STAFF from a Holcombe pub are toasting a new accolade.

The Shoulder of Mutton was crowned food pub of the year at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival (MFDF) Awards According to the judges, the Shoulder of Mutton, in Lumb Carr Road, is a great example of a food pub that shrugs off the “gastro” tag. They said head chef and patron Chris Yates uses his inventiveness to heighten the traditional, seasonal dishes.

Owners Chris and his brother, Dan, received the award at The Lowry Hotel, Salford, on Monday. Chris said: “It was always our aim to be a great pub with quality, delicious food so it’s fantastic to have been recognised in this way. “It’s hard work running the business but we love it and have a great team so we wouldn’t change a thing.”

Festival director Siobhan Hanley commented: “The standard continues to reach new heights and it is testament to Chris and Dan’s unswerving commitment to quality and service that they have received this award.”

The Shoulder of Mutton was not the only establishment in the borough with reason to cheer.

Prestwich’s Aumbry was voted restaurant of the year, while Croma, which has a restaurant in Prestwich, was awarded the title of family- friendly restaurant of the year. Aumbry opened in 2009 in a converted Victorian cottage in Church Lane, Prestwich. Owners Mary-Ellen McTague and Laurence Tottingham got their first taste of success when they lifted the MFDF restaurant of the year award in 2010.

Former Prestwich High pupil Andrew Nutter was voted Chef of the Year.