Manchester’s hospitality industry was out in force last night (Monday 9 October 2017) celebrating 20 years of the Manchester Food and Drink Festival (MFDF) at the awards ceremony.
TWENTY award-winners were announced during a black-tie event at The Principal Manchester. Three new awards – Best Brewery, Best Vegetarian Offering and Best Sustainable Restaurant – were added to reflect the growth in these areas.
An annual shortlist of venues is drawn up by MFDF organisers together with an independent judging panel, made up of the region’s leading critics, food writers and hospitality experts. Each of the venues are then ‘mystery visited’ over a three month period by the judges, scored, then combined with public votes submitted to the MFDf website.
Festival founding director Phil Jones said that this year highlights that
“most of the restaurants are not in Manchester City Centre but in the neighbourhoods,” marking a growing trend.
The awards event is the finale to a two-week festival that has seen ver 100,000 people attending the Festival Hub in Albert Square as well as various events, banquets and parties.
The winners are……
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Recognising the ‘best of the best’ dining establishments in Greater Manchester in 2017. This category can feature restaurants of any style or price point.
THE WINNER:
Bundobust – 61 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2AQ and another in Leeds, Yorkshire.
THE SHORTLIST:
Adam Reid at The French – Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS
The Rabbit in the Moon – Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, City Centre, Manchester M4 3BG
Where The Light Gets In – 7 Rostron Brow, Stockport, SK1 1JY
Umezushi – Unit 4, Mirabel Street, Manchester, M3 1PJ
Sugo – 22 Shaws Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1QU
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Hawksmoor
PREMIUM AND FINE DINING VENUE OF THE YEAR
This award recognises the best premium to fine dining establishments across the city.
THE WINNER:
El Gato Negro – 52 King St, Manchester M2 4LY You can read about chef Simon Shaw here….
El Gato Restaurant
THE SHORTLIST:
Adam Reid at The French – Peter Street, Manchester. M60 2DS
The Rabbit in Moon – Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, City Centre, Manchester M4 3BG
Where The Light Gets In – 7 Rostron Brow, Stockport, SK1 1JY
Umezushi – Unit 4, Mirabel Street, Manchester, M3 1PJ
Hawksmoor – 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: The French
CASUAL RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Casual Restaurant of the Year award was introduced in 2016 and aims to recognise the best informal dining establishments in Manchester.
THE WINNER:
Baratxuri – 1 Smithy St, Ramsbottom, BL0 9AT
THE SHORTLIST:
Bundobust – 61 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2AQ
Rudy’s Pizza – 9 Cotton St, Manchester M4 5BF
Sugo – 22 Shaws Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1QU
Porta – 50 Greenwood Street, Altrincham, Cheshire, CH1 2HT
Hispi – 1C School Lane, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6RD
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Volta
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Celebrating the best new food and drink operations to open in Greater Manchester since the last awards decision period in June 2016.
THE WINNER:
Where The Light Gets In – 7 Rostron Brow, Stockport, SK1 1JY
THE SHORTLIST:
Bundobust – 61 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2AQ
Hispi – 1C School Lane, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6RD
Refuge – Oxford Street, Manchester, M60 7HA
Porta – 50 Greenwood Street, Altrincham, Cheshire, CH1 2HT
The Rabbit in the Moon – Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, City Centre, Manchester M4 3BG
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: El Gato Negro
CHEF OF THE YEAR
Aiming to celebrate the most talented and outstanding work of chefs cooking in Greater Manchester kitchens – his or her skill, menu, commitment and contribution to the dining scene.
THE WINNER:
Matt Nutter, The Allotment Vegan Restaurant – 6 Vernon St, Stockport SK1 1TY
THE SHORTLIST:
Adam Reid, The French – Peter Street, Manchester. M60 2DS
Sam Buckley, Where The Light Gets In – 7 Rostron Brow, Stockport, SK1 1JY
Luke Cockerill, The Rabbit in the Moon – Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, City Centre, Manchester M4 3BG
Richard Sharples, Hispi, 1C School Lane, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6RD
Aiden Byrne, Manchester House, 18 – 22 Bridge Street, Spiningfields, Manchester M33BZ
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Terry Huang, Umezushi
PUB OF THE YEAR
Recognising the finest pubs in the region, focusing on quality and range of ales/beers and atmosphere.
