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MFDF2022 AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

MFDF2022 AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

The MFDF Awards took place on Monday (Monday 26th September) with 17 award winners announced from food and drink establishments across Greater Manchester.  The categories were jam packed with the region’s stand out food and drink business and individuals who have brought so much to the industry during the past 12 months. 

In what’s been another extraordinary year as the hospitality industry recovers from the pandemic whilst battling fresh economic challenges, the awards are designed to showcase the amazing talent within the region’s dining community. 

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. 


The shortlisted venues were put to the public vote via the MFDF website where 

food and drink fans voted for their hospitality heroes. The public votes, for some of the awards, were combined with a mystery shopping visit from members of the judging panel, whilst others were decided entirely by the public vote.

The Independent Drinks Producer of the Year and the Independent Food Producer of the Year Awards were judged by a panel taste test during the MFDF opening weekend.

The awards were presented in partnership with MFDF Awards headline sponsors Bruntwood, and commemorated a year of ongoing innovation and success to further establish Greater Manchester’s importance on the national food and drink scene.


Alexa Stratton-Powell, Director of Manchester Food and Drink Festival commented:
“The strength of this year’s awards are testament to the hard work and dedication of all the nominees. As ever, the awards put the spotlight on the incredible talent and resilience of our brilliant hospitality industry. Despite hugely challenging times for the industry, we’ve celebrated 112 fantastic Greater Manchester businesses this evening as the reputation of the sector continues to go from strength to strength. We’d like to thank the judges, everyone who voted and the nominated businesses who took part in this year’s awards, as well as our hosts at Escape to Freight Island for a wonderful night of celebrations.” 

James Tootle, Head of Retail and Leisure, added: “
We’re thrilled to have supported the MFDF Awards this year and proud to have been part of celebrating such a fantastic year for hospitality. Great restaurants, bars, cafes as well as talented chefs and entrepreneurs are at the heart of thriving towns and cities, and recognising the best in class is a fantastic way of celebrating the importance of this industry to the region as a whole. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated tonight!”

And the winners are…

  1. Restaurant of the Year, Sponsored by Stephensons

Recognising the ‘best of the best’ dining establishments in Greater Manchester in 2022, this category refers to venues visited primarily for a full dining experience featuring table service and a drink offering.

WINNER: 

Where the Light Gets In 

  1. Newcomer of the Year sponsored by Bruntwood

Recognising the best new food and drink operations to open in Greater Manchester since the last awards decision period. 

WINNER: 

Another Hand
Unit F, 253 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN

  1. Bar of the Year, Sponsored by Mr Yum

    Recognising the best drinking venues in the region that specialise in a “wet-led” offer and aren’t considered ‘pubs’.

    WINNER:
    Speak in Code
    Jackson's Row, Manchester, M2 5ND

  1. Chef of the Year, Sponsored by Boutinot Wines

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: 

Eddie Shepherd, The Walled Gardens, Whalley Range

  1. Pub or Beer bar of the Year, Sponsored by Joseph Holt

Recognising the finest pub and beer bars in the region, focusing on quality and range of ales, beers and atmosphere. 

WINNER: 

The Kings Arms, 11 Bloom Street, Salford, M3 6AN

  1. 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: 

Chorlton Cheesemongers 

486 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9AS

  1. Independent Food Producer of the Year

Recognising the best producers of fine food across Greater Manchester. Those independent businesses who are doing exciting things to produce incredible artisan food. 

WINNER

Dormouse Chocolates

Unit O, Deansgate Mews, Manchester M3 4EN


Coffee Shop of the Year 


  1. Recognising the best coffee shops in Greater Manchester.

WINNER: 

Pollen

Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union Street, Manchester, M4 6FQ

  1. 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:

    Burgerism, 18 West Ashton Street, Salford, M50 2XS

  1. Plant Based Offering Of The Year

This award recognises venues that provide innovative and exciting dining options for vegetarian and vegan diners. 

WINNER: 

Wholesome Junkies

Unit 4 Mirabel Street, Manchester, M3 1PJ

  1. Affordable Eats Venue of the Year

Recognising the best venues that are visited for a high value, quick and simple dining experience.


WINNER:

Salt & Pepper 

MCR Black Dog Ballroom, 52 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PW 

  1. Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year

This award was set up in 2021 to celebrate those thriving communities and neighbourhoods in Greater Manchester that continue to build a name for themselves as a ‘go-to’ foodie destination. 

WINNER: 

Ancoats

  1. Pop Up or Project Of The Year, sponsored by ASP Events

Recognising exciting projects and events and showcasing innovation and creativity within the food and beverage sector.

WINNER: 

Stockport Foodie Friday

  1. Independent Drinks Producer of the Year 

This award recognises the amazing independent drinks producers in Greater Manchester. 

WINNER:

Hip Pop

Manor House Farm, Station Road, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, WA14 5SG

  1. Neighbourhood Venue of the Year, Sponsored by The Manc

This award is set to recognise the superb establishments that are based in the suburbs of Greater Manchester. 

WINNER: 

Bar San Juan

56 Beech Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9EG


  1. Great Service Award, Sponsored by the Manchester Evening News 

This award has been created to recognise teams and individuals working front of house across the hospitality sector that go above and beyond to make their customers feel extra special and give them a great service experience. 

WINNER: 

Dishoom 

32 Bridge St, Manchester, M3 3BT

  1. The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement

Recognising people who have contributed something outstanding to the hospitality industry in Greater Manchester.

WINNER:

John and Rosemary Barratt, Stockport Foodie Friday 


Posted on 28 September 2022