Congratulations to Ian Matfin, Executive Chef of Michael Caines at ABode Manchester, who was crowned "Manchester Chef of the Year" at the prestigious Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards. The Awards ceremony was a fitting end to the Festival, which has overseen a raft of foodie events taking place throughout the city over the past fortnight.

The full list of Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2009 Awards winners is as follows:

Chef of the Year
Ian Matfin, Michael Caines at ABode Manchester

Restaurant of the Year
The Modern, Manchester

Best Food and Drink Retail Outlet
Barbakan Delicatessen, Chorlton

Best Wine List
Gaucho Manchester

Best Coffee Bar/ Casual Dining
Folk Café Bar, West Didsbury

MFDF Award for Healthy and Sustainable Eating sponsored by Food Futures
Gabriel’s Kitchen, Manchester

Best Pub
Lass O’Gowrie, Manchester

Best Bar
Apotheca, Manchester

Best Newcomer
Damson, Heaton Moor

Outstanding Achievement Award
George Bergier, head sommelier at Sam’s and Tom’s Chophouses, Manchester

Investment in Skills Awards

• Professional Bartender Of The Year
Tom Lloyd, Obsidian

• Manchester Young Chef Of The Year
Michael Tate, Harvey Nichols

• Manchester Young Waiter Of The Year
Matthew Dutson, River Restaurant

Love Food Hate Waste Award
Mason Arms, Atherton

Producer of the Year Award, judged by Clarissa Dickson Wright
Mrs Kirkham’s Cheese

MFDF Cheese Challenge Winner
Garstang Blue by Dewlay Cheesemakers 

Best Beer Brewed in Manchester, judged by panel at the Greater Manchester Real Ale Festival
Dobber by Marble Brewery