Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Award Winners

In a glittering award ceremony, held on Wednesday 28th September 2022 at Chester Racecourse, Taste Cheshire were proud to crown the 2022 champions at the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Awards.

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”.

Here are the Winners.

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 2 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