THE Manchester Food and Drink Festival has revealed the shortlists for the prestigious Manchester Food and Drink Awards 2018 – and it may be the most exciting line-up in the Festival's 21 year history.
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.
Owned and organised by MFDF, the awards will be held for the first time in the stunning and gothic surroundings of Gorton Monastery on Monday October 8 (above).
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 will be posted on the MFDF website from Wednesday, June 27 and the public will then vote for their favourites. Voting closes at midnight on Thursday September 27.
The winners will be decided by a combination of public votes and scores obtained by ‘mystery shop’ visits from the judging panel.
And the nominations are…
Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Caterer.com
Recognising the ‘best of the best’ dining establishments in Greater Manchester in 2018. This category can feature restaurants of any style or price point.
Adam Reid at The French – Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS
The Rabbit in the Moon – Urbis, Cathedral Gardens, Corporation Street, Manchester, M4 3BG
Where The Light Gets In – 7 Rostron Brow, Stockport, SK1 1JY
Umezushi – Unit 4, Mirabel Street, M3 1PJ
Sugo – 22 Shaw’s Road, Altrincham, WA14 1QU
Levanter – 10 Square St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AT
Last year’s winner: Bundobust (pictured celebrating below)
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Premium and Fine Dining Venue of the Year – sponsored by Bookatable
This award recognises the best premium to fine dining establishments across the city.
Adam Reid at The French – Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS
The Rabbit in Moon – Cathedral Gardens, Corporation Street, 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
Grafene – 55 King Street, Manchester, M2 4LQ
Last year’s winner: El Gato Negro
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Casual Restaurant of the Year
This award aims to recognise the best informal dining establishments in Manchester.
Bundobust – 61 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2AG
Sugo – 22 Shaw’s Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1QU
Porta – 50 Greenwood Street, Altrincham, WA14 1RZ
Albert’s Schloss – 27 Peter St, Manchester, M2 5QR
Elnecot – 41 Blossom Street, Cutting Room Square, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6AJ
Levanter – 10 Square St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AT
Last year’s winner: Baratxuri, Ramsbottom
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Newcomer of the Year – sponsored by Manchester Evening News
Celebrating the best new food and drink operations to open in Greater Manchester since the last awards decision period in June 2017.
Elnecot – 41 Blossom Street, Cutting Room Square, Ancoats, M4 6AJ
WOOD – Jack Rosenthal Street, First Street, Manchester, M15 4RA
20 Stories – No.1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB.
Randall and Aubin – 64 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BN
The Creameries – 406 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, M21 0SD
Blanchflower – 12-14 Shaw’s Road, Altrincham WA14 1QU
Last year’s winner: Where The Light Gets In, Stockport
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Chef of the Year – sponsored by Stephenson’s
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.
Adam Reid, The French – Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS
Sam Buckley, Where The Light Gets In – 7 Rostron Brow, Stockport, SK1 1JY
Richard Sharples, Hispi – 1C School Lane, Didsbury, M20 6RD
Ben Mounsey, Grafene – 55 King Street, Manchester, M2 4LQ
Omar Rodriguez Marrero, Umezushi – Unit 4, Mirabel Street, Manchester, M3 1PJ
Rachel Stockley, Baratxuri – 1 Smithy Street, Ramsbottom, BL0 9AT
Last year’s winner: Matthew Nutter (pictured below), Allotment, Stockport
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Pub / Beer Bar of the Year – sponsored by Carlsberg UK
Recognising the finest pubs/craft beer bars in the region, focusing on quality and range of ales/beers and atmosphere.
Stalybridge Station Buffet Bar – Platform 4, Stalybridge Railway Station, Rassbottom St, Stalybridge, SK15 1RF
Café Beermoth – Brown Street, Manchester, M2 1DA
Trackside Bar – Bolton Street Station, Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EY
Heaton Hops – 7 School Lane, Stockport, SK4 5DE
The Bay Horse Tavern – 35-37 Thomas St, Manchester, M4 1NA
Port Street Beer House – 39-41 Port St, Manchester, M1 2EQ
Last year’s winner: Marble Arch, Manchester
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Bar of The Year – sponsored by Double Dutch
Recognising the best drinking venues in the region that aren’t considered ‘pubs’
Cottonopolis – 16 Newton Street, Manchester, M1 2AE
Science and Industry – 49-51 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1NA
Hawksmoor – 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WB
Flok – 5 Stevenson Square, Manchester, M1 1DN
Albert’s Schloss – 27 Peter St, Manchester, M2 5QR
Patron – 42-44 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LE
Last year’s winner: The Refuge, city centre
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Out of Town Venue of the Year – sponsored by R Noone & Son
Now in its third year, this award recognises the superb establishments that are based in the suburbs of Greater Manchester.
Where The Light Gets In – 7 Rostron Brow, Stockport, SK1 1JY
The Allotment Vegan Restaurant – 6 Vernon Street, Stockport, SK1 1TY
Sugo – 22 Shaw’s Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1QU
Porta – 50 Greenwood Street, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1RZ
Levanter – 10 Square Street, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9A
The Creameries – 406 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, M21 0SD
Last year’s winner: Baratxuri, Ramsbottom
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Coffee Shop/Tea Shop of the Year sponsored by Gorton Monastery
Recognising the best coffee bars and teashops in the region.
