Two of Oldham restaurants have been awarded a blue ribbon of recognition in this year's Good Food Award 2023/24.

The annual Good Food Awards, which acknowledges culinary excellence across the country, aims to promote local and independent businesses that serve "delectable food".

Restaurants, cafes, fish and chips shops, takeaways, gastro pubs and hotels have all been in with a chance to receive the prestigious badge and for its 11th year, two businesses in the borough have received a 'blue ribbon'.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

The "blue ribbon for delicious dishes" is given to the businesses with high customer ratings and votes.

Zaraks Grill Lounge on Bottom O'Th Moor has received the ribbon in the Good Food Awards general category.

The Oldham Times: Zaraks Grill Lounge, which specialises in steaks and mixed grill food, has also received the awardZaraks Grill Lounge, which specialises in steaks and mixed grill food, has also received the award (Image: Google Maps)

Meanwhile, The Old School BBQ Bus on Alford Street, Hollinwood, has received the award in the Good Food Awards for Takeaways category.

Celebrating the good news on social media, owner Mark Fairley, whose culinary skills and impressive restaurant has taken him to Channel 4's Come Dine With Me: The Professionals and win a plethora of awards, said: "We have gone and won a Blue Ribbon Good Food award for great food, service and reviews.

"A fantastic achievement which now makes nine awards in two years now.

"Thank you to all our customers who have passed through our doors over the years, and to our fabulous staff, who work really hard to keep food and service top-notch for you all to enjoy."

The top chef also praised his hard-working bar and floor staff for "bringing the goods" and ensuring "service and amazing cocktails are flowing" while his chefs were celebrated for "grafting their bum bums off to bring the best plate of food this side of Texas", with a special mention of the team's head chef, Dawn Draper.

The restaurant has been contacted for comment.

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.