THE WINNER:
The Marble Arch – 73 Rochdale Rd, Manchester M4 4HY
THE SHORTLIST:
Blue Bell – 170 Barlow Road, Manchester Levenshulme M19 3HF
Mounting Stone – 8, Woodford Road, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 2JJ
Samuel Oldknow – 22 Market Street Marple SK6 7AD
The Magnet – 51 Wellington Road, Stockport, SK4 1HJ
The Parlour – 60 Beech Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9EG
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: The Smithfield Tavern
FOOD PUB OF THE YEAR
Recognising the region’s ‘gastro pubs’ – a chance for ‘pub restaurants’ to be recognised in their own category.
THE WINNER:
The Clarence – 2 Silver Street, Bury, BL9 0EX
THE SHORTLIST:
White Hart – 51 Stockport Road, Lydgate, Oldham, OL4 4JJ
Bird at Birtle – 239 Bury and Rochdale Old Rd, Birtle, OL10 4BQ
Marble Arch – 73 Rochdale Rd, Manchester M4 4HY
Hearth of the Ram – Ramsbottom – 13 Peel Brow, Ramsbottom, Bury, Lancashire, BLO OAA
Odd Fellows –- Moor End Road, Mellor, Cheshire, SK6 5PT
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Eagle and Child
BAR OF THE YEAR
Recognising the best drinking venues in the region that aren’t considered ‘pubs’
THE WINNER:
The Refuge – Oxford Street, Manchester, M60 7HA
THE SHORTLIST:
Cottonopolis – 16 Newton Street, Manchester, M1 2AE
Science and Industry – 49 -51 Thomas Street, Manchester M4 1NA
Common – 39-41 Edge St. Northern Quarter, Manchester M41HW
Henry C’s – 107 Manchester Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9GA
Salut – 11 Cooper St, Manchester M2 2FW
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Albert Schloss
CRAFT ALE BAR OF THE YEAR
This award applauds the best purveyors of craft ale across Greater Manchester.
THE WINNER:
Port Street Beer House – 39-41 Port St, Manchester M1 2EQ
THE SHORTLIST:
Beermoth – 70 Tib Street, Manchester, M4 1LG
Pilcrow – Sadlery’s Yard, Hanover Street, M60 0AB
Cloudwater Barrel Store – Arch 13, Sheffield Street, Manchester, M1 2ND
Boc Biere Café – 10 Tib Ln, Manchester M2 4JB
Bundobust – 61 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2AQ
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Heaton Hops
OUT OF TOWN VENUE OF THE YEAR
Now in it second year this award recognises the superb establishments that are based in the suburbs of Greater Manchester.
THE WINNER:
Baratxuri – 1 Smithy St, Ramsbottom, BL0 9AT
THE SHORTLIST:
Hispi – 1C School Lane, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6RD
Where The Light Gets In – 7 Rostron Brow, Stockport, SK1 1JY
The Allotment Vegan Restaurant – 6 Vernon Street, Stockport, SK1 1TY
Sugo – 22 Shaws Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1QU
Porta – 50 Greenwood Street, Altrincham, Cheshire, CH1 2HT
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Levanter
COFFEE SHOP/TEA SHOP OF THE YEAR
Recognising the best coffee bars and teashops in the region.
THE WINNER:
Trove – 1032 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, Manchester. M19 3WX
THE SHORTLIST:
Another Heart to Feed – 77-79 Chapel Street, Manchester, M3 5BZ
Ancoats Coffee – Unit 9, Royal Mills, 17 Redhill Street, Ancoats, M4 5BA
Idle Hands – 32-34 Dale Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M1 1FY
Lupo Caffe Italiano- 6af, 142 Chapel St, Salford M3 6AF
Takk – 6 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Pot Kettle Black
AFFORDABLE EATS VENUE OF THE YEAR
Recognising the best venues that are visited for a high value, quick and simple dining experience. This category can include cafes, takeaways and any venue whereby the price point and service style mean that the overall concept is widely considered by customers to be a more of a ‘food on the go’ style of dining and a main meal and drink can be purchased for under £10.
