Manchester steakhouse tucked in corner of former textiles warehouse and New Zealand-inspired brunch spot shortlisted for top awards

A number of Manchester restaurants and bars have been shortlisted for awards at a prestigious ceremony - including a trio of London establishments who moved to the city less than a year ago.

The Casual Dining Awards celebrate multi-site restaurants, pubs and bars across the country, recognising them for their achievements in menu innovation, concepts, and experience.

The shortlist for this year’s awards have been unveiled ahead of the glitzy ceremony taking place at the 5-star London Marriott Hotel towards the end of April. Amongst those nominated are the likes of Albert’s Schloss, The Alchemist and Caravan - with a number of Manchester sites getting specific mentions.

Manchester makes up half of the shortlist for the Opening of the Year award, with the city’s Blacklock, Caravan and Flat Iron all mentioned alongside Soho’s Albert’s Schloss, Paddington’s Wahaca and London’s Los Mochis.

Inspired by the original chophouses of the 1690s, popular London haunt Blacklock opened its first site outside of the capital here in Manchester in September. Housed in the corner of a Grade II listed textiles warehouse on Peter Street, the ‘contemporary yet unpretentious’ venue features a menu including skinny chops, ‘door-stop-thick’ big chops, and steaks.

Also with a spotlight on steak is Flat Iron, located in Deansgate. Opened in the city in a Grade II-listed building once owned by the Royal London Friendly Society, the steakhouse also comes from London. With a focus on affordability, Fred Smith, Flat Iron’s Head of Beef, previously told the M.E.N: "Our mission was to have a fantastic eating experience but not necessarily at the price point you’d expect.”

Caravan, located opposite Aviva Studios in the St John’s Neighbourhood, opened in