IT'S time to enter your favourites for the 2026 Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards. This spectacular night of eating, meeting and celebrating is our chance to honour the hospitality industry – the culinary champions who shape the region's food and drink scene.
Each month in the magazine, we champion food and drink producers, purveyors and venues, both large and small, town and country, emerging and established. This year’s event at Carden Park, on Monday, July 20, will be hosted for the third year by audience favourite, author, journalist, broadcaster and Cheshire Life columnist Suzan Holder.
The Carden Park chefs, themselves award-winners, will serve a specially created menu and the evening will open with a drinks reception with sparkling wine produced from the estate's own vines.
Cheshire Life editor Joanne Goodwin says: ‘Our circulation area of the county of Cheshire, North Wales and Manchester is one of the best places in the UK to experience great food, drink and hospitality.
‘The Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards, along with the magazine’s extensive monthly food and drink news and reviews, reward and support the innovative individuals and businesses working tirelessly to keep us well-fed, watered and entertained.
'The awards are a joyful occasion that means a great deal to the finalists and gives them a badge of honour to carry with them in the year ahead.
‘Now is the time to enter or nominate across the categories listed. This year's event will include some surprises, including a new Outstanding Contribution Award, nominated and chosen exclusively by the editor and judges. We look forward to showcasing the excellence of our food and drink heroes of 2025.’
The closing date is April 26 (midnight). Finalists will be selected by a panel of expert judges. Businesses and individuals from the Cheshire Life circulation area can enter or be nominated.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS
Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards 2026 nomination form
If you'd like to party with the finalists, sponsors, VIP guests and industry leaders at the awards on July 20, look out for details in Cheshire Life in the coming months.
The categories
Chef of the Year
Awarded to the chef who is not only turning out the best food you can eat locally and who consistently raises standards.
Cheshire Restaurant of the Year
The town or country restaurant offering an unrivalled dining experience, including food, service and setting.
Chester or North Wales Restaurant of the Year
This award is for the Chester or North Wales restaurant that is a must-visit place for every foodie.
Manchester Restaurant of the Year
Celebrating the standout dining spot in Manchester, this award recognises the place that draws food lovers from near and far.
Dining Pub of the Year
This standout pub offers more than just a meal – it delivers a warm, genuine welcome that keeps guests coming back and is a haven for food lovers and beer enthusiasts alike.
Specialist Venue or Event of the Year
Celebrating venues, businesses and events that deliver exceptional food experiences in unique settings, from boutique wedding venues and pop-up supper clubs to food-focused festivals.
Food or Drink Producer of the Year
This award celebrates the individuals or teams behind the region's finest food and drink. Whether a farmer, grower, artisan producer, brewer, or distiller, they are passionate about their craft and dedicated to creating exceptional products. We’re looking for those who champion quality, sustainability and local provenance.
Food & Drink Retailer of the Year
Cheshire produce showcased alongside great service is the criterion here. This is a place that puts the county’s finest food and drink on show for all to savour, whether a deli, specialist shop, farm shop, market or street food vendor.
Unsung Hero of the Year
This award honours the quiet champions of our food and drink scene – the behind-the-scenes stars who go above and beyond without seeking the spotlight. This person plays a vital role in making things happen. Dedicated, reliable, and indispensable, they are the backbone of the business.
Tea Room/Cafe of the Year
The place that truly stands out for its tea, coffee, cakes and bakes. Whether it’s a charming village tearoom or a buzzing city café, we’re looking for somewhere that combines quality, atmosphere, and warm hospitality.
Young Chef of the Year
The one to watch – a person aged 25 or under making a name for themselves among their peers, whether a student or working chef. The one who top restaurants would want in their team.
Share