Christine McGuinness among stars as This is Manchester Awards honours best bars, restaurants and venues

Christine McGuinness and the Thomas brothers were among the stars who turned out to honour the city’s very best at the This is Manchester Awards.

There were more than 500 attendees at Emirates Old Trafford as prizes were handed out to the top bars and restaurants and some other incredible businesses and people that make Manchester what it is today.

Hundreds of businesses and individuals submitted detailed nominations across 16 categories representing the night-time economy, entertainment, arts and culture, technology, live events, charity and fashion with entries all qualified and reviewed independently by a judging panel presided over by chief judge Nazir Afzal, former Chief Crown Prosecutor for NW England.

El Gato Negro, Albert Schloss and the Kimpton Clocktower were among the winners on the night.

Alongside the shortlisted businesses, organisations, charities and individuals across various industry categories, the Supernova was presented on behalf of last year’s winner, Dr. Nighat Awan OBE, CEO of Shere Khan Group to proud Salfordian Julia Fawcett, chief executive of the Lowry, recognised for her more than 20 years dedication to making The Lowry one of the most popular visitor attractions in the North West. Marcus Rashford is among the other previous winners.

Other notable wins for charities and good causes went to Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity DJ Battle which was awarded Best Live Event. Jeremy Roberts was also awarded Individual Making a Difference in the Community in acknowledgement for setting up The Tim Bacon Foundation and for his tireless work in continuing his friend and business partner’s legacy raising over £1.5 million for several regional and national cancer charities.

New for 2023 and created alongside the late presenter’s family and close friends, The ‘Dianne Oxberry Special Impact Award’ was awarded to Khatra Paterson. A survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM) Khatra’s career has been built upon caring and advocating for others. At aged 10 Khatra was flown to Somalia for what was thought to be a family holiday. Whilst there, she was subjected to a brutal and harrowing FGM. Today, Khatra, who is a registered nurse, dedicates her life to both assisting others, whilst successfully crafting and thriving as a successful businesswoman.

Monies raised on the night were donated to the HideOut Youth Zone Manchester and the event was supported by headline sponsors The Kamani Club.

This is Manchester Awards 2023 - full list of winners

• Leading Restaurant of the Year (Formal) - El Gato Negro
• Leading Restaurant of the Year (Casual) - Colleens
• Leading Restaurant of the Year (Casual) - Holcombe Tap
• Leading Chef of the Year - Simon Shaw
• Leading Bar / Club of the Year - Albert Schloss, Manchester
• Leading Hotel of the Year - Kimpton Clocktower
• Leading Newcomer of the Year - The Padel Club
• Leading Live Event of the Year - Greater Manchester Mayors Charity DJ Battle
• Leading Live Event Venue of the Year - Albert Hall
• Leading Arts & Culture Venue of the Year - Octagon Theatre Bolton
• Force for fashion - Cress Marketplace
• Leading tech / Digital Innovator of the Year - Versori
• Organisations / Individuals promoting Health & Wellbeing - Foundation 92
• Individuals Making a Difference in the Community - Jeremy Roberts, Tim Bacon Foundation
• Organisations Making a Difference in the Community - Lancashire Cricket Foundation
• Diane Oxberry Special impact Award - Khatra Paterson
• Manchester Supernova Award - Julia Fawcett