Award Categories for 2027

Emerging Concept

Recognising a promising multi-site business with clear momentum and a path to sustainable growth.

 

Opening of the Year

Awarded to the standout site opening of 2026 for its location, design, execution and customer appeal.

 

Award sponsor: Chapman Ventilation

Best Pub Brand/Business

Celebrating a multi-site pub brand or business, either standalone or part of a wider group, that stands out for the quality of its proposition and performance.

 

Best Bar Brand/Business

Recognising a bar business or brand, either standalone or part of a wider group, that is excelling through innovation, consumer appeal and commercial success.

 

Best Casual Dining Brand

Awarded to the casual dining brand outperforming the market through a compelling proposition and consistent execution.

 

Award sponsor: Sona

Premium Restaurant Company

Recognising a leading premium restaurant group that combines an exceptional guest experience with strong business performance.

 

Best Coffee Shop Group

Celebrating a coffee shop business demonstrating strong growth, customer loyalty and a standout proposition.

 

Award sponsor: Deliverect

Food To Go & Bakery Company

Recognising the food-to-go or bakery brand leading the market through quality, convenience and consumer appeal.

 

Award sponsor: Dojo

Deal of the Year

Awarded to the most significant M&A, investment or corporate transaction of the past 12 months.

 

Best QSR Brand

Recognising a quick-service restaurant brand delivering outstanding growth, execution, innovation and value.

 

Best Hotel Brand

Celebrating a hotel brand that consistently delivers exceptional guest experiences and commercial success, either as a standalone business or as part of a wider group.

 

Rising Star

Celebrating an exceptional individual rising through the ranks and recognised as a future leader.

 

Sustainability Award

Awarded to a business demonstrating outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility and measurable progress.

 

Award sponsor: Pernod Ricard

Diversity Leadership Programme

Recognising a business that has shown exceptional commitment to creating pathways towards a more diverse, inclusive and progressive leadership.

 

Award sponsor: Carlsberg Britvic

Leader of the Year

Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and delivered a significant impact on their business.

Award sponsor: Uber Eats

Outstanding Industry Contribution

Recognising an individual whose achievements and influence have made a lasting impact on the hospitality sector.

Award sponsor: Brakes/Sysco

 

Testimonials

"One of the best events on the calendar"

Glyn House Managing Director Caffè Nero

"The evening brings together the finest operators in the leisure and hospitality sector and is a true celebration of excellence”

Mark Derry Chief Executive Brasserie Bar Co

"It's the night in the annual calendar that you definitely get in the diary"

Simon Potts The Alchemist

‘It’s the highlight of the calendar, often referred to as the hospitality version of the Oscars

Alex Reilley chairman Loungers

Hugely validating… the cherry on the top to a great evening

Jess Campbell, head of brand, Dishoom head of brand Dishoom

We’re thrilled to be voted for by our peers, it really gives us the confidence that we’re doing the right thing

Karl Boyce, Director of Digital, McDonald’s director of digital McDonald’s

Amazing…it’s such a great award to win… most importantly, our teams are gonna love it, right’?

Laura Harper Hinton and Miles Kirby co-founders Caravan

Winning gives us the impetus to just go even bigger and better

Louise Hughes people director Moto

The recognition of industry peers is the most special part.

Neil McLeod co-owner Albert’s Schloss

This is where we meet our peers and legends of the industry. To be recognised in this room is pretty cool

Oisin Rogers, co-founder, The Devonshire co-founder The Devonshire

The highest accolade you can get

Ollie Raison, co-founder, F1 Arcade co-founder F1 Arcade

This is everything we’ve dreamed of

Sarah McDermott marketing director BrewDog Bars