A Fulwood bistro team has celebrated after the Food Awards 2022 named it both the ‘Best Café Bistro’ in the North West and the best in England.

The awards coordinators contacted The Ginger Bistro just over a month ago to advise the team they had been nominated for an award and picked as finalists for the Best Café/Bistro in the North West.

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They invited them to attend the award ceremony on Monday, 6 June, with the other nominees.

Soji, the owner of The Ginger Bistro in Fulwood, decided to make the event a celebration for the whole team and announced they would close the restaurant so that everyone could attend, with the staff dressing up and travelling to Manchester.

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General Manager James said: “When we got there, we had the opportunity to meet other finalists from all over the country.

“The event was well organised and coordinated, with many awards announced. We had to wait until after the meal for our category.

“We won the award for the North West, and we’re over the moon, but then, once all the other area winners had been announced, the overall winner for England was announced, and it was The Ginger Bistro. 

“It was an emotional moment for the team because everyone’s worked so hard to get the restaurant to where it is now.”

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James said the bistro underwent many changes that have impacted the restaurant in the last six months.

The manager said they are proud of how the team handled the challenges and maintained their professionalism. 

James said: “Nothing is perfect all of the time, and the hospitality industry is difficult to work in, but the Ginger Bistro team is strong, and we always support each other.

“Olivia, our assistant manager, has worked tirelessly training the team, organising the staffing and redesigning the menus. 

“I’m always confident in leaving her in charge of the restaurant, and she brings her own vision and twist to the feel and service in the restaurant.” 

“She is an excellent leader, and the customers and staff love her.”

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Head chef Norbert and his team strive to improve and change the food for the specials and a la carte menus, with the small kitchen team ‘consistently preparing amazing food time after time’.

James said: “Without them, the front of house team’s job would be extremely difficult, and the restaurant wouldn’t work.

“The standard kept by the team in their dedication to customer service and the Ginger Bistro is exceptional.

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“They make sure customers have a great time and feel welcome, with a lot of fun had on both sides – the repeat custom we receive is a testament to the job they do every day.”

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They said being named the overall winner of the Best Café/Bistro in England is ‘one of the best things that could have happened for us’.

For more information, visit – https://www.thegingerbistro.co.uk/

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