This week in hospitality brought a significant chef handover at one of the UK’s most respected restaurants — and two major awards nights in Manchester within just seven days.
Phil Kearsey Takes Over At Morston Hall
Morston Hall, one of the most iconic country house restaurants in Britain, has officially begun a new chapter. After 34 years at the pass, Galton Blackiston has stepped aside — and Phil Kearsey has taken on the role of Executive Chef.
With a Michelin star held for more than 25 years, Morston Hall has been a benchmark of fine dining consistency on the Norfolk coast. Kearsey arrives with serious pedigree, including time spent at The Waterside Inn and The French Laundry, and his appointment also coincides with a period of new ownership and planned refurbishment in early 2026.
It feels like a very well-timed, respectful passing of the torch — and one of the most notable leadership transitions of the year in UK gastronomy.
Manchester Hoteliers Association Awards
Last Friday saw a major celebration for the city’s hotel community at the MHA Awards — which also raised more than £40,000 for charity.
Alongside the fundraising success, the awards highlighted some standout individual achievements — including Rising Star Julia Wisniewska (The Midland) and Young Chef Kyle Parry (Holiday Inn Manchester Airport) — plus a focus on sustainability with Manchester Marriott Piccadilly taking home that category win.
Caroline and Sophie at the MHA Awards
It was a strong reminder of just how much vitality Manchester continues to generate within its hospitality scene — and how much pride the region holds in the operators driving standards forward.
Read more here.
This is MCR Awards
Manchester wasn’t finished there — because last night the city hosted the This is MCR Awards, spotlighting excellence across the wider business and cultural landscape.
Kimpton Clock Tower took home Leading Hotel of the Year, while The Cut & Craft and Pip were crowned Leading Restaurant (Formal) and Leading Restaurant (Casual) respectively.
There was also recognition for individual leadership within the sector — with Ernest Van Sitters (Oddfellows on the Park) named Hospitality Personality of the Year.
See the full list of winners here.
These two nights show just how strongly Manchester is closing 2025 — both in terms of talent and in terms of outward confidence.
A landmark chef handover at Morston Hall and Manchester celebrating hospitality at scale — twice in one week. A lot of big, positive energy to start November.
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