Awards glory for Rochdale food and drink outlets

Heroes in Norden is the best Food and Drink outlet in Greater Manchester.

It’s official – Rochdale has the best beer and best food and drink outlet in the whole of Greater Manchester.

Three of the town's businesses walked away with top prizes at last night’s Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards.

Heroes Fine Foods in Norden beat five nominees, including Bury Market, to become Greater Manchester’s ‘Best Food and Drink Outlet’ for 2008.

Rochdale’s Pictish Brewery won ‘Best Beer Brewed in Greater Manchester' for their Alchemist Ale.

Chef and restaurant owner Andrew Nutter won the prestigious award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Food and Drink in Manchester’ to mark his long association with the Manchester Food and Drink Festival, now in its 11th year.

There was also a runner up prize for Heywood’s Phoenix Brewery as their Spotland Gold came second in the ‘Best Beer Brewed in Greater Manchester’ category.

Paul Sheerin from Heroes Fine Foods was delighted at the success of his delicatessen and wine shop after only a year in business. He said: “With Andrew Nutter’s award as well, Heroes’ win is tremendous news for Norden. My family and staff have been behind me since the start and the award is a return for their hard work and enthusiasm.”

Richard Sutton, who opened Pictish Brewery in Rochdale in 2000, has added yet another accolade to the long list his beers have received at CAMRA Beer Festivals nationwide and was thrilled to have gained recognition from the region’s main Food and Drink Awards.

Councillor Mohammad Sharif, cabinet member for regeneration on Rochdale Council, said: “These local businesses have worked hard and thoroughly deserve the recognition of being the best in Greater Manchester at what they do. It’s brilliant news for the borough to have such award-winning products that both local people and visitors can enjoy. What a great way to put the borough firmly on the map!”