Fill in your details below to join our mailing list, we promise not to share your details with anyone.

News

MFDF award winners announced

MFDF award winners announced

Celebrating our 20th anniversary, this year’s MFDF has been a huge success with over 100,000 people attending the celebration of Manchester’s fabulous food and drink.  The awards are the culmination of the Festival and celebrate the city’s most innovative and high quality restaurants, bars and individuals. The awards are recognised by the industry and consumers alike as the most prestigious of their kind in the North West, and for setting the standard for the food industry across the region.

 There are 20 categories in total with three new awards - Best Brewery, Best Vegetarian Offering and Best Sustainable Restaurant, all of which have been added to reflect the growth in these areas, and how important they are to the city’s food and drink economy and to consumers.

 The shortlisted venues were officially nominated for an MFDF award by the MFDF judging panel that comprises the region’s leading food and drink critics and experts.  The public then voted for their favourites via the website www.foodanddrinkfestival/awards.  The votes were combined with scores from the judging panel obtained via mystery shop visit.

And the winners are...

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

sponsored by Caterer.com

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

 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

sponsored by Bookatable

This award recognises the best premium to fine dining establishments across the city.

THE WINNER

El Gato Negro - 52 King St, Manchester M2 4LY

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

Baraxturi - 1 Smithy St, Ramsbottom, BL0 9AT

THE SHORTLIST

Bundobust - 61 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2AQ

Rudys - 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

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 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

sponsored by R Noone and Sons

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

sponsored by Fever Tree

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

Baraxturi - 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 3W

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 - 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

Sponsored by Just Eat

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 - 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

New 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 Brewery- 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 - www.grubmcr.com

THE SHORTLIST

Not Just Soup - www.notjustsoupkitchen.co.uk

Real Junk Food - www.realjunkfoodmanchester.co.uk

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

sponsored by The Springboard Charity

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

Alberts 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

Hip Hop Chip Shop - www.thehiphopchipshop.com

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

Evuna

 THE HOWARD AND RUTH AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

sponsored by The Principal Manchester 

Recognising someone who contributed something outstanding to the food and drink industry in Greater Manchester over the last 20 Festivals.

THE WINNER

Adelaide Winters and Joel Wilkinson of Trof Group

LAST YEAR’S WINNER: John Slattery, Slattery’s


Posted on 17 October 2017