Cheshire Life toasts the county’s hospitality heroes on July 24 at the 2023 Food & Drink Awards staged at Carden Park Hotel. The judges have chosen the finalists from a long list of entries that did credit to the diversity and excellence served up across the region.
Tickets are now on sale for the dinner and awards ceremony on Monday, July 24, which will be hosted by BBC presenter Beccy Wood whose life and loves are firmly rooted in the county’s farming industry. Guests are invited to put on their best bib and tucker for the celebrations, which will include a red-carpet photoshoot, drinks reception with Carden Park’s own sparkling wine, a three-course dinner and wine on the table.
Editor Joanne Goodwin said: ‘The calibre and variety of entries reflect the many businesses and individuals that are raising the standard and reputation of food and drink offerings in the Cheshire Life circulation area. We can’t wait to pay this tribute to the industry that keeps us fed and watered so well in good times and not so good. Many of the past winners credit these awards with helping their success and this year there is a great mix of new and established names getting recognition.’
COME AND JOIN US
We will honour the chefs, producers and venues behind Cheshire’s ever-growing reputation as a place to find fabulous food and drink at a spectacular night of eating, meeting, making friends and celebrating on Monday, July 24, at Carden Park Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort. To get your ticket visit store.newsquest.co.uk/cheshire-lifefood-drink-awards-2023-tickets1
Email catherine.thompson@nqyne.co.uk with any dietary requirements by July 7
THE MENU
STARTER - Terrine of red mullet and crab with carrot and brown crab purée, asparagus, cucumber and crushed new potatoes
MAIN - Roast loin of lamb and braised shoulder pithivier with a courgette and basil purée, ratatouille and a café au lait sauce.
VEGETARIAN STARTER - (available on pre-order) Beetroot tartare with black garlic purée, chicory and aged balsamic
VEGETARIAN MAIN - (available on pre-order) Pea, bean and feta pithivier with salsa verde
DESSERT - Victoria sponge, strawberry sorbet and elderflower gel
THE FINALISTS
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR Sponsored by the Taylor Lynn Corporation and Liz Taylor Consultancy
Arkle at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel, Chester
La Popote, Marton
St Martha Greek Restaurant, Nantwich
CHEF OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Carrie-Ann Sudlow Consultancy
Elliot Hill, Arkle, Chester
Richard Nuttall, Next Door, Frodsham
Dan Regan, The Forge, Chester
Richard Sharples, Elite Bistros
DINING PUB OF THE YEAR Sponsored by JW Lees
The Chester Fields, Bridge Trafford
The Cholmondeley Arms, Cholmondeley
The Swan Inn, Kettleshulme
DRINK PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Forager’s Fancy, Bebington
Lost Barn Coffee Roasters, Malpas
Red Willow Brewery, Macclesfield
FARM SHOP OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Mornflake
Cheerbrook Farm Shop, Nantwich
The Hollies Farm Shop, Little Budworth
Lowes Farm Shop, Byley
FOOD HERO OF THE YEAR Sponsored by The Warren
George Heler, Heler Cheese/ The Cheshire Cheese Company
Jamie Savage, Savages Mussels
Gary Usher, Elite Bistros
FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Benona Chocolates, Bramhall
Hannah’s Homemade Fudge, Hurleston
Pastry Pédaleur, Chester
MANCHESTER RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Aqueous Digital
Climat, Manchester
Erst, Ancoats
MUSU, Manchester
NEW OPENING OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Three Wrens Gin
Home Coffee & Studio, Alsager
The White Horse, Churton
Y Parlwr, Rhosneigr
TEAROOM/CAFÉ OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Luar Furniture
ABDA, Northwich
Davenports Tea Room, Northwich
WILD & WILD, Congleton Y
YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR Sponsored by H.G. Stephensons
Sharna Fraser, Cheshire College
Olivia James, Cheshire College
Amy Phillips, Cheshire College Amanda Salters, Cheshire College
Thanks to our sponsors
HEADLINE SPONSOR
TAYLOR LYNN CORPORATION AND LIZ TAYLOR CONSULTANCY
The Taylor Lynn Corporation has been at the forefront of events management for nearly 30 years. Corporate occasions and private events, both large and small, all receive a detailed, exciting and innovative style of events management. The eclectic client list includes entertainment and business leaders, discerning private clients, luxury brands, music icons, sports superstars and even a royal guest or two. 22 Lloyd Street, Manchester M2 5WA tlc-ltd.co.uk
