Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2013 announces awards shortlist

This year’s Manchester Food and Drink Festival, which returns in late September, has revealed the shortlist for its annual awards. The awards cover 11 categories, ranging from Cheap Eats to Chef of the Year. The French is shortlisted for three categories, including Best Newcomer, with Damson at MediaCity up for two. Regulars on Manchester Wire including Gorilla, Kosmonaut, Takk, Trove (pictured) and The Eagle Inn also feature on the shortlist. Voting is open to the public via the MFDF website, and these votes will be combined with scores from a judging panel obtained via mystery shop visits made between now and the Gala Dinner. The winners will be be revealed at the MFDF Gala Dinner and Awards in the Town Hall’s Great Hall on 7 October – the last day of this year’s festival. Read the full shortlist below.

MFDF 2013 runs from Thu 26 Sep until Mon 7 Oct – visit foodanddrinkfestival.com for more information

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.

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.

Newcomer of the Year
Recognising the best new dining and drinking establishments to open in Manchester.

The French at The Midland, City Centre.
Damson, MediaCityUK, Salford.
Artisan, City Centre.
The Alber t Square Chop House, City Centre.
Solita, City Centre.
Luck Lust Liquor & Burn, City Centre.

Pub of the Year
Recognising the finest pubs in the region, focusing on quality and range of ales/beers and atmosphere.

The Oasthouse, City Centre.
The Baum, Rochdale
The Magnet, Stockport.
The Eagle Inn, Salford.
Station Buffet Bar, Stalybridge.
Marble Arch, City Centre.

Food Pub of the Year
Recognising our region’s ‘gastro pubs’ – a chance for ‘pub restaurants’ to be recognised in their own category.

The Albert Square 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.

Bar of the Year
Recognising the best drinking venues in the region that aren’t considered ‘pubs’

Gorilla, City Centre.
Jackalope, Chorlton.
Australasia, City Centre.
Kosmonaut, City Centre.
Liquorice, City Centre.
Revolucion de Cuba, City Centre.

Chef of the Year
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.

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.

Cheap Eats of the Year
This award replaces our Casual Dining category. Recognising the best venues that are visited for a high value, casual eating experience.

Salvi’s, City Centre.
Home Sweet Home, City Centre.
Suan Juan, Chorlton.
Trove, Levenshulme.
Lilys, Ashton.
Luck Lust Liquor & Burn, City Centre.

Coffee Bar or Tea Shop of the Year
Recognising the best coffee bars and teashops in the region.

Takk, City Centre.
Home Sweet Home, City Centre.
Macaroon, Rochdale.
Richmond Tea Rooms, City Centre.
Caffeine and Co, City Centre.
Coffee Fix, Gatley. Stockport

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.