It’s time to reveal the establishments who have made it to the top table of this year’s Food & Drink Awards

Great British Life: 2018 Lancashire Life Food and Drink Awards sponsors2018 Lancashire Life Food and Drink Awards sponsors (Image: Archant)

We are delighted to revealed the shortlist for this year’s Lancashire Life & Lake District Life Food & Drink Awards – the biggest night in the north west culinary calendar.

It’s a drama packed evening when the men and women who ensure our hospitality industry is second to none swap their kitchen whites for dinner jackets and fine frocks to find out who has won our top awards for 2018.

This is always an eagerly awaited event as we take the opportunity to highlight the very best of service, accommodation, produce and, most of all, food and drink.

Lancashire Life editor Roger Borrell said: ‘With the help of our sponsors, these awards have been going for 30 years and they signify our support for a business that has created tens of thousands of jobs.

The hospitality industry is a key part of our region’s economy and it’s growing all the time.’

Food heroes, top chefs, amazing restaurants and brilliant produce will all be highlighted during an evening of friendly rivalry and great fun. It’s also an opportunity to once again support Hospitality Action, the charity which helps workers from the industry who have fallen on hard times.

We are particularly pleased to be staging our awards as the guests of Ribby Hall, the five star holiday and leisure village at Wrea Green.

Chris Parsons, the head banqueting chef, and his team have been creating a special menu just for the awards, which take place on October 15.

We are sure he will be putting together a series of winning dishes on a night devoted to winners.

foodawards.lancashirelife.co.uk/sponsors

The 2018 shortlist

Great British Life: Bertrams, Baratxuri, Freemasons at WiswellBertrams, Baratxuri, Freemasons at Wiswell (Image: Archant)

Lancashire Life Restaurant of the Year sponsored by Stephensons

Bertrams

With an eclectic mix of modern and retro surroundings, they offer a stunning dining experience with creative food beautifully presented and spectaculars views of Pendle Hill.

Royle Lodge, near Burnley, BB12 0RT. 01282 471930

Baratxuri

This authentic classic pintxo bar enhanced by its sharing ethos brings a tiny piece of the Basque territory with delicious food in friendly surroundings.

1 Smithy St, Ramsbottom, BL0 9AT. 01706 559090

Freemasons at Wiswell

Hugely experienced chef Steven Smith creates a true gastronomic experience at this welcoming old village inn with his tradesmark brand of unique and diverse food.

8 Vicarage Fold, Wiswell, near Clitheroe, BB7 9DF. 01254 822218

Great British Life: Cartford Inn, The Higher Buck, The Bird at BirtleCartford Inn, The Higher Buck, The Bird at Birtle (Image: Archant)

Lancashire Life Dining Pub of the Year sponsored by Bowker BMW

Cartford Inn

With great service and a multitude of flavours showcasing the tantalising food culture with a discernible French influence, they constantly seek to enhance the food and drink experience.

Cartford Lane, Little Eccleston, PR3 0YP. 01995 670166

The Higher Buck

Michael Heathcote, owner and head chef, has focused on the philosophy of delivering tasty food with keen attention to detail that brings people back for more.

The Square, Waddington, near Clitheroe, BB7 3HZ. 01200 423226

The Bird at Birtle

Andrew Nutter’s most recent creation, this is a successful gastro pub that focuses on traditional Lancashire food with flair and imagination.

239 Bury and Rochdale Old Rd, Heywood, OL10 4BQ. 01706 540500

Great British Life: Bowland Food Hall, Roy Porter, Filberts BakeryBowland Food Hall, Roy Porter, Filberts Bakery (Image: Archant)

Lancashire Life Independent Retailer of the Year sponsored by Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses

Bowland Food Hall

A modern temple of gastronomic indulgence, this is a wonderful showcase of the very best of Lancashire’s food and drink produce.

Holmes Mill, Clitheroe, BB7 1EB. 01200407181

Roy Porter

Experts in making delicious and much sought after pies, this local butcher has been delivering carefully crafted food to adoring locals.

9 Bridge Rd, Chatburn, near Clitheroe, BB7 4AW. 01200 441392

Filbert’s Bakery

People come from all over to taste the bakes that are each week’s inspiration, from France to Scandinavia, all made on site and presented by an award-winning team.

20 King St, Lancaster, LA1 1JY. 07804 515706

Great British Life: Samling Hotel, The Castle Dairy, MizuSamling Hotel, The Castle Dairy, Mizu (Image: Archant)

Lake District Dining Excellence of the Year sponsored by Slingsby Gin

Samling Hotel

Creativity and brilliant food go hand in hand and Chef Peter Howarth and his team continue to strive to create an exceptional dining experience - the chefs table is a memorable experience.

Ambleside Rd, Windermere, LA23 1LR. 015394 31922

The Castle Dairy

In Kendal’s oldest inhabited building surrounded by local artwork, young chefs are trained to create exceptional food proving the hospitality industry with stars of the future.

26 Wildman St, Kendal, LA9 6EN. 01539 814756

Mizu, The Lodore Falls Hotel

Combining the tranquillity of Japanese Zen with the glorious Cumbrian countryside, creates a relaxed ambience with authentic Asian inspired dishes - the sashimi maguro is a must try.

