Food Awards England 2022: All 20 Greater Manchester food and drink businesses going for gold

There are 20 food and drink businesses from Greater Manchester hoping to win gold at the annual Food Awards England. Eateries from five of the boroughs are nominated across 14 categories.

Highlights include the Fat Loaf, in Ashton-upon-Mersey, which is up for the prestigious 'Restaurant of the Year' award, and Manchester-based burger and shakes chain Archie's, which has been nominated in two categories.

Winners will be crowned at a black-tie ceremony inside the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly next month.

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Much-loved West Didsbury restaurant Greens is up for the 'Best Vegetarian Establishment', along with the city centre's Allotment Vegan Eatery. Simon Connolly, who owns Greens alongside Sunday Brunch's Simon Rimmer, said: "It's always nice to be recognised.

"When we opened 32 years ago, there was very little else available and there were far fewer vegetarians and vegans around. The change is extraordinary.

"It was seen as something wacky and a lot of restaurants didn't cater to it particularly well but that's changed a lot. We welcome it."

As the only Greater Manchester eatery to be nominated in two categories, Archie's has doubled its odds of taking home an award. Managing director Amer Rafiq said: “At Archie’s we are really proud of what we do – serving great food, fresh to order – so it’s always fantastic to see that people appreciate what we do.

"We’re also honoured to represent Manchester – the city is part of our DNA. As we continue to grow, we hope more and more people across the country will fall in love with the Archie’s experience.”

Over in Bolton, family-run establishment Bob's Smithy