Stockport named Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year at Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards

Stockport has been awarded the coveted Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year prize at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival (MFDF) Awards.

Announced at New Century on 26th January 2026, the town centre’s hospitality scene beat South Manchester neighbours, Altrincham and Sale, to win the award, sponsored by Therme Manchester.

The MFDF Awards shine a spotlight on Greater Manchester’s dynamic food and drink scene — a vital part of the city’s identity and global reputation. Judged by a panel of respected food and drink experts, writers and critics, the 18 award categories showcase the scale, quality and diversity of the region’s food and drink landscape, from Michelin-starred restaurants to affordable favourites and exciting new openings.

Elsewhere in the borough, sandwich shop Rack, was named Food Trader of the Year, while nine other Stockport businesses were among those shortlisted, showcasing the diversity of the town’s hospitality sector. Stockport businesses also shortlisted at the MFDF Awards included:

• Where The Light Gets In
• Little Scarfs
• Runaway Brewery
• Littlewoods Butchers
• Royal Nawaab
• Cantaloupe
• The Magnet Freehouse
• Fold Bistro & Bottle Shop, Marple Bridge
• Tawny Stores, Marple

Shortlisted venues were put to the public vote via the MFDF website where thousands of food and drink fans voted for their favourite winner. Scores from a mystery shopping visit, carried out by members of the judging panel, were also combined with the public vote for some of the awards to determine the winners.

Commenting on this year’s awards, Alexa Stratton-Powell, Awards Director of Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards, said: 

“We’re incredibly proud to announce this year’s winners, who together represent the excellence, creativity and resilience of Greater Manchester’s hospitality sector. At a time when the industry continues to face tough head winds, it’s more important than ever to recognise and celebrate the people and venues doing exceptional work every day.”

Ben Dutson, Head of Food Operations at Therme RPC, added:

“We’re delighted to have sponsored this year’s awards and play a part in supporting and celebrating the brilliant food and drink businesses that make Manchester such a phenomenal place. 

“It’s been fantastic to also recognise those incredible organisations that give back to the community with our brand new award – we’re looking forward to working with the winner and creating an ongoing legacy.”