The 18 Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards winners including Erst, Higher Ground and Burgerism

The great and the good of Manchester’s thriving foodie scene were honoured at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards on Monday night.

More than 110 businesses, professionals and regions were nominated across 18 categories with the gongs handed out at New Century Hall with more than 350 people in attendance. The shortlist was compiled by the festival’s judging panel, made up of the region’s leading food and drink critics, writers, and experts, with the winners decided by an online vote and mystery shopping from the panel.

Among the big winners were Ancoats’ Erst, named Restaurant of the Year, and Higher Ground, which won Newcomer of the Year on the same day it was handed a prestigious Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide. Stockport’s reputation as one of Greater Manchester’s go-to places to eat and live was reinforced with the prize for Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year.

Alexa Stratton-Powell, Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards festival director said: “We’re delighted to announce the winners of the 2023 MFDF Awards. Times are more challenging than ever for the hospitality industry, which has made it all the more important to champion our fantastic nominees and winners tonight. Shining a light on the city’s incredible independent restaurants, bars, cafes and everything in between is what the awards are all about and we’ve loved bringing everyone together to celebrate. We’d like to thank the MFDF judges and presenters, the sponsors of the awards, everyone who voted and New Century for hosting a night to remember.”