THE Sheffield public have voted with their stomachs and made the Milestone gastro-pub at Kelham Island their restaurant of the year.
Bosses Matt Bigland and Mark Sheldon received their honour at the Eat Sheffield Restaurant Awards and bagged another for best bar and dining venue.
Matt, who saw the potential of a wrecked shell of a pub in the city's 'Real Ale Valley' said: "It's
a great honour after a tough three or four years."
The Milestone has been innovative, recently asking diners to bring their own produce – from pheasants to rhubarb – to be cooked for them.
Some 3,000 people voted online and by text for their favourite venues in this, the second year of the awards, held at the Cutler's Hall.
And council leader Paul Scriven announced plans, still be confirmed, to hold a food and drink festival in the city next June. "We've been to Manchester to see how they do it there," he said.
In other awards the new Copthorne Hotel's 1855 restaurant won the best modern European category just days before head chef Daniel James leaves for a new job in Wales.
Local restaurateurs voted on the night to award Platillos, the only locally-owned eaterie in Leopold Square, their restaurant of the year while the public voted it best for tapas.
Other awards included: Best newcomer, Dosanj (at West One); Best family restaurant, Endcliffe Park Cafe; Best cafe-deli, Fusion, Arundel Street; Best chain, Wagamama, Leopold Square; Best Indian, Ashoka, Ecclesall Road; Best Asian-Oriental, Flaming Dragon, Valley Centertainments; Best Italian, marco@milano.
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