Linden Gets Gold!

Linden Gets Gold!

editor's note:- great to see Linden Stores Gold winners in one of the Taste Cheshire awards! We have published the full list as many people will recognise some – if not many! – of the medal winning establishments

In a glittering award ceremony on Wednesday 28th September 2022 at Chester Racecourse, Taste Cheshire were proud to crown the 2022 champions at the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Awards.

350 members of Cheshire's hospitality industry gathered at the Pavilion on the course for a four course dinner, entertainment and of course, the handing out of some trophies!

Tori Hayes, on behalf of Taste Cheshire said, "It's been three years since we last gathered to crown our winners and what a rollercoaster ride it has been. But through hardship to the stars, together we celebrated the determination, passion and phenomenal achievements of the Cheshire hospitality industry."

On arrival the guests enjoyed a "frisky bison" cocktail courtesy of Three Wrens Gin and non alcoholic options were provided by Smashed Drynks. Followed by a gala dinner provided by Horseradish Catering and local cheeses from Cheshire Cheesemaker H.S Bourne. Entertainment was provided by Jay and John Acoustic Duo who had the whole room singing along.

In the initial stages of the awards, the general public cast in excess of 58,000 votes to decide the 4 or 5 finalists in each category. These were then mystery dined or shopped by industry experts and the top three were announced at the ceremony.

Taste Cheshire CEO Briony Wilson said, " The Cheshire hospitality industry really let its hair down, the industry is in the fight of its life and really deserved a night off to take stock and celebrate their success rather than focusing on the negative. Our thanks to the sponsors that made the event possible and Congratulations to everyone nominated, they are all amazing".

Here are the Winners.

Local Produce Shop of the Year -- Sponsored by Taste Cheshire

• GOLD -- The Lambing Shed
• SILVER -- The Hollies
• BRONZE -- Cheerbrook Farm Shop

Event Venue of the Year- Sponsored by Deva Fest

• GOLD -- The Chester Fields
• SILVER -- The Grosvenor Pulford
• BRONZE -- Opera Grill

Cheshire Accommodation Award – Sponsored by Tours around Chester

• GOLD -- The Pheasant Inn
• BRONZE -- The Chester Grosvenor
• SILVER -- The Hollie Forest Lodges

Best Newcomer (must have been opened within the last 2 years) – Sponsored by Chester Race Company

• GOLD -- Linden Stores
• SILVER -- Big Belly Bakery
• BRONZE -- Kookaboora Bakery

Best Casual Eatery – Sponsored by Smashed 0.0%

• GOLD -- Bean and Cole
• SILVER -- Little Tap
• BRONZE -- Neighbourhood Bakehouse

Best Cheshire Bar -- Sponsored by Secret Singles

• GOLD -- Liquor & Co
• SILVER -- Vin Santo
• BRONZE -- Bar Lounge

Food Producer of the Year -- Sponsored by Morgan's Hair

• GOLD -- The Weston Biltong Co.
• SILVER -- Cheshire Farm Chips
• BRONZE -- Hannah's Homemade Fudge

Drinks Producer of the Year -- Sponsored by Brasserie Abode

• GOLD -- Three Wrens Gin
• SILVER -- Tappers Gin
• BRONZE -- Weetwood Brewery and Distillery

Green Award for Sustainability – Sponsored by City Fibre

• GOLD -- Jaunty Goat
• SILVER -- Hypha
• BRONZE -- Hoole Food Market

Family Friendly Venue – Sponsored by HS Bourne

• GOLD -- White Horse, Chester Racecourse
• SILVER -- Croes Howell
• BRONZE -- Ginger Monkey No. 31

Local Produce in a Menu -- Sponsored by the New Chester Market

• GOLD -- The Chester Fields
• SILVER -- Little Tap
• BRONZE -- The Faulkner

Best Cheshire Pub – Sponsored by Rick Warrier Training and Development

• GOLD -- The Swan at Marbury
• SILVER -- The Fishpool Inn
• BRONZE -- The Pheasant Inn

Best Small Restaurant -- Sponsored by WLGT

• GOLD -- Sticky Walnut
• SILVER -- Upstairs at the Grill
• BRONZE -- Elephant Bank

Best Large Restaurant -- Sponsored by Harlech Food Services

• GOLD -- Artezzan Restaurant and Bar
• SILVER -- 1539, Chester Racecourse
• BRONZE -- Chez Jules

 Chester Cocktail Champion -- Sponsored By Three Wrens Distillery
 TRISTAN BRADY -- Bar Lounge