News
MFDF AWARDS ANNOUNCE 2026 SHORTLISTS
The MFDF Awards shortlists have been revealed showcasing the outstanding restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes, chefs, producers and food heroes that make Greater Manchester one of the most exciting food and drink destinations in the UK.
Headline sponsored by Therme Manchester, the landmark wellbeing resort currently under construction at TraffordCity, the MFDF Awards will take place on Monday 25th January 2027. The shortlists showcase the very best of Greater Manchester’s food and drink scene across 17 categories, from brilliant neighbourhood hotspots to affordable eats, the best coffee shops, food and drink producers and the region's leading chefs.
The awards will take place for the first time at City Hall, the purpose-built event space at Manchester’s newest entertainment district, Medlock Square – home to a range of new bars and restaurants, including Zadie’s and Little Beast.
The shortlist has been selected by the MFDF Awards judging panel, made up of leading food and drink critics, writers and industry experts, following submissions from the hospitality industry and the public across Greater Manchester.
The awards are now open to public vote on the MFDF website. Tickets for the event can also be purchased by contacting the MFDF awards team via email. Please email [email protected]
As well as the public vote, a mystery shopping period will now commence where judges will visit nominated venues in a number of categories and will score venues based on their experiences. The mystery shopping and public voting period will end at midnight on 11th January 2027 when the polls will be counted and combined with the judges’ scores and the winner of each category will be chosen.
Alexa Stratton-Powell, Awards Director of the MFDF Awards, said:
“We’re proud to reveal this year’s MFDF Awards shortlists and shine a spotlight on the very best of Greater Manchester’s food and drink scene.
“The awards celebrate the incredible talent, creativity and diversity that make our region a world-class food and drink destination. We’re encouraging everyone to get behind the nominees by voting for your favourites, visiting the shortlisted venues and showing your support for our brilliant hospitality industry.
“We’re also looking forward to bringing the industry together on 25 January 2027 for a fantastic night of celebration and to crown this year’s winners.”
Ben Dutson, Director of Food and Culinary Experience at Therme Manchester, said:
“Greater Manchester doesn’t just have a great food and drink scene – it has a culture of its own. It’s ambitious, independent and constantly evolving, from the people cooking in some of the region’s best restaurants to the producers, cafés, pubs and street food businesses creating the next big thing. It’s fantastic to see that diversity reflected in this year’s MFDF Awards shortlists.
“At Therme Manchester, food will be part of the experience, because we see it as an important part of wellbeing too – it should be delicious, social and something you genuinely look forward to. We’re delighted to support the MFDF Awards and celebrate the people and businesses who make Greater Manchester such an exciting place to eat and drink.”
The Community Food and Drink Project of the Year, sponsored by Therme Manchester, is being decided through a separate judging process. The award celebrates initiatives making a positive difference to communities across Greater Manchester, from tackling food poverty and promoting sustainability to improving access to healthy food and bringing communities together.
The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement will also be presented on the night to recognise an outstanding contribution to Greater Manchester’s food and drink industry, with no public shortlist for the category.
Posted on 14 October 2026
