Nantwich Food Awards - Local food and drink businesses celebrated at food awards evening

After a fabulous, successful 2026 Festival, the award-winning Nantwich Food Festival team organised and hosted the presentation of the annual Nantwich Food Awards on Friday 9th October at a glittering event in Nantwich Civic Hall. The Awards followed the Food Festival that brings many thousands of visitors to Nantwich every September.

Thousands of votes were cast by those in Nantwich and the surrounding area for their favourite food and drink establishments. This made the awards evening the culmination of the opinions of all these interested local people regarding who should win each of the 8 award categories.

The Mayor of Cheshire East: Cllr Judy Snowball, and Deputy Mayor of Nantwich: Cllr John Priest, were in attendance.

The event organisers were also delighted to welcome additional dignitaries and special guests: Crewe & Nantwich MP: Connor Naismith, Mayor of Crewe: Cllr Stuart Mackay and Deputy Mayor of Crewe: Cllr Martin Edwards plus Deputy Editor of Cheshire Life: Kate Houghton, making this an evening to remember.

They, in addition to the sponsors, nominees, guests and Festival Volunteers enjoyed live music by Stepping Lane doing their thing to encourage dancing well into the night; meanwhile the El Toro Photo booth was very popular – in demand all night. All those present thoroughly enjoyed the delicious catering by Cheshire College South and West, whilst Paul Boniface did a sterling job as compere of the evening.

Food Festival Director, Nanna Pedley, said in her introductory speech to the capacity audience, “I am delighted to welcome you all to this Awards evening; Nantwich has long been known as a foodie destination and so the Nantwich Food Awards were established many years ago to recognise the high standard of food and drink businesses in the town and the surrounding area.

“Many of these businesses have been awarded accolades from other organisations, so it is not surprising to see them with us this evening as finalists for our special awards; this event is both a celebration and a recognition of our wonderful eateries and food producers.

“The Nantwich Food Awards are keenly contested each year and the winners continue to proudly display their trophies for all to admire, so it is clear to the nominees and local people who have voted, that these awards are important to us all.

“We sincerely thank Nantwich Town Council and all our generous sponsors for their continued support; our special thanks go to One Sip at a Time for their sponsorship of this evening.”

Results were as follows:

Best Newcomer was won by new Nantwich sports bar, GOAT, recent winner of the Best Pub to watch Sports Award. Their Nantwich Food Award was sponsored by Mornflake and was presented by Charlotte Smith; La Dolce Vita Pasticceria and Deuce were shortlisted for this award.

Bar Stars award went to family business, Bar Six, making this their 5th win of this award; congratulations must go to them for such an outstanding achievement. Also shortlisted were GOAT and Edwards Deli & Wine. This award was presented by the Mayor of Cheshire East, Cllr Judy Snowball.

Café/Coffee Shop of the Year was won by Toast Haus, making this their 2nd year winning this award. Their trophy was sponsored by Cheshire Work & Leisure Wear Ltd and was presented by Crewe & Nantwich MP: Connor Naismith. Minshulls Nursery and Enzo were shortlisted in a tightly run contest.

Best Pub with Food was presented by Deputy Mayor of Nantwich: Cllr John Priest, with The Leopard once again being the outstanding winner; many congratulations are due to The Leopard for their continued success. The Royal Oak, Worleston and The Bhurtpore Inn were also shortlisted

Best Takeaway of the Year was sponsored by Concorde Trophies. The winning business was the Rolling Pin Bakehouse of Welsh Row. Rumen Goshev, the winner needed to start his baking in the wee small hours, so Jenny Zwijnen presented the trophy to Sam Hulse on his behalf. Also shortlisted were Coral Reef, Pillory Street and Shavington Fish Bar.

Restaurant of the Year was won by St Martha Greek Taverna, making this their 5th win of one of the most eagerly contested trophies; their award was sponsored by AFH Wealth Management, and presented by David Pritchard. Jordy’s and Romazzino were shortlisted for this award.

Best Food Producer/Retailer: this award was sponsored by Boughey Distribution, with Nantwich local food producer and retailer Cheerbrook being the worthy winner for the 2nd year; this award was presented by David Galton-Fenzi. Both Chatwins and Jordy’s were shortlisted.

Taste of Nantwich: This award was introduced in 2024 to celebrate the use of local produce. In a tightly run contest, St Martha Greek Taverna won this prestigious trophy in addition to being voted Restaurant of the Year; our congratulations go to them for such an achievement. This award was sponsored by Nantwich News and was presented by Kay Leydon. Other shortlisted businesses were Toast Haus and The Leopard.

Nanna Pedley finished, saying “The Nantwich Food Festival and the Nantwich Food Awards are organised and run entirely by Festival Volunteers. Some volunteers work for a few hours during the Festival, others for the full weekend, whilst the Committee members work the whole year through. The other Nantwich Food Festival Directors and I feel proud and privileged to be part of this group."

Further details about the Nantwich Food Awards, the Nantwich Food Festival and how to get involved can be found on www.nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk

Finally, a diary date to aid your planning for 2027, Nantwich Food Festival 2027 will take place Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th September inclusive.”