Awards on a plate for high achievers in city’s food world

A record 15,000 people cast votes for more than 300 restaurants, cafes and pubs in the awards, which were organised by the Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University.

The Devonshire Arms in Middle Handley took the coveted “Eat Sheffield 2011 Restaurant of the Year” title, as well as the “Favourite Gastropub” award.

Jill Swift, owner of the Devonshire Arms, said: “Eat Sheffield is down to the public vote and I’m a Sheffield girl, born in Stannington.

“It’s so great to think that this was voted for by people that I’ve lived with all my life.”

Professor Adrian Hopgood, pro vice-chancellor dean of the Sheffield Business School, said: “The whole food industry is such a major industry, the commercial life of Sheffield depends on it.

“The Eat Sheffield initiative is growing year on year, and it’s developing huge momentum.”

Other winners included The York in Broomhill, which won the “Favourite Traditional Pub” prize. Ed Andrews of Our Cow Molly was given the “Sheffield Food Hero” award, Silversmiths won the “Favourite British” prize and the Wig and Pen was crowned “Newcomer 2011.”

Eat Sheffield manager Niki Baker said: “It’s a joy to celebrate the fantastic food culture in Sheffield, and without the hard work of the restaurateurs and the support of the public these awards wouldn’t happen, so thank you to everyone who voted or took part.”