January is almost done and dusted, and this week saw Taste attend their first awards ceremony of 2025, as Sophie and Caroline saw some friendly faces at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards.
It was great to be out and about and in the mix once more and rubbing shoulders with the people behind some of our favourite places to eat and drink.
136 venues were selected across 18 categories, and then it was put to a public vote.
Some of the big names include Tom Barnes who picked up a brace; winning Chef of the Year and his restaurant Skof earning Newcomer of the Year.
Another that’s become a firm favourite of ours since they came storming into the Manchester scene in early 2023 is Higher Ground, and the restaurant found itself nominated in two categories and Chef Joe Otway nominated in the category he was pipped to by Barnes.
It was also a big evening for Where The Light Gets In and Sam Buckley; his restaurant picking up the gong for Restaurant of the Year, while Chef Patron Buckley picked up the Outstanding Achievement Award.
Other notable winners include Schofield’s Bar which won the Great Service Award and Hawksmoor getting its name on Bar of the Year sponsored by Conductr.
All the winners can be found here, and all the nominees here.
Back in the office, things are picking up quickly. As we come to the end of January, and Scotland starts to prepare for the Spring season, we’ve had plenty of fantastic roles come up in some of the country’s most beautiful properties.
We’re continuing to work hard for our roles up and down the UK, and we have also been picking up some fantastic candidates; so whether you’re looking for a new challenge and fancy the Scottish Highlands, or maybe you’re looking to fill that all important position for a complete team; it really is a great time to get in touch with us.
You’ve probably already spoken to Gemma, who started last year and begins her first full year with Taste Hospitality Recruitment.
On a lighter (much lighter and fluffier) note, we hope you’ve had chance to meet Norman, the unbelievably cute, latest addition to the team, and Gemma’s pup, seen here helping Sophie.
A Helping Paw
Firm Friends
He’s learned to give his paw and apparently high five though I’ve seen no evidence of this as yet!
Looking for something different? Find all of our jobs here!
