Several restaurants in the North have been recognised in the second of this year's bi-annual awards

In one of the most difficult years in memory for hospitality, many awards ceremonies have adapted. Some went online as with Manchester Food & Drink Festival, some cancelled as with the Good Food Guide and some postponed, as with the Michelin Guide which is to announce new stars in January 2021.

In the face of tighter restrictions and low consumer confidence, it is more important than ever to celebrate the excellence of cooking across the UK

The new AA Rosette awards have gone ahead though, albeit a little later than usual this autumn and the usual glittering ceremony has been replaced with a live online announcement. 

While there are no four or five Rosettes awarded in the North - there are no new Five Rosette awards at all - several key players in our region have been awarded a new three Rosette status. 

Mark Birchall Pr 6
Mark Birchall and the team at the magnificent Barn at Moor Hall have been recognised

In Manchester, three rosettes have been awarded to 'ultra modern, city centre beacon of culinary excellence' Mana in Ancoats - which also won our region’s first Michelin star in 40 odd years in 2019. Three rosettes also went to the consistently innovative Where The Light Gets In, Stockport, owned by chef Sam Buckley, for 'exciting food with daily evolving menu around own farm produce'.

2020 10 27 Aa Rosettes Wtlgi
Where The Light Gets in has gone up the ladder to Three Rosettes

Elsewhere in the North and well worth a drive, three rosettes have been awarded to 'cosy restaurant in the heart of the lakes', The Old Stamp House, Ambleside, Cumbria (read our review); The Barn at Moor Hall Ormskirk, Lancashire (read our review) for its 'sharp, contemporary food with vibrant flavours in a casual beamed setting'; Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall Ripon North Yorkshire for 'elegant fine dining and cooking to match' and The Pheasant, Harome, North Yorkshire for its 'contemporary and adventurous cooking'.

Ryan and Craig Blackburn from The Old Stamp House commented: "We are delighted for the whole team at the Old Stamp House, this is a very proud moment for us all. This is the start of a long and rewarding journey for the team and I know we will all continue to push to be the best we can be in the future.”

2020 10 27 Old Stamp House Aa Awards
The team at The Old Stamp House were thrilled with their award (come on lads, give us smile)

Simon Numphud, MD at AA Media hosted the online ceremony saying:

“This year has seen the hospitality industry face one of its greatest challenges ever with the far reaching impact of the global pandemic. Despite this we have seen so many fantastic hotels, restaurants and a multitude of hospitality businesses that have shown incredible resilience, innovation and such kindness in their support of their local communities, our beloved NHS and the charity sector."  

He continued, "Each year the standard and quality of restaurants continues to rise. The strength and depth we now have ensures the UK is one of the best culinary destinations on a global stage. Whilst our window of opportunity to visit restaurants this year has been dramatically reduced, we have endeavoured to visit as many as possible. So I am delighted that the AA is able to recognise so many great restaurants of different styles and from all over the country. In the face of tighter restrictions and low consumer confidence, it is more important than ever to celebrate the excellence of cooking across the UK.”

Congratulations to all newly rosetted restaurants in Manchester from team Confidentials. We already knew you were ace though. 

Read next: ‘A top-drawer dish with truly fabulous ingredients’ - The Pack Horse, Hayfield, reviewed

Read again: AA rosette announcement - how did the North West do?