Liz Taylor Consultancy combines CEO and business leader Liz Taylor’s creative flair and expertise across six key areas: hospitality and brand consultancy, Events That Made Me podcast host, media commentator, motivational event speaker, personal mentor, and author. Her depth of experience and creative vision has supported hospitality businesses right across the UK. She also recently released the audiobook of her inspirational biography, Taylor Made, and has a new podcast series for 2023. 22 Lloyd Street, Manchester, M2 5WA liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk
AQUEOUS DIGITAL
Aqueous Digital is an award-winning family-run digital marketing agency based in Cheshire specialising in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), website content strategy and reputation management for high-net-worth individuals. They say: ‘Every day, thousands of businesses are discovered by customers searching on Google. Will yours be the first to be found? Call us today for a free consultation and start your journey to the top.’ Oak House, Sutton Quays Business Park, Clifton Road, Sutton Weaver WA7 3EH aqueous-digital.co.uk
CARRIE-ANN SUDLOW CONSULTANCY LTD (FCIM)
‘Since 2008 we have helped hundreds of business owners make their dreams come true every year by focusing on costeffective marketing that pays for itself,’ says Carrie-Ann Sudlow. ‘We are devoted to and passionate about you and your business. We offer straightforward digital marketing with no long contracts or false promises. ‘We make your business our purpose and consider ourselves part of your team. We can do as little or as much as you wish. From putting together a marketing strategy to executing a marketing plan and all the bits in between.’ Booths Hall, Booths Park, Chelford Road, Knutsford, WA16 8GS carrieannsudlow.co.uk
H.G. STEPHENSONS
H.G. Stephensons is an independent, family run business based in Stockport. Specialists in catering equipment supplies, the company is passionate about supporting the catering and hospitality industry. Stephensons supplies businesses all over the UK and is constantly benchmarking prices to offer customers great deals on essentials. From food packaging solutions to professional kitchen appliances and more, Stephensons has many excellent options to offer. Kennerley Works, 161 Buxton Road, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6EQ stephensons.com
JW LEES
JW Lees is a family brewery company with pubs, inns and hotels in the North West, including the Alderley Edge Hotel, The Stanneylands and other significant pubs in Cheshire such as the Golden Pheasant Plumley, George and Dragon Great Budworth and Plough and Flail Mobberley. They say: ‘We are delighted to be sponsoring the Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards for the first time.’ Greengate Brewery, Middleton Junction M24 2AX; jwlees.co.uk
LUAR FURNITURE
Sleek designer furniture that looks great and is good for the environment. Finally, there is an environmentally friendly alternative to wood and metal for your outdoor furniture. With its chic profile and contemporary designs, the Luar range of premium commercial quality outdoor furniture is the perfect addition to any outdoor entertaining space. The luxury range includes patio tables, chairs, outdoor lounge furniture, picnic benches, litter bins and fire pits and is all manufactured at Luar’s dedicated factory in Cheshire. 22-23 King Street Trading Estate Middlewich Cheshire CW10 9LF luarfurniture.co.uk
MORNFLAKE/ MORNING FOODS
‘At Mornflake we are proud of our Cheshire heritage. Our story started in Swettenham with William Lea almost 350 years ago, when Mother Nature provided power to turn our first millstone. Fifteen generations later she’s still powering our mill. Our Mighty Oats are still milled by James and Edward Lea using the positive power of nature.’ North Western Mills, Crewe CW2 6HP mornflake.com
THE WARREN RESORT & SPA
‘Enjoy all the luxuries of your home at our gorgeous beachside resort. Take your pick from indoor and outdoor pools, beachfront dining, a gym and classes, spa and wellness centre and much more. Live your best life on the Llŷn Peninsula, close to Abersoch, and relish that holiday feeling whenever you wish. Purchase a holiday home at our exclusive owners-only beach resort and feel instantly at home.’ Coming soon: Headland View, a new development of four bespoke lodges. Llyn Peninsula, Abersoch, Gwynedd LL53 7AA haulfrynholidays.co.uk/twiq
THREE WRENS GIN LTD
Three Wrens produces a range of craft spirits from its woodland distillery on the edge of the Combermere Abbey Estate. Launched in 2019, the business has become part of the fabric of Cheshire’s innovative food and drink community with the gins winning international recognition. Visitors can pop into the distillery Monday-Saturday 10am6pm to watch the production process, have a cocktail in the bar or browse the gift shop. Book a slot at the gin school, or a tour and gintasting event. Gin school runs each Saturday 12pm-3pm and the tours are 4pm-6pm. Juniper House, Park View, Combermere SY13 4AL threewrensgin.com