The Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Awards 2024 have concluded the initial voting stage with a resounding success. A record-breaking 64,794 votes were cast by the public, demonstrating the passion and enthusiasm for the region’s vibrant food and drink scene.

The organisers are thrilled to announce the shortlisted finalists who will now compete in the next stage of the competition. A panel of industry experts will conduct mystery shopping visits and dine at each finalist establishment to determine the ultimate winners.

A notable trend observed in the voting was the significant increase in popularity of micropubs in Cheshire. Recognising this growing trend, the organisers have introduced a new category, Cheshire’s Best Micropub, for the first time. This addition highlights the unique contributions that micropubs make to the local food and drink landscape.

The grand finale of the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Awards will take place on October 2nd, 2024, at the prestigious Chester Racecourse. This special awards dinner will celebrate the outstanding achievements of the region’s food and drink businesses. Tickets for the event are available from Taste Cheshire.

Taste Cheshire owner Briony Wilson said “Another year, another astonishing result. It’s amazing to see so many people supporting our local food and drink industry and I for one can’t wait to see who wins. I am thrilled about the new category; it shows the evolving nature of our industry and that small independents still capture the hearts of our locals”.

In addition to the awards ceremony, Taste Cheshire will also unveil its new and improved website. This enhanced platform will provide visitors with even more information, resources, and inspiration related to the region’s food and drink offerings.

The finalists for the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Awards 2024 are:

Local Produce Shop of the Year

• The Hollies Farm Shop
• Rose Farm Shop, Tarporley
• Growing @Field 28 farm shop & deli
• The Littlest Farm Shop, Malpas
• Grange Farm at Lowton

Event Venue of the Year

• The Chester Fields
• Treasury Private Dining Palmyra Square, Warrington
• Chester Cathedral
• Chester Racecourse

Cheshire Accommodation Award

• The Pheasant at Burwardesley
• The Hollies Forest Lodges
• The Chester Townhouse
• The Parrs Bank Hotel

Best Newcomer

• The Nook & Cranny (Alderley Edge)
• Axt Haus
• Pendergast Steak House, Warrington
• Brewski
• Zucca Frodsham

Best Casual Eatery

• The Emporium, Westminster Park.
• Bean & Cole
• Little Yellow Pig
• Fork & Flavour
• Lyndas Cakes and Tea Room, Saughall

Best Cheshire Bar

• Little Tap. Tarporley
• Vandal, Warrington
• Bar Lounge
• Craft & Company

Cheshire’s Best MicroPub

• Bondies – Ellesmere Port
• The Crafty Tavern
• Sandstone
• Homebrew Tap in Hoole, Chester

Food Producer of the Year

• Groobox
• Bourne’s Cheshire Cheese
• Growing @Field 28
• The Weston Biltong Company
• SJ Bebbington Butchers Westminster Park

Drink Producer of the Year

• Weetwood Ales & Distillery
• Three Wrens Gin
• Spookton Brewery
• Spitting Feathers Brewery

Green Award for Sustainability

• Field Kitchen at Groobarbs Wild Farm
• Twenty Eight, Chester
• Jaunty Goat
• Chester Zoo

Family Friendly Venue

• Ring O’Bells, Christleton
• Hickory’s Smokehouse, Chester
• The Shady, Tiverton
• The Knot Inn, Rushton Spencer

Local Produce in a Menu

• Groobarbs Field kitchen
• Little Tap – Terrarium
• Poco, Hoole
• Fork and Flavour, Chester
• The Chester Fields, Mickle Trafford
• Twenty Eight, Chester

Best Cheshire Pub

• Swan at Marbury
• The Mount Inn
• The Leopard Nantwich Tap
• Antrobus Arms
• The Fox and Barrell, Cotebrook

Best Small Restaurant

• Vandals, Warrington
• Poco, Hoole
• Little Tap – Terrarium
• Upstairs at the Grill
• The Vines, Carden Park Hotel

Best Large Restaurant

• Field Kitchen at Groobarbs Wild Farm
• Artezzan Restaurant and Bar
• San Lorenzo Italian
• The Chef’s Table
• Pendergast’s Steakhouse and Bar