Sixteen award winners from food and drink establishments across Greater Manchester were announced at The Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards (MFDF) on Monday 27th September. The Ticket Hall at Freight Island was packed with over 450 nominees from the region’s hospitality industry who came to celebrate together for the first time since the pandemic.
After an extraordinary and uncertain 18 months for the city’s hospitality industry, the MFDF awards set out to showcase as many excellent food and drink businesses and talented hospitality professionals as possible with more nominees than ever before.
The shortlists were compiled by the MFDF judging panel, made up of the region's leading food and drink critics, writers and experts. The categories were carefully considered and created to reflect an innovative, diverse, and inspiring food and drink industry.
Because of the exceptionally challenging circumstances the hospitality industry has had to face recently, the ‘mystery shopping’ element of the judging process did not go ahead this year. Instead, the winners were decided entirely by the public vote - with Manchester’s food and drink lovers voting in their thousands via the website.
The awards were presented in partnership with Festival headline sponsors Just Eat, and paid regard to the strength, endurance, generosity, and success of Manchester’s food and drink industry over the past year.
The annual awards traditionally act as the the closing finale to the Manchester Food and Drink festival. 2021 was a record-breaking year for MFDF with 80,000 visitors coming to the Festival Hub at Cathedral Gardens over the 11 days of the Festival.
“We are delighted to announce the winners of this year’s awards,” says Alexa Stratton-Powell, Director of Manchester Food and Drink Festival. “We set out at the Festival many years ago to champion Manchester’s talent and innovation, and to put independent businesses centre stage. Now more than ever that is what we all need to do. It’s been brilliant to bring people together again at the Festival Hub and the awards were a fitting finale - we were able to showcase and celebrate 120 amazing businesses for a celebration that was well and truly well deserved.”
And the winners are…
1) Restaurant of the Year
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.
WINNER:
Baratxuri, 1 Smithy St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AT
SHORTLISTED VENUES:
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
Sparrows, 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
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2) Newcomer of the Year sponsored by Manchester Evening News
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 – June 2021.
WINNER:
Ramona, 40 Swan St, Manchester, M4 4FH
SHORTLISTED VENUES:
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, 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
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3) Bar of the Year Recognising the best drinking venues in the region that specialise in a “wet-led” offer and aren’t considered ‘pubs’.
WINNER:
Albert's Schloss, 27 Peter St, Manchester, M2 5QR
SHORTLISTED VENUES:
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
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4) Chef of the Year
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.
WINNER:
Rachel Stockley, Baraxturi
SHORTLISTED CHEFS:
Adam Reid (The French), 16 Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS
Eddie Shepherd (The Walled Gardens), 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 ), Unit 4 Mirabel St, Manchester M3 1PJ
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5) Pub or Craft ale bar of the Year
Recognising the finest pub and beer bars in the region, focusing on quality and range of ales, beers and atmosphere.
WINNER:
Edinburgh Castle, 17-19 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5AW
SHORTLISTED VENUES:
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
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6) Artisan Food Producer of the Year
Celebrating the fabulous array of food producers popping up around the region including bakeries, picklers, pie makers and everything in between.
WINNER:
Pollen Bakery, Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union St, Manchester M4 6FQ
SHORTLISTED VENUES:
Bread Flower, www.breadflower.co.uk
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
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7) Pop Up/ Project of the Year
Recognising exciting projects and events and showcasing innovation and creativity within the food and beverage sector.
WINNER:
Escape to Freight Island, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ
SHORTLISTED VENUES:
Eat Well MCR, https://www.eatwellmcr.org/
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, Festival Square, https://mif.co.uk/
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8) Neighbourhood Venue of the Year sponsored by Roomzzz Aparthotels This award is set to recognise the superb establishments that are based in the suburbs of Greater Manchester.
WINNER:
Lily’s, 85 Oldham Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7DF
SHORTLISTED VENUES:
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
The 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
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9) Food Trader of the Year Awarding the Greater Manchester-based food heroes that are gracing our food halls, markets and events with an ever increasing range of gastro goods.
WINNER:
Wholesome Junkies, 49 High St, Manchester M4 3AH
SHORTLISTED VENUES:
Abeja Tapas Bar, Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7ED
Archchi’s, https://www.archchis.com/
Gooey, Ducie Street Warehouse, Manchester M1 2TP
Honest Crust, https://www.honestcrustsourdoughpizza.com
Maison Breizh, https://www.maisonbreizh.co.uk
Pico’s Tacos, https://www.instagram.com/eatpicos/?hl=en
Tender Cow, https://www.tendercow.uk
Wholesome Junkies, 49 High St, Manchester M4 3AH
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10) Affordable Eats of the Year sponsored by Just Eat
Recognising the best venues that are visited for a high value, quick and simple dining experience.
WINNER:
Rudy’s, 9 Cotton St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5BF / Petersfield House, Peter St, Manchester M2 5QJ
SHORTLISTED VENUES:
Abeja Tapas Bar, 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 & Pho, 384 Palatine Rd, Northenden, Wythenshawe, Manchester M22 4F
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
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11) Coffee Shop of the Year
Recognising the best coffee shops and bars in Greater Manchester.
WINNER:
Federal, Northern Quarter, 9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester M4 1EY
SHORTLISTED VENUES:
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
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12) Foody Neighbourhood of the Year
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 of the city centre
WINNER:
Altrincham
SHORTLISTED VENUES:
Altrincham
Heaton Moor
Prestwich
Ramsbottom
Sale
Stockport
Stretford
Urmston
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13) Veggie/ Vegan Offering of the Year
This award recognises venues that provide innovative and exciting dining options for vegetarian and vegan diners.
WINNER:
Bundobust, 61 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AG
SHORTLISTED VENUE:
Bundobust, 61 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AG
Eddie Shepherd (Walled Gardens), 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
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14) Independent Drinks Producer of the Year
Celebrating the many exciting and innovative producers of artisan drinks in Greater Manchester.
WINNER:
Manchester Gin, 10-15 Watson St, Manchester M3 4LP
SHORTLISTED VENUES:
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 Monkey, 68 Chorley St, Bolton BL1 4AL
Pomona Island Beer Brew Co Ltd, Daniel Adamson Rd, Salford M50
Steep Soda Co, 73 Temperance St, Manchester M12 6HU
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15) Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
The Best Food and Drink Retailer celebrates the best food and drink shopping experiences in the region.
WINNER:
Ancoats General Store, 57 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester M4 5AB
SHORTLISTED VENUES:
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
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16) Outstanding Achievement Award
Recognising someone who has contributed something outstanding to the hospitality industry in Greater Manchester.
WINNER:
Mital Morar, General Stores