The shortlists for the 2026 Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards (MFDF) have been announced, with hundreds of nominees across Greater Manchester competing in 17 categories. The awards, described as the most prestigious and longest standing in the North West, celebrate the region's hospitality industry.
Headline sponsored by Therme Manchester, the wellbeing resort currently under construction at TraffordCity, the ceremony will take place on Monday, 25 January 2027. It will be held for the first time at City Hall, the purpose-built event space at Manchester's newest entertainment district, Medlock Square.
Restaurant of the Year contenders
In the running for the coveted restaurant of the year category are Kallos, Stow, Higher Ground, Winsome, The Pearl, Erst, Adam Reid At The French and The Trof. The shortlists were selected by the MFDF Awards judging panel, made up of leading food and drink critics, writers and industry experts, following submissions from the hospitality industry and the public.
As well as the public vote, a mystery shopping period will now begin, with judges visiting nominated venues in a number of categories and scoring them based on their experiences. The mystery shopping and public voting period will end at midnight on 11 January 2027, when the polls will be counted and combined with the judges' scores to choose the winner of each category.
Judges and sponsors speak
Alexa Stratton-Powell, Awards Director of the MFDF Awards, said: "We’re proud to reveal this year’s MFDF Awards shortlists and shine a spotlight on the very best of Greater Manchester’s food and drink scene. The awards celebrate the incredible talent, creativity and diversity that make our region a world-class food and drink destination. We’re encouraging everyone to get behind the nominees by voting for your favourites, visiting the shortlisted venues and showing your support for our brilliant hospitality industry. We’re also looking forward to bringing the industry together on 25 January 2027 for a fantastic night of celebration and to crown this year’s winners."
Ben Dutson, Director of Food and Culinary Experience at Therme Manchester, added: "Greater Manchester doesn’t just have a great food and drink scene – it has a culture of its own. It’s ambitious, independent and constantly evolving, from the people cooking in some of the region’s best restaurants to the producers, cafés, pubs and street food businesses creating the next big thing. It’s fantastic to see that diversity reflected in this year’s MFDF Awards shortlists. At Therme Manchester, food will be part of the experience, because we see it as an important part of wellbeing too – it should be delicious, social and something you genuinely look forward to. We’re delighted to support the MFDF Awards and celebrate the people and businesses who make Greater Manchester such an exciting place to eat and drink."
Special categories and voting
The Community Food and Drink Project of the Year, sponsored by Therme Manchester, is being decided through a separate judging process. The award celebrates initiatives making a positive difference to communities across Greater Manchester, from tackling food poverty and promoting sustainability to improving access to healthy food and bringing communities together. The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement will also be presented on the night, with no public shortlist for the category.
The awards are now open to public vote on the MFDF website. Tickets for the event can be purchased by contacting the MFDF awards team via email at isabella@foodanddrinkfestival.com.
Affordable Eats Venue of the Year
Al-Madina, Noodle Alley, Sips & Dips, Que Huong Viet, Kabana, Bahn Mi 782, Zaytoni’s, Cafe San Juan. Last year’s winner: Double Zero.
Takeaway of the Year
Kool Runnings, Rita’s Reign, Chicken Run, Viet Deli, Levenshulme Bakery, The Post Box Shawarma, Bada Bing, Patel’s Pies. Last year’s winner: This & That.
Cafe or Coffee Shop of the Year
Fort Coffee, Idle Hands Coffee, Artista Perfetto, Auntie Lou’s, Siop Shop, Just Between Friends Coffee, Convene, Companio Bakery. Last year’s winner: Something More Productive.
Wine Offering of the Year
Kallos, Ad Hoc, Cork of the North, The Dilly Deli, Reserve Wines, Carrington’s, Portfolio MCR, Erst. Last year’s winner: Flawd.
Food Trader of the Year
Buttercup, Pico’s Tacos, Slice Culture, More Joy Food Co, Baity, Rizzo’s Sicilian Food, The Thai Food Van, Oh Mei Dumplings. Last year’s winner: Rack.
Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year
Levenshulme, Marple & Marple Bridge, Chorlton, Rusholme, Westhoughton, Altrincham. Last year's winner: Stockport.
Independent Drink Producer of the Year
Hip Hop, Balance Brewing & Blending, Sureshot Brewing, Runaway Brewery, Cloudwater Brew Co, Pomona Island Brew Co, Stiff Tea Brewing Company, Chu-Lo. Last year’s winner: Track Brewing.
Independent Food Producer of the Year
Wong Wong Bakery, Fizzles Pickles + Preserves, Sticky Fingers, Loafi, Patel’s Pies, Half Dozen Other, Companio Bakery, La Chouquette. Last year’s winner: Pollen Bakery.
Neighbourhood Venue of the Year
The Pearl, Cafe Continental, Porta Tapas Bar, Fold Bistro & Bottle Shop, Sips & Dips, Bar San Juan, Ornella’s Kitchen, The Mekong Cat. Last year’s winner: Stretford Canteen.
Pub or Beer Bar of the Year
The Angel Pub, The Balance Taproom, The Pevril of the Peak, Victoria Tap, Track Brewing Co Taproom, The Magnet Freehouse, The City Arms, The Smithfield Market Tavern. Last year’s winner: The Marble Arch Inn.
Great Service Award
Kallos, Blacklock Manchester, Stray, 10 Tib Lane, Speak in Code, Schofields Bar, Hawksmoor, Winsome. Last year’s winner: Maray.
Low or No Offering of the Year
Hinterland, Dishoom, Double Down, Kerb, North Taproom, Cloudwater Brew Co, Lina Stores, Caravan. Last year’s winner: Nell’s Pizza.
Bar of the Year
Bar Shrimp, Stray, Renae, Ōdiobā, Bar Posie, The Apple Core, Double Down, Bruk. Last year’s winner: Speak In Code.
Newcomer of the Year
Bar Posie, Convene, Parsona, Proloco, Bar Shrimp, Bar Caput, The Dilly Deli, Hatter’s Food and Drinks Hall. Last year’s winner: Stow.
Chef of the Year
Jamie Pickles – Stow, Shaun Moffatt – Winsome, Jess Furniss – WTLGI, Gary Weir – Open Fire / Tartuffe, Sian Wilson – Bar Posie, Tom Barnes – Skof, Rosie Maguire – Higher Ground, Brit Wardle – 10 Tib Lane. Last year’s winner: Matt Bennett (The Pearl).
Restaurant of the Year
Kallos, Stow, Higher Ground, Winsome, Erst, The Pearl, Adam Reid At The French, The Trof. Last year’s winner: Skof.
