PUB OR BEER BAR OF THE YEAR

Beatnikz Republic, 35 Dale St, Manchester M1 2HF

Cob and Coal, Tommyfield Market Hall, Albion St, Oldham OL1 3BG

Edinburgh Castle, 17-19 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5AW

Heaton Hops, 7 School Ln, Stockport SK4 5DE

Nordie, 1044 Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 3WX

Reasons To Be Cheerful, 228 Fog Ln, Manchester M20 6EL

Society, Basement, 100 Barbirolli Square, Manchester M2 3BD

Stalybridge Buffet Bar, Platform 4, Stalybridge Railway Station, Rassbottom St, Stalybridge SK15 1RF

ARTISAN FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Bread Flower

Companio Bakery, 35 Radium St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AD

Gooey, Ducie Street Warehouse, Manchester M1 2TP

Holy Grain Sourdough, 253 Deansgate Great Northern Mews, Manchester M3 4EN

Just Natas, Manchester Arndale, Manchester M4 3AD

Lily’s Deli, 102 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9SZ

Manchester Smokehouse, 18 Lloyd St, Manchester M2 5WA

Pollen Bakery, Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union St, Manchester M4 6FQ

POP UP/PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Eat Well MCR

Escape to Freight Island, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ

Grub, 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF

Homeground, Medlock St, Manchester M15 4AA

Kampus Summer Guest Events, Aytoun St, Manchester M1 3DA

Platt Fields Market, Platt Fields Market Garden Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6LT

One Central, Charis House, 1 Central Way, Altrincham WA14 1SB

MIF Festival Kitchen Takeovers

NEIGHBOURHOOD VENUE OF THE YEAR sponsored by Roomzzz Aparthotels

Bar San Juan, 56 Beech Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9EG

Levanter, 10 Square St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9BE

Erst, 9 Murray St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6HS

Fisherman’s Table, 103 Church Ln, Marple, Stockport SK6 7AR

Lily’s, 85 Oldham Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7DF

Porta, Salford, 216 Chapel St, Salford M3 6BY

Oystercatcher, 123 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PG

Stretford Foodhall, 123 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PG

FOOD TRADER OF THE YEAR

Abeja, Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7ED

Archchi’s

Gooey, Ducie Street Warehouse, Manchester M1 2TP

Honest Crust sourdough pizza

Maison Breizh

Pico’s Tacos

Tender Cow

Wholesome Junkies, 49 High St, Manchester M4 3AH

AFFORDABLE EATS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Just Eat

Abeja, Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7ED

Chapati Café, 496B Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9AS

Ca Phe Viet, 80-86 Oldham Rd, Ancoats, Greater, Manchester M4 5EB

Little Yeti, 495 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AG

Lily’s, 85 Oldham Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7DF

Mi and Pho, 384 Palatine Rd, Northenden, Wythenshawe, Manchester M22 4F

COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR

Another Heart to Feed, Northern Quarter, 10 Hilton St, Manchester M1 1JF

Ancoat’s Coffee, 9, Royal Mill, 17 Redhill St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5BA

Ezra & Gil, 20 Hilton St, Manchester M1 1FR

Federal, Northern Quarter, 9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester M4 1EY

Grindsmith, 62 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BW

Grapefruit, 2 School Rd, Sale M33 7XY

Just Between Friends, 56 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LG

Pollen Bakery, Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union St, Manchester M4 6FQ

Platt Fields Market Garden, Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6LT

Rudy’s Pizza, 9 Cotton St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5BF / Petersfield House, Peter St, Manchester M2 5QJ

FOODIE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF THE YEAR

Altrincham

Heaton Moor

Prestwich

Ramsbottom

Sale

Stockport

Stretford

Urmston

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN OFFERING OF THE YEAR

Bundobust, 61 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AG

Eddie Shephard (Walled Garden), 17 Alness Rd, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 8SP

Four Side Pizza, 16-20 Turner St, Manchester M4 1BB

Herbivorous, Unit 16, Hatch, 103 Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7ED

Lily’s, 85 Oldham Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7DF

Sanskruti, 93-95 Mauldeth Rd, Manchester M14 6SR

Wholesome Junkies, 49 High St, Manchester M4 3AH

Vertigo, Unit 9, 11 Jack Rosenthal St, Manchester M15 4RA / Unit 2, Bridge House, Salford M50 2BH / 18 Cross St, Manchester M2 7AE

INDEPENDENT FOOD RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Bundobust, 61 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AG

Cloudwater Brewery, Units 12—13, Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester M1 2NP

Diablesse, 396 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 3B

Hip Pop (Formerly Booch & Brew), Manor House Farm, Station Rd, Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 5SG

Manchester Gin, 10-15 Watson St, Manchester M3 4LP

Northern Monk, 10 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF

Pomona Island Beer Brew Co Ltd, Daniel Adamson Rd, Salford M50

Steep Soda Co, 73 Temperance St, Manchester M12 6HU

FOOD AND DRINK RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Ancoats General Store, 57 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester M4 5AB

The Butcher’s Quarter, 66 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LG

Bernie’s Grocery Store, 3 Hawthorn Grove, Heaton Moor, Stockport SK4 4HZ

Grape to Grain, 1 Church Ln, Prestwich, Manchester M25 1AN

Isca Wines, 825 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3PN

Out of the Blue, 484 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9AS

Unicorn Grocery, 89 Albany Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 0BN

Wandering Palate, 191 Monton Rd, Eccles, Manchester M30 9PN

For more information about the Manchester Food and Drink Festival, visit http://foodanddrinkfestival.com/ and follow them on Twitter @McrFoodFest and Instagram @mcrfoodfest

19 August 2021/by Neil Sowerby

Tag Archive for: Awards

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MUSU is now KAJI and Moffat is at MAYA

Baby Daisy or Barnsley Chop – take your pick

Cast your MFDF Awards votes online now

AFFORDABLE EATS VENUE OF THE YEAR

TAKEAWAY OF THE YEAR

COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR

FOOD AND DRINK RETAILER OF THE YEAR

FOOD TRADER OF THE YEAR

FOODIE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF THE YEAR

INDEPENDENT DRINKS PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

INDEPENDENT FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

NEIGHBOURHOOD VENUE OF THE YEAR

PLANT-BASED OFFERING OF THE YEAR

POP-UP OR PROJECT OF THE YEAR

PUB OR BEER BAR OF THE YEAR

GREAT SERVICE AWARD

BAR OF THE YEAR

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

CHEF OF THE YEAR

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

All the fantastic winners at Manchester Food and Drink Awards 2023

PLANT-BASED OFFERING OF THE YEAR

TAKEAWAY OF THE YEAR

INDEPENDENT DRNKS PRODUCERS OF THE YEAR

INDEPENDENT FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

FOODIE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF THE YEAR

COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR

FOOD TRADER OF THE YEAR

AFFORDABLE EATS VENUE OF THE YEAR

FOOD AND DRINK RETAILER OF THE YEAR

POP UP OR PROJECT OF THE YEAR

PUB OR BEER BAR OF THE YEAR

BAR OF THE YEAR

NEIGHBOURHOOD VENUE OF THE YEAR

GREAT SERVICE AWARD

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

CHEF OF THE YEAR

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

THE HOWARD AND RUTH AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

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