The winners of the 23rd Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards have been announced today, Monday 5th October, at a virtual award ceremony at MODA Living Apartments in Manchester.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the huge impact it has had upon the hospitality sector, the 2020 awards were adapted for this year with changes to format, award categories and the MFDF Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony itself.
The Awards were presented in partnership with Festival headline sponsors, food delivery platform Just Eat and celebrated the innovation, resilience, altruism and successes that have taken place within the industry since the last awards, particularly in response to the vast challenges that the sector has faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The shortlists were compiled by the MFDF judging panel, made up of the region’s leading food and drink critics, writers and experts . There was no mystery shopping by the judges this year, with voting carried out entirely by the public via the MFDF website and the brand new MFDF app.
Commenting on the awards, Phil Jones, The Manchester Food and Drink Festival Founding Director, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to recognise our brilliant hospitality sector during this extraordinarily difficult time. MFDF is proud to celebrate such a wonderful range of businesses and individuals, all showcasing the strong stuff that our local industry is made of.
“There’s been huge amounts of innovation and creativity – even during such a tough time, we’ve much to celebrate. Congratulations to all the winners, and nominees – the Festival will continue to support the industry however it can over the coming months… roll on April 2021”.
Award categories and nominations…
BEST ONLINE ‘AT HOME’ FOOD AND DRINK CONTENT
sponsored by Moda Angel Gardens
Recognising the best online food and drink content shared during lockdown by Manchester’s chefs, producers and industry experts.
Cork of the North – For their live wine tasting masterclasses broadcast via social media
THE BEST RESTAURANT TAKEAWAY ADAPTATION
sponsored by Just Eat
Recognising restaurants who have adapted their business model, menus and offering to provide a takeaway/delivery service during lockdown.
Rudy’s Pizza – 9 Cotton Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5BF
BEST DIY DELIVERY FOOD OFFERING
sponsored by Roomzzz Aparthotels
Recognising the restaurants, chefs and businesses who have created ‘do it yourself’ recipe delivery meal kits for people to create their own restaurant quality meals/dishes at home.
Northern Soul – Grill it Yourself Kit – Unit 10-11 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PN
BEST FOOD AND DRINK BOX DELIVERY
Recognising the best food and drink delivery boxes created to serve the community with fine food and drink during lockdown.
ShinDigger Brewing Co – Beer Delivery Boxes In Under 3 Hours
BEST INNOVATION
sponsored by Hun Wine
Recognising the most impressive business innovations by food and drink operators during the COVID-19 crisis.
Stretford Foodhall – finding innovative ways to serve the community right the way through lockdown… from street food takeaway to free grocery delivery for the vulnerable.
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
sponsored by Bulleit Bourbon
Recognising the best new food and drink operations to open in Greater Manchester since the last awards decision period.
Escape to Freight Island – Baring Street, Manchester M1 2PZ
BEST ONLINE VEGGIE/VEGAN OFFERING
sponsored by Meatless Farm
This award recognises the restaurants and food businesses that have provided innovative and exciting menu options for vegetarian and vegan diners via takeaway/delivery services during lockdown.
ARTISAN DRINKS PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
sponsored by Franklin & Sons
This award recognises the plethora of fabulous local drinks producers, from gins and ciders to ales and meads, if it’s produced in Greater Manchester and tastes great, we want to celebrate it.
TAKE AWAY COFFEE EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR
This category recognises quality coffee takeaways during the COVID-19 crisis.
This category is an adaptation of The Coffee Shop of the year award and only recognises those businesses that were able to stay open via takeaway.
Ancoats General Store – 57 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester M4 5AB
STREET FOOD TRADER OF THE YEAR
Awarding one of the Greater Manchester-based street food legends who have adapted their services to provide takeaways and deliveries during lockdown.
LOCKDOWN HEROES
sponsored by Manchester Evening News
Recognising those individuals and businesses who have provided continued support for the wider community, the food and drink industry and Greater Manchester as a whole during the COVID-19 Crisis..
Howard and Ruth Outstanding Achievement Award
Recognising someone who has contributed something outstanding to the food and drink industry in Greater Manchester.
Mary-Ellen McTague from The Creameries and Eat Well MCR.
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