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MFDF awards shortlist announced
We are delighted to announce our MFDF Awards shortlist for 2018.
The awards are the most sought-after and highly anticipated in the Northwest, 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 ever-expanding and constantly evolving food and drink scene.
Owned and organised by MFDF, the awards will be held for the first time at in the stunning and gothic surroundings of Gorton Monastery on Monday 8thOctober.
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 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.
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Bundobust
Premium and Fine Dining Venue of the Year - sponsored by Bookatable
This award recognises the best premium to fine dining establishments across the city.
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: El Gato Negro
Casual Restaurant of the Year
This award aims to recognise the best informal dining establishments in Manchester.
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Baratxuri
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.
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Where The Light Gets In
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.
Sam Buckley, Where The Light Gets In
Omar Rodriguez Marrero, Umezushi
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Matt Nutter, Allotment
Pub / Beer Bar of the Year - sponsored by Carlsberg UK
Recognising the finest pubs in the region, focusing on quality and range of ales/beers and atmosphere.
Stalybridge Station Buffet Bar
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Marble Arch
Bar of The Year - sponsored by Double Dutch
Recognising the best drinking venues in the region that aren’t considered ‘pubs’
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: The Refuge
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.
The Allotment Vegan Restaurant
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Baratxuri
Coffee Shop/Tea Shop of the Year - sponsored by Gorton Monastery
Recognising the best coffee bars and teashops in the region.
Fig and Sparrow
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Trove
Affordable Eats Venue of the Year
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.
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Rudy’s Pizza
Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
To reflect the growing number and status of food and drink retailers in Greater Manchester.
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Ancoats General Store
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.
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: The Allotment
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.
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Cloudwater
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.
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: GRUB
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.
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Hawksmoor
Street Food Trader of the Year Award
Awarding one of the Greater Manchester-based street food legends that are gracing our kerbs with an ever-increasing plethora of gastro goods.
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Hip Hop Chip Shop
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]
LAST YEARS WINNER: Evuna
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 WINNER: Joel Wilkinson and Adelaide Winters of Trof Group.
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Posted on 27 June 2018