Borrowdale, Keswick, CA125UX. 017687 77285

Great British Life: The Black Sheep Tearoom, Greendale, Lantern O'er LuneThe Black Sheep Tearoom, Greendale, Lantern O'er Lune (Image: Archant)

Lancashire Life Tearoom/Café of the Year sponsored by Hospitality Action

The Black Sheep Tearoom

Quirky and traditional, this lovely tearoom brings a delicious afternoon tea where the emphasis is on tradition and flavour.

36a Clifton St, Lytham, FY8 5EW. 01253 731734

Greendale

Very much a family affair, Trevor and Louise Rutherford have made an art form of homemade, locally sourced food, in beautiful rural surroundings.

Downham Rd, Chatburn, Clitheroe. BB7 4DL. 01200 441517

Lantern O’er Lune

Having already received many accolades, this established café bistro is bursting with cosmopolitan flavours and a lovely array of handmade cakes and pastries.

Tithebarn Hill, Glasson Dock, Lancaster, LA2 OBY. 01524 752323

Great British Life: Assheton Arms, Coach and Horses, The Punch Bowl InnAssheton Arms, Coach and Horses, The Punch Bowl Inn (Image: Archant)

Lancashire Life Restaurant with Rooms sponsored by Penningtons Coffee

Assheton Arms

Historic and boasting stunning views of Pendle Hill, guests can enjoy delicious dishes, many seafood, at this inn that has received national accolades.

Top Row, Downham, Clitheroe, BB7 4BJ. 01200 441227

Coach and Horses

A combination of pub classics and more refined dishes, all served in a traditional coaching inn, with stand out rooms with antique furniture.

Main St, Bolton by Bowland, Clitheroe, BB7 4NW. 01200 447331

The Punch Bowl Inn

Luxurious rooms individually designed situated in the unspoilt Lyth Valley, this is a traditional pub with classic British cuisine presented with great modern flair.

Crosthwaite, Lyth Valley, LA8 8HR. 015395 68237

Great British Life: Batch Gin, Hof Beer-Farmyard Ales, Artisan BakeryBatch Gin, Hof Beer-Farmyard Ales, Artisan Bakery (Image: Archant)

Lancashire Life Food or Drink Product of the Year sponsored by Ribby Hall

Batch Gin

Already an award winning gin that takes a nod at the industrial heritage of Burnley with this tasty spirit with some big juniper notes balanced with a delicious citrus edge.

Habergham Mill, Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, BB11 5BS. 01282 709154

Hof Beer-Farmyard Ales

Farms no longer just produce meat, diary and cereal , now they’re home to a craft beer brewery, creating this beautiful clean and crisp pilsner.

Gulf Lane, Cockerham, near Lancaster, LA2 0ER. 01253 799988

Country Rye and Caraway Loaf - Artisan Foodworks

A brilliant crusty loaf always well loved with rye flour and caraway seeds creating a unique flavour. Perfect with Lancashire cheese and chutney.

Ringtail Rd, Burscough, near Ormskirk, L40 8JP. 0845 860 2141

Great British Life: Bistro Bar and Grill at Holmes Mill, Blue Smoke at Low Wood Bay, The Barn at Moor HallBistro Bar and Grill at Holmes Mill, Blue Smoke at Low Wood Bay, The Barn at Moor Hall (Image: Archant)

Lancashire Life Newcomer of the Year sponsored by Hallgarten Wines

Bistro Bar and Grill at Holmes Mill

Another spectacular addition to James’ Places collection. Occupying the original Spinning Block, serving good food in a stylish setting.

Holmes Mill, Greenacre St, Clitheroe, BB7 1EB. 01200 407111

Blue Smoke at Low Wood Bay

Cooking over hot embers is one of the oldest methods and at Blue Smoke you get the unique smoked flavours with stunning lake views from an exceptional dining room.

Ambleside Rd, Windermere, LA23 1LP. 0333 220 3105

The Barn at Moor Hall

Following the huge success of Moor Hall, comes Mark Birchall’s casual dining restaurant, featuring 35 day aged steaks and a full vegetarian menu.

Moor Hall Restaurant, Prescot Road, Aughton. L39 6RT. 01695 572511

Great British Life: Mia Italia, Wagon and Horses, Wolf and UsMia Italia, Wagon and Horses, Wolf and Us (Image: Archant)

Lancashire Life Family Dining of the Year sponsored by Whitehouse

Mia Italia

Shaped by their Italian family ethos, this charming Italian restaurant allows children to create their own little pizzas, while the adults can enjoy their own homemade grown-up version.

Hawthorne House, Bolton-le-Sands, near Carnforth, LA5 8JD. 01524823323

Wagon and Horses

Traditional family friendly pub with an emphasis on wholesome good food. With a range of traditional dishes and some spectacular ones like the Japanese Soul beef.

27 St George’s Quay, Lancaster, LA1 1RD. 01524846094

Wolf and Us

Serving up fresh and quirky food that keeps locals coming back for more. With a supply of an impressive range of cakes like their pistachio and rose cake, this is a local gem.

Lindeth Rd, Silverdale, LA5 0TX. 015247020243

Join us on the big night

There are some tickets still available for the Lancashire Life Food & Drink Awards, a black tie event which takes place on October 15 at Ribby Hall Village. For further details please email us at clare.wodhams@archant.co.uk Tickets are £75 each plus VAT and the price includes a gin and fizz reception, a four course dinner and wine.