Four East Lancashire restaurants have been named as some of the nation’s best eateries in this year’s Good Food Awards.
The Blue Ribbon for Delicious Dishes’ Good Food award is based on a combination of votes from members of the public, a mystery review and the venue's delivery ratings on platforms such as Deliveroo and Uber Eats.
The Coach in Edenfield has already been featured after it was named as one of the winners.
Holy Cannoli in Great Harwood, Mega Much in Blackburn, and Enzo’s Pizza in Burnley were also highlighted as “hard-working teams who strive for excellence” by the competition panel.
Offering an entirely plant-based menu, Holy Cannoli has been awarded for the second year running in the cafés, bistros, sandwich shops and coffee and tea rooms category and handed the Gold Seal.
Run by couple Colin and Cathryn and their daughter Rachel Hammerton, they are intent on focusing on ethical dining and providing high-quality food that everyone can enjoy.
Rachel said: “It came as a surprise, we weren’t expecting it, but our customers have been a real support throughout the three years, and it means a lot to us and they keep coming back and they really care about us.
“It is a really lovely way to showcase what we are doing is really worth it and we hope it will get our name out there further and wider.
“We are really glad that everyone is still out there supporting us and there is a lot of work that goes into it, and it is nice to have the recognition.”
In the takeaway category, Blackburn’s Mega Munch was a standout winner for its offerings of pizzas, fried chicken, kebabs and burgers.
Read more: Gastro pub owners 'overwhelmed' after winning 'prestigious' award
It was also awarded the Gold Seal for the second straight year after achieving consistently high customer ratings.
Arif Khan, owner of Mega Munch, said: “We work hard to keep our standards up and make sure our customers are happy.
“Obviously when you win something like that it is a very emotional thing for all the hard work you put in and we are ecstatic.
“The quality and service set us apart and speaking to customers and being friendly. We can’t pinpoint one thing we do that has led to this achievement, it is a multi-task thing.”
Arif also wanted to thank his customers for their support and their returning custom over the years.
Enzo’s Pizza in Burnley was awarded the Gold Seal in the takeaway category, for the fifth straight year, and was commended for its unwavering commitment to high-quality ingredients and top craftsmanship.
Having been run by the same family for 38 years, originally started by brothers Calogera, Guiseppe and Vincenzo Manta, it has become a staple in the town.
After Vincenzo’s death in 2020, it is now run by Guiseppe, Calogera and his son Nicola.
Nicola said: “It is a fantastic achievement, we are so proud. As a family, we have served the people of Burnley for 38 years.
“To be thought of highly by our customers and the community is a fantastic feeling.
“Five years in a row is an incredible honour, the team have worked tirelessly, and I feel these types of awards reflect that and the dedication to continue to deliver the highest quality product that people like, enjoy and love and we feel that, and we love that.
“The Good Food Awards are a highly sought-after award and it is just motivation to keep going and not compromise on quality and use the best and freshest ingredients.”
The Coach at Edenfield was rated in the Gastro Pub category and picked up a Gold Seal for its take on a menu derived from modern British cuisine with a signature twist.
Co-owner and publican, Dan Wilcock, said: "We thank each and every one of [our customers] for their continued support and are overwhelmed by their input into gaining this award.
"I’m so proud of the efforts from the whole team and want to personally thank everyone that cast a vote in our favour."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here