Although the winner of the region's top food prize is no stranger to accolades, Lisa Allen admits that 2010 has been quite a year.

The winner of the Cheshire Life and Lancashire Life Food and Drink Awards 2010-11 top prize is no stranger to accolades. Lisa Allen admits that 2010 has been quite a year. Just a few months ago, the Northcote head chef followed in the footsteps of chef Nigel Haworth by winning BBC chef competition Great British menu.

The 29-year-old was named North West Chef of the Year - a feat achieved just a few years ago by her mentor Nigel. Lisa, who champions local produce and is aiming to encourage more women into the industry, received a standing ovation when she was announced as the recipient of this great accolade.

She said: ‘Things have been moving at 100 miles an hour all year and it’s fantastic to be able to come to an event like this to enjoy it and to be with like-minded people. Everyone works so hard so it’s nice to get out and have a bit of fun.

‘I’m really shocked to have got this award. I can’t believe it and I’m really pleased. It is such a surprise. I’m at a point in my career that I want to keep going and to achieve in the industry. It’s an exciting road to be on and I don’t want to get off.’

Ray King and Lucy Meacock announce the North West Chef of the Year 2010 -2011

Established in 1838 we at Robinson’s Brewery have been a fairly well kept secret over the last three centuries in Stockport busy brewing really tasty beers and ales, some winning International acclaim as in Old Tom, voted World’s Best Ale 2009. Having just under 400 tenanted pubs throughout the North West every one of them individual, with over 300 of them some with restaurants, they don’t just offer our superb beers and ales, they offer a great variety of Local, Regional, European and International cuisine too.

Frederic Robinson Limited Unicorn Brewery Stockport Cheshire SK1 1JJ 0161 612 4061 www.frederic-robinson.com