The River Restaurant, in Rocco Forte’s The Lowry Hotel, has been awarded Restaurant of the Year at the third annual Manchester Tourism Awards 2006.

The Awards, organised by Marketing Manchester, the tourist board for Greater Manchester, took place at Manchester’s International Convention Centre (MICC) and were hosted by television and radio presenter Vernon Kay.

The Restaurant of the Year award was a new category this year, with The River Restaurant up against fierce competition from Choice Bar & Restaurant, Establishment, Hard Rock Café, Harvey Nichols, Le Mont, Obsidian, Taurus, The Bridge, The French at the Midland, The Fresh Approach Restaurant, Bents Garden Centre and The Yang Sing.

Vernon Kay announced that the judges were ‘wowed’, after mystery shoppers reported on the exceptional quality of service and lovely ambience at The River Restaurant.

The River Restaurant was launched under the direction of Marco Pierre White five years ago, but has recently welcomed Executive Chef Eyck Zimmer, an internationally acclaimed, award-winning chef who has spearheaded the restaurant’s change in direction to a more informal dining experience.  Eyck has created a contemporary European menu using the finest seasonal and local ingredients, whilst also introducing a range of international influences and cooking techniques, reflecting Eyck’s own culinary heritage.

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