The Manchester Food and Drink Festival has announced the winners of this year’s MFDF Awards.
The awards are the culmination of the Festival and celebrate the city’s most innovative and high quality restaurants, bars and individuals.
The awards are recognised by the industry and consumers alike as the most prestigious of their kind in the north west, and for setting the standard for the food industry across the region.
There are 20 categories in total with three new awards – Best Brewery, Best Vegetarian Offering and Best Sustainable Restaurant.
Venues were shortlisted for an MFDF award by a judging panel comprising the region’s leading food and drink critics and experts. The public then voted for their favourites via the website. The votes were combined with scores from the judging panel obtained via mystery shop visits.
Restaurant of the Year

Recognising the best of the best dining establishments in Greater Manchester of any style or price point.
Winner: Bundobust
Last year’s winner: Hawksmoor
Premium and Fine Dining Venue of the Year
This award recognises the best premium to fine dining establishments across the city.
Winner: El Gato Negro
Last year’s winner: The French
Casual Restaurant of the Year
This award aims to recognise the best informal dining establishments in Manchester.
Winner: Baratxuri, Ramsbottom
Last year’s winner: Volta
Newcomer of the Year
Celebrating the best new food and drink operations to open in Greater Manchester since the last awards.
Winner: Where The Light Gets In
Last year’s winner: El Gato Negro
Chef of the Year
Celebrates the most talented and outstanding work of chefs cooking in Greater Manchester kitchens.
Winner: Matt Nutter, The Allotment Vegan Restaurant
Last year’s winner: Terry Huang, Umezushi
Pub of the Year
Recognising the finest pubs in the region, focusing on quality and range of ales/beers and atmosphere.
Winner: The Marble Arch
Last year’s winner: The Smithfield Tavern
Food Pub of the Year
Recognising the region’s gastro pubs and pub restaurants.
Winner: The Clarence, Bury
Last year’s winner: Eagle and Child
Bar of the Year
Recognising the best drinking venues in the region that aren’t considered pubs
Winner: The Refuge
Last year’s winner: Albert Schloss
Craft Ale Bar of the Year
Awarded to the best purveyors of craft ale across Greater Manchester.
Winner: Port Street Beer House
Last year’s winner: Heaton Hops
Out of Town Venue of the Year
This award recognises the superb establishments that are based in the suburbs of Greater Manchester.
Winner: Baratxuri, Ramsbottom
Last year’s winner: Levanter
Coffee/Tea Shop of the Year
Recognising the best coffee bars and teashops in the region.
Winner: Trove
Last year’s winner: Pot Kettle Black
Affordable Eats Venue of the Year
Recognising the best venues that are visited for a great value, quick and simple dining experience. Includes cafes, takeaways and a main meal and drink can be purchased for under £10.
Winner: Rudy’s Pizza
Last year’s winner: Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
Best Food and Drink Retailer
To reflect the growing number and status of food and drink retailers in Greater Manchester.
Winner: Ancoats General Store
Last year’s winner: Salvi’s
Best Vegetarian Offering of the Year

Resurrected for 2017, the award focuses on the growing number of vegetarian offerings in the city and their growth in popularity.
Winner: The Allotment Vegan Restaurant, Stockport
Manchester Brewery of the Year
This award celebrates the very best brewer in town.
Winner: Cloudwater
Best Pop-Up, Event or Project of the Year
Designed to recognise the ever-more pioneering food and drink one-off projects, events, activities and pop ups happening in the region.
Winner: GRUB
Last year’s winner: Stockport Foodie Friday
Front of House Team
For restaurants which go that extra mile in terms of service and where customers can rely on an experience that makes them feel special, from greeting to leaving.
Winner: Hawksmoor
Last year’s winner: The French
Best Street Food Award
Awarded to street food legends and their constantly evolving range of goodies.
Winner: Hip Hop Chip Shop
Last year’s winner: Chaat Cart
The Sustainability Award
Recognising commitment to environmental and ethical practices in Greater Manchester’s food and drink industry.