THE cream of Cheshire's hospitality crop received top honours at a ceremony in Chester Racecourse.
Taste Cheshire were proud to crown the 2022 champions at the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Awards.
A total of 350 members of Cheshire's hospitality industry gathered at the Pavilion on the course for a four course dinner, entertainment and of course, the handing out of some trophies.
Tori Hayes, on behalf of Taste Cheshire said, “It’s been three years since we last gathered to crown our winners and what a rollercoaster ride it has been. But through hardship to the stars, together we celebrated the determination, passion and phenomenal achievements of the Cheshire hospitality industry.”
On arrival the guests enjoyed a "frisky bison" cocktail courtesy of Three Wrens Gin and non alcoholic options were provided by Smashed Drynks. Followed by a gala dinner provided by Horseradish Catering and local cheeses from Cheshire Cheesemaker H.S Bourne. Entertainment was provided by Jay and John Acoustic Duo who had the whole room singing along.
In the initial stages of the awards, the general public cast in excess of 58,000 votes to decide the 4 or 5 finalists in each category. These were then mystery dined or shopped by industry experts and the top three were announced at the ceremony.
Taste Cheshire CEO Briony Wilson said: “The Cheshire hospitality industry really let its hair down, the industry is in the fight of its life and really deserved a night off to take stock and celebrate their success rather than focusing on the negative. Our thanks to the sponsors that made the event possible and Congratulations to everyone nominated, they are all amazing”.
The winners were:
- Local Produce Shop of the Year – Sponsored by Taste Cheshire
GOLD - The Lambing Shed
SILVER - The Hollies
BRONZE - Cheerbrook Farm Shop
- Event Venue of the Year– Sponsored by Deva Fest
GOLD - The Chester Fields
SILVER - The Grosvenor Pulford
BRONZE - Opera Grill
- Cheshire Accommodation Award – Sponsored by Tours around Chester
GOLD - The Pheasant Inn
BRONZE - The Chester Grosvenor
SILVER - The Hollie Forest Lodges
- Best Newcomer (must have been opened within the last two years) – Sponsored by Chester Race Company
GOLD - Linden Stores
SILVER - Big Belly Bakery
BRONZE - Kookaboora Bakery
- Best Casual Eatery – Sponsored by Smashed 0.0%
GOLD - Bean and Cole
SILVER - Little Tap
BRONZE - Neighbourhood Bakehouse
- Best Cheshire Bar – Sponsored by Secret Singles
GOLD - Liquor & Co
SILVER - Vin Santo
BRONZE - Bar Lounge
- Food Producer of the Year – Sponsored by Morgan’s Hair
GOLD - The Weston Biltong Co.
SILVER - Cheshire Farm Chips
BRONZE - Hannah’s Homemade Fudge
- Drinks Producer of the Year – Sponsored by Brasserie Abode
GOLD - Three Wrens Gin
SILVER - Tappers Gin
BRONZE - Weetwood Brewery and Distillery
- Green Award for Sustainability – Sponsored by City Fibre
GOLD - Jaunty Goat
SILVER - Hypha
BRONZE - Hoole Food Market
- Family Friendly Venue – Sponsored by HS Bourne
GOLD - White Horse, Chester Racecourse
SILVER - Croes Howell
BRONZE - Ginger Monkey No. 31
- Local Produce in a Menu – Sponsored by the New Chester Market
GOLD - The Chester Fields
SILVER - Little Tap
BRONZE - The Faulkner
- Best Cheshire Pub – Sponsored by Rick Warrier Training and Development
GOLD - The Swan at Marbury
SILVER - The Fishpool Inn
BRONZE - The Pheasant Inn
- Best Small Restaurant – Sponsored by WLGT
GOLD - Sticky Walnut
SILVER - Upstairs at the Grill
BRONZE - Elephant Bank
- Best Large Restaurant – Sponsored by Harlech Food Services
GOLD - Artezzan Restaurant and Bar
SILVER - 1539, Chester Racecourse
BRONZE - Chez Jules
- Chester Cocktail Champion – Sponsored By Three Wrens Distillery
Tristan Brady - Bar Lounge
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