Hi-Life Restaurant of the Year Awards 2009 - Winners

The stars and celebrity chefs were out in force for the Oscars-style Hi-Life Dining Awards at the five-star Hilton Hotel in Deansgate, Manchester.

Spotted on the red carpet in the glamorous surroundings of the stunning Beetham Tower were a host of TV stars from Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, The Bill, The Apprentice and Big Brother and music legend, Noddy Holder.

The evening was hosted by award-winning BBC news presenters, Gordon Burns and Ranvir Singh. The 500 guests mingled with the stars amidst the glitz and glamour and were entertained by swing singer, Paul Pashley, of Wayne Rooney’s wedding fame.

The judging panel for the Best Overall Restaurant award included Noddy Holder, Richard Harden (editor of Harden’s Restaurant Guide, London), Ray King (food and drink critic), David Heeley (Hi-Life company president) and Paul Askew (head chef of London Carriage Works in Liverpool).

The star-studded annual awards – or “HiLDAS” as they are now universally known – this year celebrate their 25th anniversary. The highly coveted awards are voted for by tens of thousands of regular Hi-Life diners and restaurateurs.

Best Atmosphere Award Sponsored by Tuaca
Alma de Cuba Liverpool
Circo Liverpool
Gusto Didsbury
The Living Room Newcastle Upon Tyne
Wagamama - Winner Manchester
Best Ireland Restaurant Sponsored by The Saville Group Limited
Deanes Restaurant - Winner Belfast
Elt CHQ Dublin
Fillini Belfast
Malmaison Belfast
Purple Ocean Restaurant Dun Laoghaire
Best Manchester Restaurant
Choice Bar & Restaurant  
Livebait  
Room - Winner  
San Rocco  
Sweet Mandarin  
Best Newcomer Sponsored by Villery & Boch
Loch Fyne - Winner Knutsford
Pipers Restaurant Garstang
Swadesh Exclusive Indian Restauarant Bowdon
The Cartford Inn Little Eccleston
Zizzi Manchester
Best North West Restaurant Sponsored by Moorhouses Brewery
Dilli Altrincham
Healey's Restaurant at the Barton Grange Barton
The Blackhouse Grill Chester
The Newz Bar Liverpool
Thyme @ Sirloin - Winner Houghton
Best Overall Restaurant Sponsored by Simply Floors
Brasserie Blanc Leeds
Chaophraya Leeds
Harvey Nichols Second Floor Restaurant Manchester
Sam's Chop House - Winner Manchester
Stock Restaurant Manchester
Best Platinum Restaurant Sponsored by Manson Insurance Brokers Limited
Albert's Shed Manchester
Belle Epoque Brasserie Knutsford
Harvey Nichols Second Floor Restaurant - Winner Manchester
London Carriage Works Liverpool
Yang Sing Manchester
Best Scotland Restaurant Sponsored by Secured Mail
Catch 22 - Winner Glasgow
Corinthian Glasgow
Grill on the Corner Glasgow
Le Monde Edinburgh
The Glass House Musselburgh
Best Yorkshire & North East Restaurant Sponsored by Wyndeham Press
Aagrah Leeds
Artisan Sheffield
Blackfriars Restaurant Newcastle
Crab & Lobster Thirsk
Sam's Chop House - Winner Leeds
Special Recognition Award Richard Harden -Winner
Best Promotional Partner 2008 Manchester Evening News - Winner
Best Chef Sponsored by Caterer.com
Paul Askew - London Carriage Works - Winner