AWARDS CATEGORIES
Chef of the Year
Pastry Chef of the Year
This award is open to chefs from all sectors. It recognises talented chefs making major waves in the industry. The recipient must demonstrate a commitment to honing their skills, testing new ideas and captivating the imaginations of their peers and foodies alike. The award also seeks to recognise those who have made broader contributions to the sector and community organisations.
Drinks Professional of the Year
This award is open to drinks professionals from all sectors. The award recipient will bring excellence, authenticity, and flair into the drinks industry. This award looks to celebrate sommeliers, mixologists, brewers and other drinks professionals who are helping to shape and build an exciting future in drinks.The award also seeks to recognise those who have made broader contributions to the sector and community organisations.
Caribbean Food
This award will recognise exceptional Caribbean food businesses. The award recipient will be a caterer, restaurant, or street food operator pushing the boundaries of creativity whilst running a successful business. The judges will be looking for consistent business performance supported by out-of-the-box thinking.
African Food
This award will recognise exceptional African food businesses. The award recipient will be a caterer, restaurant, or street food operator pushing the boundaries of creativity whilst running a successful business. The judges will be looking for consistent business performance supported by out-of-the-box thinking.
South Asian Food
This award will recognise exceptional South Asian food businesses. The award recipient will be a caterer, restaurant, or street food operator pushing the boundaries of creativity whilst running a successful business. The judges will be looking for consistent business performance supported by out-of-the-box thinking.
East & Southeast Asian Food
This award will recognise exceptional East and Southeast food businesses. The award recipient will be a caterer, restaurant, or street food operator pushing the boundaries of creativity whilst running a successful business. The judges will be looking for consistent business performance supported by out-of-the-box thinking.
Middle Eastern Food
This award will recognise exceptional Middle Eastern food businesses. The award recipient will be a caterer, restaurant, or street food operator pushing the boundaries of creativity whilst running a successful business. The judges will be looking for consistent business performance supported by out-of-the-box thinking.
Writer of the Year
The Writer of the Year award will celebrate journalists and writers’ captivating audience interests and imagination within the industry. The award recipient will be creative, authentic and breathe new life into the world of hospitality, food and drink writing.
Head Office Impact
This category will recognise team members within a head office or central group function. The award recipient will be individuals who go the extra mile to support their peers and teams. The judges will look for demonstrations of the notable impact made within their department or wider business, with tangible outcomes related to their contribution.
Bar or Pub of the Year
The Pub or Bar of the Year Award is open to people who own or manage a pub or bar. The recipient must stand out from the crowd, be innovative, and have a reputation for service excellence and community creation. The winner will also demonstrate a commitment to investing and developing people.
Brand of the Year
This award will recognise a company for its ability to effectively communicate its values, differentiate itself from competitors and resonate with its target audience. The judges will look for evidence of strong brand presence in support of enhancing reputation and credibility in the industry.
Rising Star
This award looks to recognise an emerging star within the hospitality industry. The award recipient will work within any sector or job role within the industry. The winner will have demonstrated a strong work ethic, be a team player, and have positively engaged with the industry outside of their immediate place of work.
The Peoples' Choice Person of the Year
This award will recognise individuals from any sector and profession within the UK hospitality industry. The nominations will be shortlisted by the judges, and the winner will be chosen by public vote.
The Peoples' Choice Restaurant of the Year
This award will recognise restaurants and food businesses from any sector and profession within the UK hospitality industry. The nominations will be shortlisted by the judges, and the winner will be chosen by public vote.