Ancoats Coffee – Unit 9, Royal Mills, 17 Redhill Street, Ancoats, M4 5BA
Idle Hands – 35 Dale Street, Manchester, M1 2HF
Takk – 6 Tariff Street, Manchester, M1 2FF
Pot Kettle Black – 14 Barton Arcade, Manchester, M3 2BW
Ezra and Gil – 20 Hilton Street, Manchester, M1 1FR
Fig and Sparrow – 20 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JA
Last year’s winner: Trove
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Affordable Eats Venue of the Year
Recognising the best venues that are visited for a high value, quick and simple ‘food on the go’ dining experience. This category can include cafes, takeaways, any place where a main meal and drink can be purchased for under £10.
Lupo Caffé Italiano – 2.05 Boat Shed, 16 Exchange Quay, Salford, M5 3EQ
Platzki – 255 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN
Eat New York – 64 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LE
Lord of the Pies – 559a Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 8AN
Mi and Pho – 384 Palatine Road, Northenden, Wythenshawe, M22 4FZ
Fusion Lab – Manchester Arndale Market, M4 3AH
Last year’s winner: Rudy’s Pizza, Ancoats
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Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
To reflect the growing number and status of food and drink retailers in Greater Manchester.
Pollen – Unit 2B, Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union Street, Manchester, M4 6FQ
Lunya – Barton Arcade, Manchester, M3 2BB
Epicerie Ludo – 46 Beech Road, Manchester, M21 9EG
Salvi’s – Corn Exchange, Manchester, M4 3TR
Mettrick’s Butchers – 63 Melbourne Street, Stalybridge, SK15 2JJ
Grape to Grain – 1 Church Lane, Prestwich, M25 1AN
Last year’s winner: Ancoats General Store
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Vegetarian Offering of the Year – sponsored by Quorn
Reintroduced in 2017, this award focuses on the growing number of vegetarian offerings in the city and reflects the huge growth in meat and dairy-free dining.
Bundobust – 61 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2AQ
Indian Tiffin Room – 2 Isabella Banks Street, First Street, Manchester, M15 4RL
Lily’s – 75-83 Oldham Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7DF
Chaat Cart – 13-15 Derby Way, Marple, SK6 7AH
Elnecot – 41 Blossom Street, Cutting Room Square, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AJ
Amma’s Canteen – 285 Barlow Moor Road, Manchester, M21 7GH
Last year’s winner: The Allotment, Stockport
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Manchester Brewery of the Year
This award raises a pint to all the great breweries establishing themselves throughout Greater Manchester and celebrates the very best brew in town.
Beatnikz – 15 Red Bank, Manchester, M4 4HF
Wander Beyond – 98 N Western Street, Manchester, M12 6JL
Pomona Island Brew Co – 33 Waybridge Enterprise Centre, Daniel Adamson Road, Salford, M50 1DS
Runaway – Unit 4 Millgate, Dantzic Street, Manchester, M4 4JW
Marble – 41 Williamson Street, Manchester, M4 4JS
Track Brewing – 5 Sheffield Street, Manchester, M1 2ND
Last year’s winner: Cloudwater, Ancoats
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Pop Up, Event or Project of the Year – sponsored by Manchester’s Finest
Designed to recognise the ever more pioneering food and drink one off projects, events, activities and pop ups happening in the region.
Hatch – Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7ED
Ancoats Food Assembly – Seven Bro7hers Beerhouse, 33 Blossom Street, M4 5AF Manchester
Into the Gathering Dusk – Barbecue Coffee Manchester, 486 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, M21 9AS
Hyssop – Various
Manchester Beer Week – Various
Stockport Foodie Friday – Market Place, Stockport, SK1 1EW
Last year’s winner: GRUB, Fairfield
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Front of House Team of the Year – sponsored by Boutinot Wines
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 departure.
Piccolino – Clarence Street, Manchester, M2 4DW
WOOD – Jack Rosenthal Street, First Street, Manchester, M15 4RA
20 Stories – No.1 Spinningfields, Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB
The Rabbit in the Moon – Cathedral Gardens, Corporation Street, Manchester, M4 3BG
Adam Reid at The French – Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS
Hispi – 1c School Lane, Manchester M20 6RD
Last year’s winner: Hawksmoor
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Street Food Trader of the Year
Celebrating the Greater Manchester-based street food legends.
Firebird Hope; Yadda Yadda; Oh Mei Dumpling; Nasi Lemak; Wholesome Junkies; El Marchador Tacos
Last year’s winner: Hip Hop Chip Shop
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Best Sustainability Award – sponsored by Sustainable Restaurant Association
Recognising commitment to environmental and ethical practices within Greater Manchester’s restaurant industry. Restaurants are asked to put themselves forward for this award via submission of a sustainability template form. To put your business forward for this award, please email [email protected]
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The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement
Recognising individuals who contributed something outstanding to the food and drink industry in Greater Manchester over the last 21 Festivals. Anyone with suggestions for this category should email [email protected].
Last year’s winners: Joel Wilkinson and Adelaide Winters of Trof Group.