WINNERS:
Rudy’s Pizza – 9 Cotton St, Manchester M4 5BF
THE SHORTLIST:
Lupo Caffe Italiano – 142 Chapel Street, Salford, M3 6AF
Bundobust – 61 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2AQ
Pasta Factory – 77 Shudehill, Manchester, M4 4AN
Seoul Kimchi – 275 Upper Brook Street, Manchester, M13 0HR
Fusion Lab – Manchester Arndale Market, M4 3AH
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
BEST FOOD AND DRINK RETAILER
To reflect the growing number and status of food and drink retailers in Greater Manchester.
THE WINNER:
Ancoats General Store – 57 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester, M4 5AB
THE SHORTLIST:
Pollen – 2 Sheffield Street, Manchester, M1 2ND
Reserve – 176 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 1LH
Lunya – Barton Arcade, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BB
Easy FishCo – 117 Heaton Moor Road, Stockport, SK4 4HY
Epicerie Ludo – 46 Beech Road, Manchester, M21 9EG
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Salvi’s
BEST VEGETARIAN OFFERING OF THE YEAR
Resurrected for 2017, the award focuses on the growing number of vegetarian offerings in the city and the growth in its popularity.
THE WINNER:
The Allotment Vegan Restaurant – 6 Vernon Street, Stockport, SK1 1TY
THE SHORTLIST:
Bundobust – 61 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2AQ
Vrev – 20-26 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HN
Indian Tiffin Room – First Street, 4RL, 1 First St, Manchester M15
Manchester House – 18-22 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BZ
Sanskruti – 95 Mauldeth Rd, Manchester M14 6SR
MANCHESTER BREWERY OF THE YEAR
2017 has seen some influential new breweries establish themselves in a city where this scene has been flourishing for the last few years. This award raises a pint to them all and celebrates the very best brewer in town.
THE WINNER:
Cloudwater – Units 7-8, Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester, M1 2NP
THE SHORTLIST:
Blackjack – 36 Gould Street, Green Quarter, Manchester, M4 4RN
Runaway – Unit 4 Millgate, Dantzic Street, Manchester, M4 4JW
Chorlton Brewing Co – 69 North Western Street, Manchester
Marble – 41 Williamson St, Manchester M4 4JS
Track – 5 Sheffield Street, Manchester, M1 2ND
BEST POP UP, EVENT OR PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Designed to recognise the ever-more pioneering food and drink one-off projects, events, activities and pop ups happening in the region.
THE WINNER:
GRUB Manchester
THE SHORTLIST:
Not Just Soup – www.notjustsoupkitchen.co.uk
The Real Junk Food Project – www.realjunkfoodmanchester.co….
Scrancoats – www.ancoatsgs.co.uk
Indie Man Beer Con – www.indymanbeercon.co.uk
Makers Market – www.themakersmarket.co.uk
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Stockport Foodie Friday
FRONT OF HOUSE TEAM
This award aims to recognise the most outstanding front of house team in Manchester. The panel were looking for the restaurant that goes that extra mile in terms of service – where customers can rely on an experience that makes them feel special, from greeting to leaving.
THE WINNER:
Hawksmoor – 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WB
THE SHORTLIST:
Umezushi – Unit 4, Mirabel Street, Manchester, M3 1PJ
Piccolino – Clarence Street, Manchester, M2 4DW
Albert’s Schloss – 27 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5QR
Tattu – Gartside Street, 3 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3EB
Iberica – 14-15 The Avenue, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3HF
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: The French
BEST STREET FOOD AWARD
Awarding one of the Greater Manchester-based street food legends that are gracing our kerbs with an ever-increasing plethora of gastro goods.
THE WINNER:
THE SHORTLIST:
Holy Crab – www.twitter.com/HolyCrab_UK
Otto Men – www.twitter.com/the_ottomen
Dim Sum Su – www.dimsumsu.com
Blue Caribou – www.bluecariboucanteen.com
Oh My Glaze – www.ohmyglaze.co.uk
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Chaat Cart
THE SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
Recognising commitment to environmental and ethical practices within Greater Manchester’s food and drink industry.
THE WINNER:
THE HOWARD AND RUTH AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
Recognising someone who contributed something outstanding to the food and drink industry in Greater Manchester over the last 20 Festivals.
THE WINNER:
Adelaide Winter and Joel Wilkinson of Trof Group (Albert’s Schloss, Gorilla, Trof, Deaf Institute)
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: John Slattery, Slattery’s
