THE BEST of Cheshire’s vibrant food and drink scene was on show this month at the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Awards in Chester.

Held at the city’s historic racecourse, Wednesday’s (October 2) ceremony saw over 350 industry professionals gather to celebrate the exceptional talent and innovation within the region.

This year's awards featured several new categories, including ‘Cheshire's Best Micro Pub’, reflecting the growing popularity of this unique hospitality concept. The event also marked the launch of the Taste Cheshire Cocktail Competition, encouraging bartenders to showcase their creativity and mixology skills.

The evening was a resounding success, with a range of businesses recognised for their outstanding contributions to the local food and drink industry.

(Image: Taste Cheshire)

Notable winners included:

  • Local Produce in a Menu: The Chester fields
  • Best Cheshire Bar: Craft and Company
  • Event Venue of the Year: The Chester fields
  • Best Casual Eatery: Little Yellow Pig, Hoole
  • Local Produce Shop of the Year: The Hollies Farm Shop
  • Best Cheshire Pub: The Swan at Marbury
  • Family-Friendly Venue of the Year: The Shady at Tiverton
  • Food Producer of the Year: Groobox
  • Drink Producer of the Year: Spookton Brew Co.
  • Cheshire Accommodation Award: The Hollies Forest Lodges
  • Cheshire’s Best Micro Pub: Bondies Bar, Ellesmere Port
  • Best Newcomer: Zucca, Frodsham
  • Best Small Restaurant: Upstairs at the Grill
  • Best Large Restaurant: Artezzan

In addition to the individual awards, Taste Cheshire also crowned the champion of the 2024 Festival Sausage Competition, sponsored by Now Food. Geoff Hughes Family Butcher, based in the new Chester Market, took home the prestigious title.

The evening concluded with a charity raffle in aid of the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, raising an impressive £1880. Generous donations from local businesses contributed to the raffle's success.