Liverpool Hospitality Association reveals finalists for its People Awards 2024. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool Hospitality Association (LHA) has revealed the shortlist for its People Awards 2024, which will be held at the Titanic Hotel in May.

Held in association with Saffron Vanilla, Liverpool ONE and Titanic Hotel & Rum Warehouse, the awards celebrate the talented individuals at the heart of Liverpool’s hospitality and retail industry. 

This event shines a light on and honours the unsung heroes who demonstrate dedication, resilience, and commitment in an industry that has faced unprecedented challenges over the last few years.

Steven Hesketh, vice-chair of LHA, said: “This has been a fantastic year for the awards with a bumper number of nominations which our panel of 17 awards judges have found to be a very inspirational read, with an extremely high standard demonstrated. 

“The People Awards give us a chance to highlight exceptional individuals and teams who fuel our industry’s resilience and innovation.  This year’s shortlist features 75 finalists and 45 businesses represented which is testament to our thriving hospitality and retail sector.

READ MORE: Deloitte to draft 10-year masterplan for Liverpool

READ MORE: Unity Theatre appoints first female artistic director

There are 16 categories this year including Rising Star, Front and Heart of House Awards, Chef of the Year, Top Team, and the new Retail Excellence Award. 

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday, May 9, at the Rum Warehouse at the Titanic Hotel. The shortlist is as follows:

Rising Star Award, sponsored by Avrenim

Cameron Dodd, Happy Days Group
Daisy Cooper, Titanic Hotel, Liverpool
Ellie Stafford, The Municipal Hotel and Spa Liverpool – MGallery
Neve Sutton, Hosted by National Museums Liverpool
Poppi Thompson, The Liner Hotel Liverpool
Sophie Scott, Holiday Inn Express Liverpool Royal Albert Dock

Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Titanic Hotel Liverpool

Chris Duffy, Hilton Liverpool City Centre
James Wood, Mercure Liverpool Hotel
John Douglas, GSG Hospitality
Liam McCauley, 30 James Street
Stuart Rimmer, Pullman Liverpool
Teeya Jackson, Arts Bar Ltd

Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Hosted by NML

Conner Jago Woods, Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Daryl Jackson, Pullman Liverpool
Jose Rice, Strawberry Field

Chef of the Year, sponsored by Sugar & Lime

Ian Corkhill, Strawberry Field

John Fitzgerald, Hosted by National Museums Liverpool
Julius Abalos, Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village
Sharrad Davies, Pullman Liverpool
Vladimir Septak, Titanic Hotel Liverpool

Head Chef of the Year, sponsored by Saffron Vanilla

Daniel Heffy, NORD
Dave Rooney, Pullman Liverpool
Ferenc Haar, Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Kieran Maxwell, Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village

Barista of the Year, sponsored by Cool Breeze Agency & Nineteen

Carlos Perreira, Bold Street Coffee
Daisy Waring, Crosby Coffee
Harry Thomas, Crosby Coffee
Josh Harris, Bean Coffee
Paul Hunter, Bean Coffee

Bar Mixologist of The Year, sponsored by The Guide Liverpool

Adam Hughes, Manolo
Dominic Barnes, Nova Scotia
John Ennis, Manolo
Nick Thomas, Salt Dog Slims

Heart of House Award, sponsored by C&C Group

Aleksandra Denisova, Holiday Inn
Charlie Hughes, Titanic Hotel, Liverpool
Elaine Fearns, Staybridge Suites Liverpool
Gabriella Nosidlak, Hilton Liverpool City Centre
Hannah Condon, Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
Rebeckah Hird, Pullman Liverpool

Front of House Award, sponsored by Liverpool BID Company

Chris Klein, Pullman Liverpool
Felipe Corrales, Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village
Jack Randle, Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
Jonathan Joynson, The Liner Hotel Liverpool
Kinga Walsh, The Municipal Hotel and Spa Liverpool – MGallery
Michael Wilkes, INNSiDE by Melia, Liverpool

Excellence in Food Service Award, sponsored by Lanson
Crowne Plaza, Food & Beverage Team
Fay McCarthy, Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village
Ivana McCluskie, Malmaison Hotel
John Lewis Hospitality Team, Place to Eat
Josh McCafferty, Pullman Liverpool
Libby Starkey, Titanic Hotel Liverpool

Excellence in Retail Award, sponsored by Liverpool ONE

Faye Marsh, Marks and Spencer
Museum of Liverpool Shop
Red Run Ltd
Ruth Crawley, Penhaligons
Sasha Moore, Vincentius

Top Team Award, sponsored by PIB Insurance

Barfection, Training Team
Delifonseca, The Delifonseca Team
Hilton Liverpool City Centre, The Sales and Events Team
Hosted by NML Team
Liverpool Philharmonic, Food and Beverage Management Team
Sodexo Live! team at The ACC Liverpool Group
Spaces at the Spine, Venue Team

Sales and Revenue Star of the Year, sponsored by CanDo Payments & Elavon

Alfie Abbot, Hard Days Night
Gary Mills, Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
Helen Duffy, Malmaison Hotel
Marian Cotter, Staycity
Michelle Brunskill, Staybridge Suites Liverpool
Nikki Palmer, Holiday Inn

Manager of the Year, sponsored by MSP Global

Coleen Dewhurst, Titanic Hotel, Liverpool
Dean Boyd, Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village
Krystie Palmer, GSG Hospitality
Lisa Graham, Aloft Liverpool
Peter Affleck, Pullman Liverpool
Sue Abdul, Holiday Inn Express

There is no shortlist for the Judges’ Choice Award, sponsored by The Hospitality Hero and the Liverpool Hospitality Chairman’s Award, winners of both awards will be announced at the awards ceremony.