Food Awards England 2023: Lancashire finalists listed

The finalists across a swathe of categories have been announced, recognising excellence across a range of different settings and cuisines, with nominations from every corner of the country.

The Food Awards England 2023 says it “honours the exceptional talent, dedication, and passion displayed by restaurants, chefs, eateries, suppliers, and various food establishments across England”.

After venues are nominated by the public, the final shortlists are decided by a judging panel to single out the best in the business, with a host of East Lancashire venues making the cut.

With two nominations is Stanley House Hotel and Spa in Mellor, which is up for the Best Hotel Restaurant in the North and Best World Cuisine in the North prizes.

The Parkers Arms is nominated

East Lancashire has two nominees in the North’s Caterer of the Year category: CaterMyEvent from Burnley and Darwen’s Marjory’s Catering.

Breda Murphy, the British Irish venue in Whalley, is up for Restaurant of the Year in the North West, while the Parkers Arms in Newton-in-Bowland is nominated for Gastropub of the Year in the North, as is the Higher Buck in Waddington.

Brizola Bar and Grill in Clitheroe was also listed in the Best Mediterranean Establishment category.

Finally, Jim’s Vegetarian Restaurant in Colne is up for Best Vegetarian Establishment in the North.

Excitement is now building ahead of the big awards ceremony which will take place at the Holiday Inn in Birmingham city centre on October 9.

Oceanic Events, organisers of the awards, said it has been ”overwhelmed by the sheer talent and passion displayed by all the nominees”.

It added: “The Food Awards England 2023 promises to be a night filled with excitement, camaraderie, and celebration, as we recognize the hard work and dedication of these exceptional individuals and establishments.”

A spokesperson for the Food Awards England added: “In a country with so many food establishments and businesses, it can be hard to stand out.

“However, the 2023 finalists have all been distinguished as the real masters in their field due to their hard work and dedication to customer satisfaction.

“Moreover, their success isn’t just about their dedication to leaving every customer satisfied.

“It’s also a story that reflects the resilience and creativity of countless chefs, producers, employees and managers who are always ensuring that locals and visitors eat well.

“We would like to wish all finalists the best of luck.”

The East Lancashire nominees at the Food Awards England 2023 are:

• Restaurant of the Year (North West): Breda Murphy, Whalley
• Gastropub of the Year (North): The Parker Arms, Newton-in-Bowland; The Higher Buck, Waddington
• Hotel Restaurant of the Year (North): Stanley House Hotel and Spa, Mellor
• Caterer of the Year (North): CaterMyEvent, Burnley; Marjory’s Catering, Darwen
• Best Italian Establishment: Brizola Bar and Grill, Clitheroe
• Best World Cuisine (North): Stanley House Hotel and Spa, Mellor
• Best Vegetarian Establishment: Jim’s Vegetarian Restaurant, Colne

Other Lancashire nominees are:

• Twelve Restaurant, Thornton-Cleveleys (Restaurant of the Year, North West)
• Encore Chorley, Calico Lounge, Ottoman Grill & Bar, Smokies BBQ, Nishi Sushi Café, Colin’s Butty Van, all Chorley (Restaurant, North West)
• The Ginger Bistro, Preston (Café/Bistro, North West)
• The Bees Country Kitchen, Chorley (Cafe/Bistro, North West)
• Aspect Bistro at Lothersdale Hotel, Morecambe (Hotel Restaurant, North)
• Barton Takeaway, Preston (Takeaway, North, and Best Street Food)
• Holdi Rainford, Ormskirk (Best Indian, North)
• Teapi, Chorley (Best Italian, North)
• Orathai Restaurant, Preston (Best Oriental, North)
• The Zen Restaurant, Lytham St Annes (Best Oriental, North)
• Coco’s Soul Food, Fino Tapas, both Preston (Best World Cuisine, North)
• Yorkshire Fisheries, Blackpool (Best Fish and Chips, North)
• Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms, Aughton (Best Fine Dining)
• Ma Baker’s Café, Preston (Best Dessert Outlet)