Manchester's best bars, restaurants, hotels, businesses and the most revered community champions were honoured at the annual This is Manchester awards. The awards staged their biggest and most spectacular event yet in the vast setting of the AO Arena on Thursday night.
The event was established to celebrate individuals and businesses chosen for their unique contribution to the city. And some of the hotly-contested categories including Chef of the Year, Leading Bar and Leading Restaurant.
Hundreds of businesses and individuals submitted detailed nominations across the categories representing the night-time economy, entertainment, arts and culture, technology, live events, charity and fashion. Entries were all qualified and reviewed independently by the judging panel presided over by chief judge Nazir Afzal, former Chief Crown Prosecutor for NW England.
Awards presented on the night recognised both new and established talent and businesses. Judges were so impressed by the entries to the Debut of the Year award that they presented two winners, Greek-themed restaurant Fenix and celeb haunt Sexy Fish.
And it was a huge night for Fenix, the restaurant founded by Manchester entrepreneur brothers Adam and Drew Jones, as it also picked up the Leading Restaurant of the Year for formal dining award.