The past week has been all about awards in the hospitality world – both looking ahead to what’s coming up locally and celebrating some of the best talent across the UK.
First up, the This Is Manchester Awards 2025 have unveiled their shortlist, and as ever the city’s hospitality scene is right at the heart of it. Among the headline categories, the Leading Restaurant of the Year lists some of Manchester’s finest.
On the formal side, names like 20 Stories, Peter Street Kitchen and The Ivy stand tall, while casual dining is equally well represented with Dishoom, TNQ and The Refuge all earning nominations.
Adding extra flavour, the Leading Chef of the Year shortlist showcases local talent too, with Daniel Scott of 20 Stories and Caroline Martins of São Paulo Group among those vying for the title. With the winners to be announced in November, Manchester clearly isn’t short of restaurants and chefs making waves.
From the local stage to the national spotlight, Monday night saw the AA Hospitality Awards return in style at Grosvenor House, London. It was a night packed with big wins – and Manchester again had reason to celebrate.
The 2025 AA Awards took place at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London
Skof, the restaurant that continues to make serious waves under Tom Barnes, was named England’s Restaurant of the Year, a huge nod to the city’s growing reputation as a fine dining destination. Elsewhere, Joséphine in London, Gorse in Wales and The Little Chartroom in Scotland took home the other restaurant of the year crowns, each praised for their individuality and quality.
The awards weren’t just about restaurants, though. Gareth Ward, chef-patron of Ynyshir in Wales, was honoured with the peer-voted Chef’s Chef of the Year title – a recognition of his unique approach and impact on the UK dining scene.
AA Chef’s Chef of the Year 2025 Gareth Ward
In one of the most emotional moments of the evening, Michel and Alain Roux received the Outstanding Contribution Award, a fitting celebration of their influence and legacy in British gastronomy.
While looking to the future, the brand-new Rising Star Award went to Nataliia Maiseionok, Sommelier at Fischer’s Baslow Hall, highlighting the bright young talent helping shape the next generation of hospitality excellence. You can view the full list of winners and awards here at The Staff Canteen.
Michel and Alain Roux recognised for their outstanding contribution to UK Hospitality
From legends like the Rouxs to rising stars such as Maiseionok, and from established Manchester icons like 20 Stories to fresh names like Skof, this week’s awards proved that hospitality is driven by people, passion and progress. Across Manchester and the wider UK, the sector feels brimming with confidence and creativity – a blend of legacy and new ambition that shows the industry’s future is every bit as exciting as its present.
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