The 2023 Cheshire Life Food and Drink Awards winners

Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards trophies were handed out across 11 categories at the black-tie dinner hosted by BBC presenter and Cheshire Life columnist Beccy Wood.

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.

Great British Life: The Carden Suite where the 2023 Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards were staged. (c) Kurt Thomas The Carden Suite where the 2023 Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards were staged. (c) Kurt Thomas

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

Great British Life: The team from St Martha celebrate being named the Cheshire Life restaurant of the year. (C) Kirsty Thompson The team from St Martha celebrate being named the Cheshire Life restaurant of the year. (C) Kirsty Thompson