The Warrington Guardian Food and Drink Awards are back and this week we announce the town’s top independent trader as voted for by readers

INDEPENDENT TRADER

Winner: Cafe at the End of the Universe, Warrington Market

ANDREW Kinsella combines his two loves with Cafe at the End of the Universe – indulgent American-style fast food and pop culture.

And the former Lymm High School student’s passion comes across in his work because of that.

In under a year, word of his burgers and hotdogs – all themed around his favourite TV shows, films and retro games – at Warrington Market has spread.

Now his loyal followers have helped Andrew, who works with his wife Victoria and sister Laura, take the top spot in the independent trader category of the Warrington Guardian Food and Drink Awards.

Warrington Guardian:

The 38-year-old said: “We’re really happy about it. When it was announced that the readers would be able to vote it was quite exciting for us because we have a good following.

“You never know how well you’re going to do but I did hope we would be able to do well in that category because of our supporters.

“Winning top independent trader is amazing. It shows how far we’ve come in less than a year.”

Andrew used to sell his burgers from a van before joining Warrington Market and the award means a lot to him as it ‘shows how far we’ve come in less than a year’.

The former Warrington Collegiate student added: “I wouldn’t say we struggled early on but it was quiet.

“It wasn’t our audience at the market but I knew once people started finding us we’d do much better.

“We’ve made a community for ourselves now. A lot of our regulars are friends with us now.

“They come in all the time. They’ve found a place where they can talk about friends and be a bit geeky but they love our food as well.”

LAST WEEK'S WINNER: Pickering Arms scoops Pub of the Year title

The independent trader award has put Warrington Market in a good light with the top three finalists all trading there.

Andrew, who used to work at the Hale branch of Stockyard, said: “It’s really good because although you’re an independent business you have the support of all the other businesses in here as well.

“I think all the traders genuinely want to see the other businesses succeed because that brings more people into the market and is good for everyone. There’s definitely a sense of community.”

Warrington Guardian:

YOUR FAVOURITE FIVE

1. Cafe at the End of the Universe

2. Get Stuffed takeaway carvery

3. Singh’s Grillhouse

4. Sextons bakery, Lymm

5. Kenyon Hall Farm, Croft

WHAT YOU SAID

Cafe at the End of the Universe

Rachel Davies said: “Delicious hand made burgers. Real love has been poured into the creation of the menu, and into each and every burger.”

Get Stuffed takeaway carvery

Melanie McGann said: “Great value for fresh produce and cooked to perfection every time. A well deserved winner in my book.”

Singh’s Grillhouse

Mark Broadstock said: “Singh’s Grillhouse is by far the best in town. The food is immense and the owner is always friendly. I have never eaten anything as tasty. He definitely deserves this award due to the passion he conveys in his cooking.”

Sextons bakery

Lizzie Clarke said: “Sextons – fresh, tasty and amazing service.”

Kenyon Hall Farm

Rosemary Mahaffy said: “Got to be best food, flowers and friendly staff. They stock homemade jams, chutneys, and best artisan breads around. Their pork pies have got to be the best ever.”