Manchester Food and Drink Festival has announced the winners of the 2013 Awards.
The MFDF Awards was curated by the MFDF Judging Panel, made up of the region’s leading food and drink critics and experts.
The Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards provide a benchmark for excellence in the hospitality industries throughout Greater Manchester.
This year’s nominee roll call saw a bumper list of new dining stars, and exciting talent across the board, following a year of significant development for Manchester’s national foodie reputation.
The MFDF Awards was curated by the MFDF Judging Panel, made up of the region’s leading food and drink critics and experts.
The shortlisted venues were then mystery shopped by the judging panel and the scores from these were combined with votes made by the public over the last month via the MFDF website.
And the winners are...
Restaurant of the Year - Winner: The French at The Midland, City Centre
Sponsored by Caterer.com
Shortlisted: 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 – Winner: The French at The Midland, City Centre
Sponsored by Yang Sing.
Shortlisted: Damson, MediaCityUK, Salford, Artisan, City Centre, The Albert Square 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 – Winner: Station Buffet Bar, Stalybridge
Sponsored by Kuits.
Shortlisted: The Oasthouse, City Centre, The Baum, Rochdale, The Magnet, Stockport, The Eagle Inn, Salford, Marble Arch, City Centre.
Last year's winner: Port Street Beer House
Food Pub of the Year – Winner: Hearth of the Ram, Ramsbottom
Sponsored by Manchester Evening News.
Shortlisted: The Albert Square Chop House, City Centre, Mark Addy, Salford, The Red Lion, High Lane, Stockport, The Parlour, Chorlton, The Wharf, City Centre.
Last year's winner: Shoulder of Mutton, Holcombe
Bar of the Year – Winner: Gorilla, City Centre
Sponsored by DesignMyNight.com
Shortlisted: Jackalope, Chorlton, Australasia, City Centre, Kosmonaut, City Centre, Liquorice, City Centre, Revolucion de Cuba, City Centre.
Last year's winner: Liars Club
Chef of the Year – Winner: Mary-Ellen McTague, Aumbry, Prestwich
Sponsored by R Noone and Son.
Shortlisted: Adam Reid, The French, City Centre, 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
Cheap Eats of the Year – Winner: Trove, Levenshulme
Sponsored by Capital Radio.
Shortlisted: Salvi’s, City Centre, Home Sweet Home, City Centre, San Juan, Chorlton, Lilys, Ashton, Luck Lust Liquor & Burn, City Centre.
Last year's winner: Teacup
Coffee Bar or Tea Shop of the Year – Winner: Home Sweet Home, City Centre
Shortlisted: Takk, City Centre, Macaroon, Rochdale, Richmond Tea Rooms, City Centre, Caffeine and Co, City Centre, Coffee Fix, Gatley.
Last year's winner: North Tea Power
Family Friendly Venue Of The Year – Winner: Croma, City Centre
(Winner decided by open public vote).
Food And Drink Retailer Of The Year – Winner: Beermoth, City Centre
Sponsored by Booths.
(Winner decided by open public vote).
The Howard And Ruth Award For Outstanding Achievement
Winner Carlo and Marcello Distefano from San Carlo.
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 & Nick Jeffrey, Tampopo
