The culmination of this year's Manchester Food and Drink Festival was the Gala Dinner and awards ceremony, held at Manchester Town Hall on Monday 7 October 2013. As ever, it was a rowdy affair with speeches from Festival Director, Phil Jones and many more. The Festival saw more than 100, 000 visitors to the Hub on Albert Square and Jones' described the event as one of the most positive and promising of nearly two decades in the city centre. Manchester Confidential's Mark Garner had more good news, suggesting that the city's food and drink offering had reached a new high this year, with chefs and owners willing to take more risks - and reap the rewards. Meanwhile Michelin star chef - and the vision behind the Midland Hotel's feted new French Restaurant - Simon Rogan, received a standing ovation (in his absence) for his contribution to the city's dining scene. Here is the full list of winners.
Food and Drink Retailer of the Year - Beermoth, 70 Tib Street, M4 1LG. Tel: 0161 222 4001
Family Friendly Venue of the Year - Croma, 1 Clarence Street, M2 4DE. Tel: 0161 237 9799
Coffee or Tea Bar of the Year - Home Sweet Home, 49-51 Edge Street, M4 1HW. Tel: 0161 833 1248
Truly Good Food Award - Ramsons, 16-18 Market Pl Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9HT. Tel: 01706 825070
Food Pub of the Year - Hearth of the Ram, 13 Peel Brow, Ramsbottom, BL0 0AA. Tel: 01706 828691
Cheap Eats of the Year - Trove, 1032 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, M19 3EX. Tel: 0161 224 8588
Pub of the Year - Station Buffet Bar, Platform 4, Stalybridge Railway Station, Rassbottom Street, Staylbridge, SK15 1RF. Tel: 0161 303 0007
Bar of the Year - Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth Street West, M1 5WW. Tel: 0161 407 0301
Newcomer of the Year - The French, The Midland Hotel, Peter Street, M60 2DS. Tel: 0161 236 3333
Chef of the Year - Aumbry, 2 Church Lane, Prestwich, M25 1AJ. Tel: 0161 798 5841
Restaurant of the Year - The French (see above).
Outstanding Achievement Award - Carlo Distefano (San Carlo Group), San Carlo and San Carlo Cicchetti, City Centre.