AWARDS CATEGORIES

Chef of the Year

This award celebrates chefs across all areas of food and hospitality, including pastry, plant-based, and specialist cuisines, whether in restaurants, hotels, catering, or street food. It recognises individuals who are refining their craft, bringing fresh ideas to the table, and inspiring peers and food lovers alike.

Rising Star

This award celebrates an emerging talent in any area of hospitality who is making a noticeable and exciting impact. It recognises individuals showing exceptional promise, creativity, and drive early in their careers, with clear potential to become future industry leaders.

Writer of the Year

This award celebrates outstanding journalists and writers whose work brings the world of hospitality, food, or drink to life. Through creativity, authenticity, and a distinct voice, the recipient will captivate audiences and offer fresh perspectives that inspire, inform, and engage readers across the industry and beyond.s.

Wine Professional of the Year

This award celebrates an exceptional individual working within the wine industry across any role in hospitality and the drinks industry. We’re recognising those who consistently demonstrate skill, authenticity, and flair, contributing to the richness and dynamism of the wine world.

Beverage Innovator of the Year

This award recognises a visionary professional within the drinks industry, spanning spirits, beer, wine, soft drinks, and beyond. This accolade celebrates individuals who are pushing boundaries and helping to shape the future of beverages through creativity and bold ideas.

Head Office Impact

This category recognises team members working within a head office or central group function, such as finance, marketing, HR, operations, supply chain, or IT. The award honours individuals who go the extra mile to support their peers and teams, playing a vital behind-the-scenes role in driving success across the organisation.

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.

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.

East & Southeast Asian Food

This award will recognise exceptional East and Southeast 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.

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.

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.

Bar/Pub of the Year

The Pub or Bar of the Year Awards are open to people who run, own or manage a pub or bar. The recipient must be innovative and have a reputation for service excellence and community creation. The winner will also demonstrate a commitment to investing in 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.

The Peoples' Choice Person of the Year

This award recognises outstanding individuals from any sector or profession within the UK hospitality industry. We are looking for advocates, role models, and truly exceptional people who are making waves in the industry. After nominees are shortlisted to finalist status by our judging panel, the winner will be the individual who receives the highest number of public votes.

The Peoples' Choice Restaurant of the Year

This award will recognise outstanding restaurants from across all sectors of the UK hospitality industry. It celebrates those who consistently deliver quality food, excellent service, and great value. Following the judges’ shortlisting process, the winner will be the restaurant that receives the highest number of public votes.