Best of the best

THE very best restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes and venues have been named at the annual Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards.

- By JENNA CAMPBELL

Hospitality talent from across Greater Manchester came together at New Century for the return of the prestigious Manchester Food and Drink Festival (MFDF) Awards sponsored by Therme Manchester.

The event saw 18 winners announced from food and drink establishments across the region. With 130 outstanding venues, traders, places and people nominated, the categories recognise both the businesses and talented individuals who have shaped the city's culinary scene over the past 12 months.

Shortlisted venues were put to the public vote via the MFDF website where thousands of food and drink fans voted for their favourite winner. Scores from a mystery shopping visit, carried out by members of the judging panel, were also combined with the public vote for some of the awards to determine the winners of categories spanning Best Takeaway, Foodie Neighbourhood, Best Pub or Beer Bar and Best Restaurant.

Big wins for this year have gone to Skof as Best Restaurant - the dining spot that nabbed a Michelin Star last year less than a year after opening - as well as Matt Bennett as Best Chef for his work behind the stoves at The Pearl restaurant in Prestwich.