The Hi-Life Dining Awards (HiLDAs) have celebrated the best of Northern cuisine, with Sam’s Chop House in Manchester being voted the Best Overall Restaurant.
Voted for by the 130,000 Hi-Life diners and restaurateurs, the HiLDAs this year celebrated their 25th anniversary in a ceremony hosted by BBC news presenters Gordon Burns and Ranvir Singh at Hilton Hotel in Deansgate, Manchester.
While Sam’s Chop House, part of the Victorian Chop House Company, scooped the top award for the evening, Paul Askew at the London Carriage Works in Liverpool was named the Best Chef, and was presented with his award by Kate Kelly and Jennie McAlpine from Coronation Street.
Richard Harden, co-editor of the eponymous restaurant guide who also appeared on the judging panel for the Best overall Restaurant, was presented with a Special Recognition award.
David Heeley, Hi-Life’s company president, said: “This is a particularly special year for Hi-Life as it’s our 25th anniversary. Over the last 25 years we’ve seen our network grow from just 14 to 3,000 partner restaurants across the UK and Ireland. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all our award nominees and winners this year and to thank our guests for truly making it a night to remember.”
Full list of HiLDA winners:
Best Overall Restaurant
Sam’s Chop House, Manchester
Best Chef
Paul Askew, London Carriage Works, Liverpool
Special Recognition
Richard Harden
Best North West Restaurant
Thyme @ The Sirloin Inn, Hoghton
Best Manchester Restaurant
Room
Best Hi-Life Newcomer
Loch Fyne
Best Scotland Restaurant
Catch22, Glasgow
Best Ireland Restaurant
Deanes Restaurant, Belfast
Best Yorkshire and North East Restaurant
Sam`s Chop House, Leeds
Best Atmosphere
Wagamama Printworks, Manchester
Best Hi-Life Platinum Restaurant
Harvey Nichols Second Floor Restaurant, Manchester
Best Promotional Partner 2008
Manchester Evening News