MANCHESTER Food and Drink Festival has announced the shortlist of nominees for its 2013 Awards.
Awards nominations will be posted on the MFDF website (www.foodanddrinkfestival.com) where they’ll face the public vote. The festival runs from 26 September-7 October 2013 and is in its sixteenth year.
The public vote will be combined with scores from the judging panel obtained via mystery shop visits made between the announcement date and the Gala Dinner.
The winners will only be revealed at the MFDF Gala Dinner and Awards on Monday 7 October where it will make a return to the Great Hall at Manchester’s Town Hall.
The shortlist has been developed by the MFDF Judging panel, made up of some of the region’s leading food and drink critics and experts.
And the nominations are...
Restaurant of the Year
Aiming to recognise the best dining establishments in Manchester in 2013. This category refers to venues visited primarily for a full dining experience featuring table service, alcohol license etc. Date eligibility: establishments open before 1 April 2013.
- The French at The Midland, City Centre.
- Cicchetti, City Centre.
- Damson, MediaCityUK, Salford.
- Michael Caines Restaurant, Abode Hotel, City Centre.
- Yuzu, City Centre.
- 63 Degrees, City Centre.
Last year’s winner: Aumbry Prestwich
Newcomer of the Year
Recognising the best new dining and drinking establishments to open in Manchester. Date eligibility: establishments open between 1 July 2012 until 1 July 2013.
- The French at The Midland, City Centre.
- Damson, MediaCityUK, Salford.
- Artisan, City Centre.
- The Albert Chop House, City Centre.
- Solita, City Centre.
- Luck Lust Liquor & Burn, City Centre.
Last year's winner: Bakerie and Bakerie Tasting Store
Pub of the Year.
Recognising the finest pubs in the region, focusing on quality and range of ales/beers and atmosphere. Date eligibility: establishments open before 1 April 2013.
- The Oasthouse, City Centre.
- The Baum, Rochdale
- The Magnet, Stockport.
- The Eagle Inn, Salford.
- Station Buffet Bar, Stalybridge.
- Marble Arch, City Centre.
Last year's winner: Port Street Beer House, Manchester
Food Pub of the Year
Recognising our region’s ‘gastro pubs’ - a chance for ‘pub restaurants’ to be recognised in their own category. Date eligibility: establishments open before 1 April 2013.
- The Albert Chop House, City Centre.
- Mark Addy, Salford.
- The Red Lion, High Lane, Stockport.
- The Parlour, Chorlton.
- The Wharf, City Centre.
- Hearth of the Ram, Ramsbottom.
Last year's winner: Shoulder of Mutton, Holcombe Village
Bar of the Year Sponsored by DesignMyNight.com
Recognising the best drinking venues in the region that aren’t considered ‘pubs’. Date eligibility: establishments open before 1 April 2013.
- Gorilla, City Centre.
- Jackalope, Chorlton.
- Australasia, City Centre.
- Kosmonaut, City Centre.
- Liquorice, City Centre.
- Revolucion de Cuba, City Centre.
Last year's winner: Liars Club, Manchester
Chef of the Year Sponsored by R . Noone & Son Ltd.
Aiming to recognise 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. Date eligibility: must have been working in the same restaurant for at least 6 months by the time of the gala dinner and awards.
- Adam Reid, The French, City Centre.
- Mary-Ellen McTague, Aumbry, Prestwich.
- Sam Everett, Harvey Nichols, City Centre.
- Mike Jennings, Grenache, Walkden, Worsley
- Robert Cox, Michael Caines Restaurant, ABode Hotel, City Centre.
- Eric Moreau, 63 Degrees, City Centre.
Last year's winner: Andrew Nutter, Nutter’s
Chef Of The Year 2012 Andrew Nutter And John Thompson
Cheap Eats of the Year.
This award replaces our Casual Dining category. Recognizing the best venues that are visited for a high value, casual eating experience. Date eligibility: establishments open before 1 April 2013.
- Salvi’s, City Centre.
- Home Sweet Home, City Centre.
- San Juan, Chorlton.
- Trove, Levenshulme.
- Lilys, Ashton.
- Luck Lust Liquor & Burn, City Centre.
Last year's winner: Teacup, Manchester
Coffee Bar or Tea Shop of the Year
Recognising the best coffee bars and teashops in the region. Date eligibility: establishments open before 1 April 2013.
- Takk, City Centre.
- Home Sweet Home, City Centre.
- Macaroon, Rochdale.
- Richmond Tea Rooms, City Centre.
- Caffeine and Co, City Centre.
- Coffee Fix, Gatley. Stockport
Last year's winner: North Tea Power, Manchester
Family Friendly Venue of the Year
As usual, the Festival is asking the families of Greater Manchester to nominate in this category. There is no shortlist judged by the panel - the region’s families simply need to nominate their own favourite family friendly food heroes via the Festival website.
Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
For the first time ever, the Festival is asking the Greater Manchester foodie public to tell us who they think is the very best food and drink retailer in the region. The panel would like to hear about the food and drink heroes in areas right across Greater Manchester. Votes can be cast via the Festival website.
The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement
There is no shortlist for this category. The award aims to recognise an individual or organisation who has made a significant contribution to the dining scene over the last 16 years.
Last year’s winners: David Fox and Nick Jeffries, Tampopo, Manchester
