A FAIR few feathers were ruffled as the winners of this year's hotly-contested Manchester Food and Drink Awards were revealed last night.

Surprise winner of the top gong - restaurant of the year - went to Gaucho Grill in the city centre. Despite the Argentine steakhouse being part of a chain (usually a ghastly prospect for sniffy gastronomes), it beat off stiff competition from locally-based independent restaurants and won over the panel of judges with its "excellent standards of service and quality of food".

Meanwhile bar of the year went to a Northern Quarter venue for the second year on the run - this time to Trof on Thomas Street, hot on the heels of neighbour Odd winning last year. It won despite many punters expecting the city's first sky bar - Cloud 23 at The Hilton Hotel on Deansgate - to run away with the prize.

Around 500 guests packed into the foody extravaganza, the culmination of the city's Food and Drink Festival, at Manchester Town Hall last night. The awards are decided by a panel of industry experts combined with a public vote via the festival's website.

Guests

And to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the festival, guests were treated to a 10-dish extravaganza designed by the six Chef of the Year nominees. On the night, that title was scooped by Harvey Nichols' Alison Seagrave, once again proving the strength of female chefs in the Manchester region.

Meanwhile warmest cheer of the night went to Chris and Ros Johnson of Ramsons in Ramsbottom, who were awarded the Outstanding Contribution of the Decade award. The couple's Anglo- Italian restaurant has flourished for 25 years, and last month was named best in the north west by the Which? Good Food Guide.

MAIN WINNERS:

Restaurant of the Year - Gaucho Grill, city centre

Bar of the Year - Trof, Northern Quarter

Newcomer of the Year - Chaophraya, city centre

Pub of the Year - The Tandle Hill Tavern, Middleton

Chef of the Year - Alison Seagrave, Harvey Nichols

Healthy and Sustainable Eating - Barburrito, city centre

Outstanding Contribution - Chris and Ros Johnson, Ramsons in Ramsbottom

Best Festival Event - Real Food Fair, Whitworth Art Gallery

Click here to read Sarah Hartley's blog and see a full list of winners.

*YOU can also check out a picture gallery of some of the winners above.

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