It's been a big year for the North West's Hospitality Industry and we've celebrated with everyone over the last few months at awards ceremonies across the region.

We attended the Manchester Food an Drink Awards who held their 22nd annual ceremony at the spectacular Gorton Monastery where the newly Michelin starred Mana swept the board, taking home awards for Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and Chef of the Year for Simon Martin. Our customer, Rudys Pizza, took home Affordable Eats venue of the year for their buzzing Peter Street restaurant.

At the Liverpool Hospitality Association Awards, Maray Bold Street celebrated their General Manager Lorna McVey winning Employee of the Year. With the opening of their third site this year, Maray demonstrate how to deliver quality in both experience and on the plate.

At the Lancashire Life awards, held at Ribby Hall, Mike Shaw from the White Hart at Lydgate won a well deserved award for Dining Pub of their Year. Their pub on the edge of the moors consistently delivers fabulous food both in the dining room and for their legendary events, including beautiful weddings.

At the 23rd Annual Cheshire Life Awards, the Restaurant Next Door took the big spot, winning Restaurant of the Year for their Chef & Sommelier led venue in Frodsham, based in co-owner Vicki's fathers' old butcher's shop. Wilmslow's Sarafina won Best Family Dining for their attention to the requirements of diners of all ages.

Welcoming the season with The Yorkshire Forager; Alysia Vasey

To mark the opening of Italian truffle season we hosted Alysia Vasey, The Yorkshire Forager, and her friends from Truffles of the Forest.

During the morning session in our Bredbury Development Kitchen we learned about the different types of truffles available, how they're collected, graded, stored and traded. 

Anthony explains how White Alba Truffles with their smooth skins are the highest prize yet are difficult to find and store, this is reflected in the price and of course in the flavour and aroma. Occasionally, a white truffle when sliced will present a small pink or red spot inside. This is typical of a truffle which has grown beneath a Hazelnut or Chestnut tree and will add another, even more superior flavour to the mix...if you get one, you've done well!

Development Chef Dab Barber made us the simple, classic snack of crisp fried Burford Brown eggs topped with shaved Black truffle.

For more information on upcoming events please email [email protected]

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