Sweet Mandarin, Manchester

Central Manchester's Sweet Mandarin has received public recognition for its services to food. The twin owners were awarded MBEs in the New Year's Honours List 2014, won Best Local Restaurant on Gordon Ramsey's F Word, and their sauces business won investment on Dragon's Den. The AA Rosette-winning eatery boasts an a la carte menu featuring oriental classics, as well as gluten-free and vegan menus. Those wishing to pick up some tips for Chinese home-cooking can do so at the cookery school. Cambridge-educated owner Helen Tse is the author of the best-selling novel Sweet Mandarin, which was a finalist of the Portico Prize, and relates the story of the generational restaurant's beginnings.