The 220 guests, who enjoyed a superb three-course dinner created especially for the event by the Carden Park chefs, included the finalists and their supporters, the awards sponsors, Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire Lady Alexis Redmond and Sir Phil Redmond, rock legend Noddy Holder and author and Cheshire Life columnist Suzan Holder, and actress Cath Tyldesley, whose photographer husband Tom Pitfield took the red carpet pictures.
Following a drinks reception with sparkling wine produced from grapes in Carden Park’s own vineyard, editor Joanne Goodwin welcomed guests to the awards (the first since 2019), by praising the food and drink industry for its resilience and can-do spirit, exemplified by the finalists who were chosen from the hundreds of entries.
Host Beccy introduced the awards ceremony, saying: ‘Tonight, we honour the chefs, producers and venues behind Cheshire’s ever-growing reputation as a place to find fabulous food and drink. Throughout the pandemic and beyond, Cheshire Life has supported, championed, and celebrated hospitality and we created these awards to recognise exceptional individuals and businesses. They are a mark of how highly each recipient is valued and a symbol of their outstanding contribution to the county. From tea shops to pubs, independent retailers to high-end restaurants, this is the chance for Cheshire Life, and everyone who loves going out, or eating in, to celebrate the very best.’
What it means to the winners
Stephanie Peters of Pastry Pédaleur, winner of food producer of the year, said: ‘This is a dream come true for me. I started my business in lockdown, after moving from Mumbai, and Cheshire Life has supported me right from the beginning, featuring me as a new start-up. I have had so much encouragement from my customers and other businesses in Chester. Every day I feel so lucky, but today I’m extra lucky, winning this award.’
Kelly Woodnutt of the restaurant of the year, St Martha Greek Taverna, said: ‘As a small, independent restaurant winning this award means the world to us. We dedicate it to our fantastic local community who have supported us since we opened and to our team for their unwavering hard work and dedication.’
Blair McKerchar of drinks producer of the year, micro-roastery Lost Barn Coffee Roasters, said: ‘We had no idea we were going to win especially when we saw the calibre of the other people up for this award. We thought we were just coming for a great night out; then when they called us up onto the stage we were absolutely blown away.’
Belinda Davenport of Davenports Tea Room in Northwich, winner of café or tearoom of the year, said: ‘Thank you so much for the support of Cheshire Life and its readers. All the staff are passionate about making each guest’s visit special.’
Katie Smith of dining pub of the year the Chester Fields in Bridge Trafford, said: ‘What a way to spend a Monday evening. Well done to all the winners and finalists.’
Elite Bistros celebrated a double win: new opening of the year for the White Horse pub in Churton, and Food Hero, for chef-owner Gary Usher, who rolled up his sleeves and got hands-on when renovating the new pub, while also running one of the most exciting restaurant groups in the country.
He said: ‘It’s so tough right now for everyone in the industry. Awards like this really make a difference. It’s something positive in a difficult time for so many pubs and restaurants. We are all just trying to keep going, to keep people coming in through the doors, and to win two awards is really humbling. I’m so grateful.’
Elliot Hill, the Chester Grosvenor’s executive chef was crowned chef of the year. He said: ‘I’m over the moon to win this award in a category full of tremendous chefs, it’s truly humbling. Having grown up in Cheshire it just means the world, especially doing it at the helm of the Chester Grosvenor. However, the real plaudits should go to our team here — their passion, drive and talent keep us all motivated to keep pushing and improving ourselves. I can’t wait for the coming years, not only to see where we get to with the hotel but how many of our team go on to win similar awards.’
The Winners
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by the Taylor Lynn Corporation and Liz Taylor Consultancy
St Martha Greek Restaurant, Nantwich
Finalists
La Popote, Marton
Arkle at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel, Chester
CHEF OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Carrie-ann Sudlow Consultancy
Elliot Hill, Arkle, The Chester Grosvenor, Chester
Finalists
Richard Sharples, Elite Bistros
Dan Regan, The Forge, Chester
Richard Nuttall, Next Door, Frodsham
DINING PUB OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by J.W. Lees
The Chester Fields, Bridge Trafford
Finalists
The Cholmondeley Arms, Cholmondeley
The Swan Inn, Kettleshulme
DRINK PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by LOCALiQ
Lost Barn Coffee Roasters, Tilston, Malpas
Finalists
Forager’s Fancy, Bebington
Red Willow Brewery, Macclesfield
FARM SHOP OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Morning Foods/Mornflake
The Hollies Farm Shop, Little Budworth
Finalists
Cheerbrook Farm Shop, Nantwich
Lowes Farm Shop, Byley
FOOD HERO OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by The Warren
Gary Usher, Elite Bistros
Finalists
George Heler, Heler Cheese/The Cheshire Cheese Company
Jamie Savage, Savages Mussels
FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Cheshire Life
Pastry Pédaleur, Chester
Finalists
Benona Chocolates, Bramhall
Hannah’s Homemade Fudge, Hurleston
MANCHESTER RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Aqueous Digital
Erst, Ancoats
Finalists
MUSU, Manchester
Climat, Manchester
NEW OPENING OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Three Wrens Distillery
The White Horse, Churton
Finalists
Y Parlwr, Rhosneigr
Home Coffee & Studio, Alsager
TEA ROOM/CAFE OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Carden Park
Davenports Tea Room, Northwich
Finalists
ABDA, Northwich
Wild & Wild, Congleton
YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Stephensons
Amanda Salters, Cheshire College
Finalists
Amy Phillips, Cheshire College
Sharna Fraser, Cheshire College
Olivia James, Cheshire College
Read More: The Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards 2023: the winners revealed
