YOU’VE got until midnight on Thursday, September 27 to vote for your favourites in the Manchester Food and Drink Awards 2018. It’s not an easy choice. When the shortlists were announced we suggested it might be the most exciting line-up in the Manchester Food and Drink Festival's 21 year history.
The ultimate winners, to be announced at the Festival’s Gala Dinner at Gorton Monastery on Monday, May 8, will be judged by you, the public, and a panel of the region’s leading food and drink critics and experts.
For your chance to make a difference go to the nomination list on the MFDF website.
The awards are the most sought-after and highly anticipated in the North West and celebrate the innovative and high quality restaurants, bars and individuals who contribute to the hospitality industry in the region. They are recognised by the industry and consumers alike as setting the standard in food and drink.
This year, for the 21st anniversary Festival, awards will be presented in 18 different categories. From Premium and Fine Dining Venue of the Year to Affordable Eats; from Best Newcomer to Street Food Trader of the Year, and Front of House Team to Vegetarian Offering of the Year, the selection of categories reflects Manchester’s constantly evolving food and drink scene.
The shortlisted venues below have been officially nominated for an award by the MFDF judging panel that comprises the region’s leading food and drink critics and experts. The award nominations are:
Restaurant of the Year Adam Reid at The French, The Rabbit (formerly The Rabbit in Moon), Where The Light Gets In, Umezushi, Sugo, Levanter. Last year’s winner: Bundobust.
Premium and Fine Dining Venue of the Year Adam Reid at The French, The Rabbit, Where The Light Gets In, Umezushi, Hawksmoor, Grafene, Last year’s winner: El Gato Negro.
Casual Restaurant of the Year Bundobust, Sugo, Porta, Albert’s Schloss, Elnecot, Levanter, Last year’s winner: Baratxuri.
Newcomer of the Year Elnecot, WOOD, 20 Stories, Randall and Aubin, The Creameries, Blanchflower. Last year’s winner: Where The Light Gets In.
Chef of the Year Adam Reid (The French), Sam Buckley (Where The Light Gets In), Richard Sharples (Hispi), Ben Mounsey (Grafene), Omar Rodriguez Marrero (Umezushi), Rachel Stockley (Baratxuri). Last year’s winner: Matthew Nutter (Allotment Vegan Restaurant)
Pub/beer Bar of the Year Stalybridge Station Buffet Bar, Café Beermoth, Trackside Bar, Heaton Hops, The Bay Horse Tavern, Port Street Beer House. Last year’s winner: Marble Arch, Manchester.
Bar of The Year Cottonopolis, Science and Industry, Hawksmoor, Flok, Albert’s Schloss, The Patron. Last year’s winner: The Refuge.
Out of Town Venue of the Year Where The Light Gets In, The Allotment Vegan Restaurant, Sugo, Porta, Levanter, The Creameries. Last year’s winner: Baratxuri.
Coffee Shop/Tea Shop of the Year Ancoats Coffee, Idle Hands, Takk, Pot Kettle Black, Ezra and Gil, Fig and Sparrow. Last year’s winner: Trove.
Affordable Eats Venue of the Year Lupo Caffé Italiano, Platzki, Eat New York, Lord of the Pies, Mi and Pho, Fusion Lab. Last year’s winner: Rudy’s Pizza.
Food and Drink Retailer of the Year Pollen, Lunya. Epicerie Ludo, Salvi’s, Mettrick’s Butchers, Grape to Grain. Last year’s winner: Ancoats General Store.
Vegetarian Offering of the Year Bundobust, Indian Tiffin Room, Lily’s, Chaat Cart, Elnecot, Amma’s Canteen. Last year’s winner: The Allotment Vegan Restaurant.
Manchester Brewery of the Year Beatnikz Republic, Wander Beyond, Pomona Island Brew Co, Runaway, Marble, Track Brewing. Last year’s winner: Cloudwater.
Pop Up, Event or Project of the Year. Hatch, Ancoats Food Assembly, Into the Gathering Dusk, Hyssop, Manchester Beer Week, Stockport Foodie Friday. Last year’s winner: GRUB.
Front of House Team of the Year Piccolino, WOOD, 20 Stories, The Rabbit, Adam Reid at The French, Hispi. Last year’s winner: Hawksmoor.
Street Food Trader of the Year Firebird Hope, Yadda Yadda, Oh Mei Dumplings, Nasi Lemak, Wholesome Junkies, El Marchador Tacos. Last year’s winner: Hip Hop Chip Shop (main picture).
Sustainability Award Restaurants are asked to put themselves forward via submission of a sustainability template form. Email laura@foodanddrinkfestival.com
The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement Last year’s winners: Joel Wilkinson and Adelaide Winters of Trof Group.
